Discovering Erika Obermeyer: An Award-winning Pioneer Winemaker in South Africa

Erika Obermeyer is a winemaker without her own vineyard, yet filled with creativity. As she embarked on her journey of self-employment, she first sought suitable vineyards in the region. In Voor Paardeberg north of Paarl, she sources Grenache grapes; in Groenekloof, her Sauvignon Blanc grapes flourish, and in Firgrove near Stellenbosch, she harvests Cabernet and Cinsault grapes. Her goal was to create fresh, elegant, and multifaceted wines, and from the outset, she was highly successful, as her wines received repeated acclaim.

The “Erika O” brand captivates wine lovers worldwide

“I believe I understand a vineyard better than most people, perhaps because I see the smallest nuances of nature,” explains Erika. This insight brought her considerable recognition. Nowadays, wine lovers all over the world are enamored with the “Erika O” brand. The passionate winemaker won the “Platter's by Diners Club South African Wine Guide Newcomer of the Year Award” and achieved five stars for her initial vintages of “Erika O Cabernet Sauvignon 2015” and “Erika O Syrah Grenache Noir Cinsault 2016”. The “Erika O Sauvignon Blanc 2017” received four and a half stars and missed five stars by just one point.

Erika Obermeyer in the “Cape Winemakers Guild”

In 2020, Erika continued on her successful path, producing two more five-star wines. In 2021, she was inducted into the "Cape Winemakers Guild,” an honor bestowed upon only a few women. Noteworthy female members include Janie Muller, Louise Hofmeyr, and Norma Ratcliffe; active members are Andrea Mullineux, Rianie Strydom, and Samantha O’Keefe. Erika is especially proud to represent South African wine as one of its ambassadors.

Award-winning winemaker with roots in the Northern Cape

Erika grew up in Sutherland in the Northern Cape, where nature was her playground, teaching her to recognize the subtleties of her surroundings. “I revere nature and was raised in an environment where I learned to appreciate its rich abundance,” she states. “I recall the scents of playing in shallow riverbeds and the refreshing coolness of cucumbers in the Karoo heat.” Her father maintained beautiful gardens filled with items like Hanepoot grapes, sultanas, and pumpkins, all leaving lasting impressions.

The successful winemaker's toolkit: An aroma database in her mind

When her mother cooked the field crops for lunch, the sweet and nutty aromas drew Erika indoors. The fig tree was a place of longing, hard to resist. “I discovered the magic in figs,” she shares, which helped her create a personal aroma and texture database in her mind, invaluable for her winemaking career.

Erika Obermeyer’s wine journey through senses and palates

“Think of the ripening stages of a pineapple. When it’s not fully ripe, it reminds me of Sauvignon Blanc; when it’s ripe and juicy, I think of Chenin Blanc.” These experiences honed her senses and allowed her to trust herself in winemaking. A pivotal experience in Neethlingshof determined her path to become a winemaker. Erika eventually studied viticulture and graduated with a “BSc Honours Degree,” marking the start of her winemaking journey.

Research as the foundation of her drive for innovation

“During my studies, it could be frustrating to simply sit in a sterile environment analyzing plant material under a microscope and conducting countless PCR-tests,” she reflects. Yet in retrospect, this research became the backbone of her current endeavors as a winemaker. She gained insights from leading molecular biologists and participated in valuable wine lectures and tastings by big names in South African winemaking.

Discoveries as keys to her winemaking career

After graduating, Erika worked at Vredendal Coop from 1999 to 2004, gaining valuable experience at the cellars of Kleine Zalze before joining the team of Graham Beck in 2005. “Charles Hopkins opened the door to my career by allowing me to explore new approaches,” she mentions.

The wine as an elixir that has shaped cultures

When she was nominated “Winemaker of the Year” in South Africa in 2008, she received a trip to Bordeaux that intensified her passion for fine wine. “I rediscovered wine as the gift of nature, and you are there to guide it,” she explains.

Setbacks due to serious illness

While achieving great success in the South African wine industry, Erika faced a personal challenge: a condition called keratoconus. Surgery became pivotal in preserving her sight. From 2011 to 2015, her vision rapidly deteriorated until she underwent a corneal transplant that necessitated time and patience for recovery.

Intuition and deeper understandings of wine

After successful eye surgeries in 2016 and 2018, she utilized her recovery period to reflect on her opportunities and develop her approach to winemaking. Erika believes that every part of the winemaking process is an instinct honed through deeper understanding.

Erika Obermeyer’s wines and their recognition at Platters

Her insights culminated in wines that received acclaim from Platters, solidifying her membership in the Cape Winemakers Guild (CWG). After years of searching for her own cellar, she returned to Stellenbosch, where she now realizes her long-held dreams.

Erika Obermeyer’s Wines

Meticulous 2019: A characterful Sauvignon Blanc from Darling with a striking aroma of grapefruit and kiwis complemented by lively acidity.

Groenekloof 2017: A Sauvignon Blanc that surprises with both strength and elegance.

Flabbergast Cinsaut 2019: This wine showcases a blend of fruit and structure beautifully.

Syrah/Grenache/Cinsaut 2018: A wine that enchants the senses with its floral aromas.

Syrah 2017: A delightful fruity representation of this variety that offers sheer enjoyment.

Cabernet Sauvignon 2017: A powerful finale characterized by fresh and nearly minty notes.