Jasper Wickens
Jasper Wickens, the creative force behind Swerwer Wines, produces terroir-driven Swartland wines characterized by elegance, purity and minimal intervention. He left AA Badenhorst in 2018 and now works from his family's Waterval farm in the Paardeberg, where he produces a limited but expressive range of white and red wines that reflect the essence of Swartland's granite vineyards.
Jasper Wickens
Jasper Wickens, the creative force behind Swerwer Wines, produces terroir-driven Swartland wines characterized by elegance, purity and minimal intervention. He left AA Badenhorst in 2018 and now works from his family's Waterval farm in the Paardeberg, where he produces a limited but expressive range of white and red wines that reflect the essence of Swartland's granite vineyards.
Educational Background and Early Career
Asper began his winemaking career in 2009 with Adi Badenhorst at Kalmoesfontein in the Paardeberg. He founded Swerwer Wines in 2012 and initially produced only 600 bottles per year. In 2018, he left Badenhorst to focus full-time on his label, working from a cellar on his father-in-law's Waterval farm with his wife Franziska.
Viticulture and cellar management studies at the Elsenburg Agricultural College.
Professional Experience
Asper began his winemaking career in 2009 with Adi Badenhorst at Kalmoesfontein in the Paardeberg. He founded Swerwer Wines in 2012 and initially produced only 600 bottles per year. In 2018, he left Badenhorst to focus full-time on his label, working from a cellar on his father-in-law's Waterval farm with his wife Franziska.
Viticulture and cellar management studies at the Elsenburg Agricultural College.- Assistant Winemaker, A.A. Badenhorst Family Wines (2009–2018)
- Founder and Head Winemaker, Swerwer Wines (2012–present)
Career Highlights and Recognition
- Integral to the Swartland Revolution
- Developed Swerwer Wines into a respected label producing ~20,000 bottles annually
- Developed unique small-scale wines from Swartland granite soils
Notable Wines and Tasting Notes
Chenin Blanc (2022, 2019): Lean, mineral, textured, critically acclaimed (up to 95 points).
Tiernes Chenin Blanc: From 1982 vineyard, refined, citrus and fennel, 96 points.
Red Blend (Grenache, Cinsault, Tinta Barocca): Floral, earthy, structured.
Semillon Gris, Syrah, Touriga Nacional: Floral, elegant, low alcohol, balanced tannins.
Awards and Recognition
- Regular 90+ ratings from Christian Eedes, Greg Sherwood MW, and Tim Atkin MW
- Recognized as a top young Swartland winemaker with a strong international reputation
Contestant Summary
Jasper practices minimal intervention winemaking with a strong focus on expressing vineyard character. He avoids set recipes and adapts each vintage to the natural rhythm of the grapes. His wines are guided by instinct, terroir and a Swartland identity rooted in granite soil.
