We are delighted to feature Schalk Opperman of Quoin Rock, the distinguished winner of the 2023 Anchor Oenology Trophy, awarded for his exceptional Knorhoek Chenin Blanc 2022. This accolade highlights not only the quality of the wine but also the dedication and hard work of Schalk and his team.

A Journey of Dedication and Surprise

How does winning the Anchor Oenology Trophy for your Knorhoek Chenin Blanc 2022 feel?

“It was quite an honour, and I’m so happy the team got recognition for their hard work in the vineyards and cellar,” Schalk shared.

Can you describe your initial reaction when you learned you won the award?

“I was in a meeting with clients and quite surprised when I received the call from Danie at Anchor. I wanted to jump out of my seat but had to hold my composure for celebrations with the team later.”

The Inspiration and Importance of Recognition

What inspired you to enter the Vitis Vinifera Awards, and what does this recognition mean to you and Quoin Rock?

“It is important for us at Knorhoek to show some ‘pedigree’ with our brands ever since we rebranded in 2018, and this will add to building that as we also received some other awards for the same wine. This is a testament to your judging panel, which got it spot on.”

A Memorable Journey to Portugal

How did Anchor Oenology assist you in planning your trip to Portugal?

“They kindly arranged a cellar tour and tasting with the team at the world-renowned Cockburns Winery in Porto.”

Which wineries or vineyards did you visit in Portugal, and what stood out to you the most about these visits?

“My most memorable moment was the train trip to and from Pinhao in the Douro Valley. I visited cellars like Quinta do Bomfim, Quinta das Carvalhas, and Quinta de La Rosa. I especially enjoyed the Tawny Ports.”

Lessons and Future Plans

How will this experience influence your winemaking approach or philosophy in the future?

“The focus on quality and consistency was a key takeaway for me. Many of these farms have produced the same wine from vineyards for hundreds of years. I love the tradition connected to this and hope to build something similar in our world for the ones to follow us.”

What are your thoughts on the importance of international exposure for winemakers?

“This is pivotal and a must if you want to compete at the highest level internationally. There was always something positive I could take home and implement throughout my international visits. Every little one of these learnings forms part of creating our unique puzzle that, hopefully, some other international winemakers can take back home for themselves when they visit. In this way, we contribute and form a strong part of the global winemaking industry.”

What’s next for you and Quoin Rock? Are there any upcoming projects or wines we should look out for?

“Yes! The Knorhoek Chenin 2023 of course! We are always developing, testing ourselves, and seeing how we can evolve to become the top of the top wineries in SA and compete internationally.“

A Call to Celebrate

We look forward to celebrating more successes with Schalk and the team at Quoin Rock. Their journey and achievements inspire us all, showcasing the passion and dedication required to excel in the winemaking industry.

For a closer look at Schalk’s experiences and the award-winning wines of Quoin Rock, stay tuned for more updates and stories.

By featuring such dedicated and talented individuals, we aim to inspire and elevate the standards within the winemaking community. Here’s to many more achievements and memorable journeys in wine!