Anrico Solomons
13 July 2026
Janco de Kock
13 July 2026Andri Hanekom
Andri Hanekom
Educational Background and Early Career
- Elsenburg Graduate: Andri studied viticulture and winemaking at the famous Elsenburg Agricultural College in Stellenbosch.
- Terroir Expert: He spent over a decade working as a viticulturist (grape-growing expert) across the Western Cape.
- Grape Sourcer: This early career allowed him to discover the absolute best hidden vineyards and grape varieties in South Africa.
Professional Experience
- Elsenburg Graduate: Andri studied viticulture and winemaking at the famous Elsenburg Agricultural College in Stellenbosch.
- Terroir Expert: He spent over a decade working as a viticulturist (grape-growing expert) across the Western Cape.
- Grape Sourcer: This early career allowed him to discover the absolute best hidden vineyards and grape varieties in South Africa.
- Bloemendal Leader: He serves as both the General Manager and Head Winemaker for the historic Bloemendal Wine Estate in Durbanville.
- Boutique Owner: He runs his own private family wine label called DA Hanekom Familie Wyne alongside his wife, Yvette.
- Creative Freedom: While Bloemendal focus on large-scale heritage wines, his DA Hanekom label lets him experiment with small-batch, artisanal styles.
Career Highlights and Recognition
- Malbec Champion: His DA Hanekom Langrug Malbec (2018) won the overall winner title at the 2021 South African Malbec Challenge.
- Platter's Praise: His wines consistently receive high ratings (4 stars and above) in Platter’s South African Wine Guide, the country's top wine handbook.
- Innovation: He is highly respected in the industry for "tinkering" with traditional styles to create unique, bold flavor profiles.
Contestant Summary
Andri Hanekom is a highly talented, award-winning South African winemaker who successfully balances two worlds. He oversees the large-scale production of a historic estate while simultaneously crafting premium, award-winning boutique wines under his own family name. He is widely recognized for his deep knowledge of Cape soils and his ability to make powerful, beautifully balanced wines.
