Neville Lotz
Neville Lotz, the creative force behind Inevitable Wines, brings a deeply personal and poetic approach to winemaking. Inspired by an unexpected journey from athletics to viticulture, Neville's wines reflect art, emotion and meticulous craftsmanship. He focuses on small-scale, barrel-fermented wines that highlight South Africa's unique terroir and tell a story in every glass.
Neville Lotz
Neville Lotz, the creative force behind Inevitable Wines, brings a deeply personal and poetic approach to winemaking. Inspired by an unexpected journey from athletics to viticulture, Neville's wines reflect art, emotion and meticulous craftsmanship. He focuses on small-scale, barrel-fermented wines that highlight South Africa's unique terroir and tell a story in every glass.
Educational Background and Early Career
Neville was born and raised on South Africa's scenic Garden Route. Initially focused on a sporting career, he graduated from Oakdale Agricultural High School in 2003 and was a champion javelin thrower at the African Games. With Olympic aspirations, he pursued athletics at the University of the North-West on a sports scholarship. However, a year abroad in 2005 and subsequent studies in marketing at Stellenbosch introduced him to the world of wine - a discovery that would become his life's passion.
A transformative moment occurred during a family outing in Puntjie, where a bottle of Amani "I Am One" 2006 and the vast South African sky ignited an emotional connection with wine that would shape his path forever.
Professional Experience
Neville was born and raised on South Africa's scenic Garden Route. Initially focused on a sporting career, he graduated from Oakdale Agricultural High School in 2003 and was a champion javelin thrower at the African Games. With Olympic aspirations, he pursued athletics at the University of the North-West on a sports scholarship. However, a year abroad in 2005 and subsequent studies in marketing at Stellenbosch introduced him to the world of wine - a discovery that would become his life's passion.
A transformative moment occurred during a family outing in Puntjie, where a bottle of Amani "I Am One" 2006 and the vast South African sky ignited an emotional connection with wine that would shape his path forever.Neville began his career in the marketing and branding side of the wine industry, with a focus on product development and brand building. His technical winemaking journey later began when a chance meeting with a former athletics teammate who became a Cape Wine Master led him to make his first wine. Immersed in two intensive seasons of hands-on winemaking, he quickly developed the skills, intuition and knowledge needed to found Inevitable Wines.
Today, Neville leads the brand with a clear focus on:
- Small-batch, barrel-aged wines
- Old vine varieties and heritage grapes
- Minimal intervention and terroir-driven expressions
- Craftsmanship at the artisan level
Career Highlights and Recognition
- Founder of Inevitable Wines – an award-winning boutique wine label that produces limited production wines with exceptional character.
- Innovator in Craft Winemaking – Known for a personal, emotional approach that combines traditional methods with creative freedom.
- Selective Vineyard Sourcing – Grapes sourced from top vineyards in Stellenbosch, Piekenierskloof, Franschhoek and Bishopscourt.
- International Reach – Distribution and brand partnerships in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.
Awards and Recognition:
- Although formal awards are not listed, Neville's wines have earned acclaim through:
- High demand for small production releases (as few as 270 bottles for some labels)
- Recognition for his poetic and philosophical winemaking ethos
- Wines that have attracted particular attention, such as:
- Old Vine Colombard (1986 vineyard)
- Old Vine Chenin Blanc (1982 vineyard)
- Loire-style Cab Franc
- Pinotage made in a Pinot Noir style
Contestant Summary
Neville’s approach is deeply personal and based on the belief that every wine deserves its place in the bottle. “Only the most exceptional casks deserve to be bottled,” he says. His ethos is one of discovery, emotion and excellence – where the inevitable meets the artist. The brand itself is a play on words that reflects not only the inevitability of his journey into winemaking but also the inescapable quality found in every bottle.
