A pillar of the Durbanville Hills family since 2008, Wilhelm’s passion, precision, and quiet brilliance shaped not only our wines but also the very heart of our cellar.
Wilhelm Coetzee joined Durbanville Hills as red winemaker in 2008, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a deep love for the craft.
His talent and dedication were evident in the many accolades his wines earned at prestigious local and international competitions. Each bottle he crafted reflected his meticulous attention to detail, his respect for the vineyard, and his unwavering pursuit of excellence.
Before joining us, Wilhelm served as cellarmaster and winemaker at Flagstone Wines for eight years. There, he played a pivotal role in building Flagstone’s reputation both locally and abroad, with the winery consistently earning acclaim at major competitions.
Wilhelm’s journey into wine began with a foundation in science. He studied analytical chemistry at the Cape Technikon and worked at Denel as an analytical chemist. But it was his growing passion for wine that led him to pursue a BSc in viticulture and oenology at the University of Stellenbosch, a decision that would define the rest of his life.
He believed that great wine begins in the vineyard and was deeply involved throughout the growing and ripening seasons. In the cellar, he was known for his precision and care, often saying that a winemaker can never check on the wines too often during vinification. Outside of winemaking, Wilhelm was a man of many passions. He loved cooking, especially creating flavourful meals like a succulent Karoo leg of lamb or a waterblommetjie bredie. He found joy in nature, loved camping and spending time in the Kruger National Park. His pride would be evident when speaking about his children, often sharing stories and videos of tries scored on the rugby field or news from his daughter abroad. He was always grounded by the simple pleasures of life.
Wilhelm was more than a winemaker. He was a mentor, a friend, and a gentle soul whose presence brought warmth and wisdom to all who knew him. His legacy lives on in the wines he crafted, the people he inspired, and the memories we hold dear.
Our thoughts are with his wife, Elize and the entire Coetzee family during this difficult time.
To Wilhelm, thank you for the richness you brought to our lives and our cellars. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.