Celebrating Women Wine Producers

Kiara Scott-Farmer: Pioneering Excellence at Hazendal Wine Estate

Kiara Scott-Farmer stands as a beacon of innovation and dedication in the South African wine industry. In early 2025, she assumed the role of Head Winemaker at Hazendal Wine Estate, a historic property nestled in the heart of Stellenbosch. With a legacy dating back to 1699, Hazendal is renowned for its commitment to quality and tradition. Under Kiara’s stewardship, the estate is poised to embark on a new era of winemaking excellence.

A Journey Rooted in Passion and Precision

Hailing from Mitchells Plain on the Cape Flats, Kiara’s journey into winemaking was unconventional yet driven by a profound curiosity for the science and artistry behind the craft. Her academic foundation was laid at the esteemed Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute in Stellenbosch, where she earned her qualifications in viticulture and oenology. Recognizing her potential, she was selected for the prestigious Cape Winemakers Guild Protégé Programme. During this three-year tenure, Kiara honed her skills under the mentorship of industry luminaries such as David Nieuwoudt of Cederberg Cellars, Carl van de Merwe of De Morgenzon, and Charles Hopkins of De Grendel. Her international experience further expanded in regions like the Rhône Valley, Sancerre, and California’s Russian River Valley, where she contributed to various vintages.

Trailblazing Achievements

In 2019, at the age of 26, Kiara was appointed as the winemaker at Brookdale Estate, making her the youngest female head winemaker in South Africa at the time. Her tenure at Brookdale was marked by the creation of the maiden vintage of the Brookdale Chenin Blanc in 2017, a wine that garnered global acclaim and established the estate’s reputation for producing wines of character and elegance. Her exceptional contributions culminated in receiving the Diners Club Winemaker of the Year Award in 2024, a distinction awarded to only one of two women in the award’s 44-year history.

Visionary Leadership at Hazendal

At Hazendal, Kiara’s approach to winemaking is characterized by a philosophy of minimal intervention. She emphasizes that “great wines are made in the vineyard,” focusing on understanding the unique characteristics of each vineyard and soil to facilitate a seamless transition to the cellar. Her leadership is steering Hazendal toward:

• Sustainable Practices: Implementing environmentally conscious viticultural techniques to ensure long-term ecological balance.
• Innovation in Winemaking: Adopting modern methodologies that respect tradition while embracing technological advancements.
• Quality Enhancement: Focusing on producing wines that reflect the true essence of the terroir, with an emphasis on purity and elegance.

A Commitment to Legacy and Representation

Kiara’s journey from the Cape Flats to the helm of Hazendal is a testament to her resilience and dedication. She is not only shaping the future of Hazendal Wine Estate but also serving as an inspiration for aspiring winemakers, particularly women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. Her story underscores the transformative power of passion, education, and mentorship in the world of winemaking.

Kiara Scott was the youngest female Head Winemaker in South Africa at the age of 26. Read Jancis Robinson’s full article here.

More recently, their 2020 Chenin Blanc single Vineyard 2020 was crowned the 2022 Trophy Winner for the Best Old Vine Wine in South Africa’s most prestigious wine competition, The Trophy Wine Show!

This award came closely after the same 2020 Chenin Blanc being awarded a Gold scoring by the Decanter World Wine Awards.

 

NOW LOOK AT HER SHINE!! (Previous role at Brookdale)

Credit to: Wijn Bar