Francois Roode, Lauren Hulsman and Waldo Kellerman, make up the team responsible for making the wines at Diemersfontein.
Francois Roode – Winemaker (2003- current)
Francois began his journey into the wine industry when he did his first harvest at Perdeberg CO-OP in 2001 after he completed his 2 year studies at Elsenburg. In 2003 he got the opportunity to work as assistant winemaker at Diemersfontein and that's when he fell in love with the place.
Francois and his wife Elrine live in Wellington with Skollie, their Jack Russell. Francois enjoys nature and loves to go on fly fishing trips for trout or catches the odd carp and bass in lunchtime on the farm ! He is currently studying part time at Elsenburg to finish his Diploma in cellar technology.
Francois has been with Diemersfontein for 9 years now and continues to produce not only our famous Coffee chocolate Pinotage, but also all the other award-winning wines under both the Diemersfontein and Thokozani labels. Pinotage is close to his heart, our unique South African variety, Shiraz and her other forms such as Rhone blends and Chenin blanc are some of his favourites.
"There is nothing more satisfying than receiving this gift from nature and to be able to produce the nectar that we enjoy. " - Francois Roode
Lauren Hulsman – Assistant Winemaker
A winemaker's ability to manipulate and create something uniquely theirs and diversity in the various wine regions is what initially drew Lauren to winemaking.
Originally from Johannesburg with not a wine farm in sight, Lauren has her avid wine-loving father to thank for introducing her to the diversity which wine holds and the appreciation which wine deserves.
Completing a degree in Cellar management at Elsenburg in 2008, and a harvest at Groot Constantia in 2009 the need for an even greater understanding of winemaking was realised and Lauren returned to Elsenburg to complete her Diploma in Cellar technology in 2010. Completing her practical at Diemersfontein in this time as a student winemaker allowed for the unique opportunity to join the Winemaking team permanently as the Assistant Winemaker.
Wooded Chardonnay's and Bordeaux style blends are among her favourites.
And when Lauren is not making wine? Family, friends and her Jack Russel Turbo take up the majority of her time.
"Wine is sunlight, held together by water." - Galileo Galilei
