Waterford Estate

About

Waterford Estate is situated in one of the world’s most visually arresting pockets of paradise.

Nestled in the picturesque Blaauwklippen Valley, in the world renowned Stellenbosch region, this 120 hectare property owned by Jeremy and Leigh Ord, managed by partner and Cellar master Kevin Arnold and backed up by the outstanding talents of winemaker Mark Le Roux. 

The Estate boasts old citrus groves, rolling lawns, water features and fragrant lavender and rosemary beds.

Viticulturist

David Van Schalkwyk

Meet the viticulturist: David van Schalkwyk

Waterford Estate farm manager and viticulturist David van Schalkwyk (35) makes up one half of a powerful winemaking duo that has the local wine industry talking. Along with winemaker Mark le Roux, David tends to a diverse range of grape varieties grown on Waterford Estate, producing sought-after wines like The Jem.

After obtaining a Higher Certificate in Agriculture at Elsenburg Agricultural College (2004) and a Diploma in Wine Grapes (2005) at the Stellenbosch-based academy, David first worked as farm manager at Kromvlei in Nieuwoudtville, and later as farm manager at Bo La Motte in Franschhoek. At both farms, he gained valuable experience: first, in setting up vineyards on sites where vines hadn’t grown before, and later, in producing award-winning wines under the La Manoir de Brendel label.

David’s first introduction to the Waterford Estate family followed in 2008, when he was appointed assistant viticulturist. It was during this time that Mark and David first met, and a close friendship and partnership started to develop.

David’s next promotional step was to accept a position as farm manager at De Morgenzon in Stellenbosch. But, after two years at De Morgenzon, David was drawn into a family business outside of the wine industry. It was during this time that David started getting regular calls from Mark. “Mark had been trying to convince me to come back to Waterford Estate for some time,” David remembers. And so, in between flipping pizzas, David started consulting at Waterford Estate.

When Mark was appointed winemaker in 2013, David knew that the time had come for him to accept a permanent position again.

Part of the duo’s success is the fact that they share similar farming and winemaking philosophies. “We both believe in sustainable farming and winemaking methods, and our personalities really complement each other’s,” David says. “It’s all about making great wine under the Waterford Estate label and being as realistic and authentic as possible.”

Growing area

Western Cape