Nelis Uys

Wine Maker

A punk rock drummer hailing from Durbanville, Nelis studied wine at Elsenburg. Fueled by curiosity and a quest for excellence, he ventured across the globe to explore and learn from diverse winemaking traditions. The rolling vineyards of California, the terroirs of Germany, and the historic châteaux of France became classrooms where he honed his craft, absorbing the nuances of each unique winemaking culture.

The turning point in Nelis’ career came with an opportunity to contribute to the legacy of Bouchard Finlayson, a distinguished winery known for its commitment to crafting exceptional wines in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. The experience gained at Bouchard Finlayson not only sharpened Nelis’ skills but also instilled a deep appreciation for the meticulous art of winemaking. Continuing his journey, he took on the head winemaker role at Spookfontein, where he further enriched his understanding of winemaking, embracing the challenges and rewards that come with cultivating and crafting wines with character and distinction.