Natasha Jacka, the founder and winemaker of Alinea, is living proof that dreams can come true – if you're willing to put in the work.
Based in Cape Town, Natasha worked as a chef in fine dining restaurants for several years before she went on to discover winemaking, which she she describes as "an interest [that] grew into a passion". In 2017, she decided to take a chance and pursue winemaking as a career.
"I became curious about winemaking, so I approached Duncan Savage," says Natasha. "He put me in touch with Riandri Visser from Cape Point Vineyards. I began working there in January 2017. This was Riandri’s first harvest stepping into the role of winemaker at Cape Point Vineyards. With no assistant winemaker appointed, she was going to need a few extra hands, and I was fortunate to join the team."
The following year, Natasha went on to study winemaking at Elsenburg. She graduated in 2020, and it was during her final year of studying that she planted two vineyard blocks in Noordhoek.
In 2021, she began Alinea. Her two first wines were a Sauvignon Blanc from St Helena Bay in the West Coast and a Vermentino from Stellenbosch. It was this very Sauvignon Blanc, Alinea Sauvignon Blanc 2021, that earned her the top spot at the 2024 FedEx Next Generation Awards. This winning wine scored an incredible 95/100.
We got to know Natasha and chatted to her about what's to come. Read the interview below:
What does winning the Next Generation Awards mean to you?
I am so thrilled and feel truly honoured. It really means so much to me! It is such an inspiration to keep on doing what I am so passionate about: Making wine and continuing to grow my brand.
Tell us about Alinea. What's the brand all about and what inspired you to start it?
In 2021 I started Alinea – meaning "the beginning of a new train of thought". I was inspired by the numerous winemakers who have built successful brands and make such stunning wines.
I source my grapes from various regions across the Western Cape and I make high-quality wine in small batches. I enjoy working with unique varieties and sites, and aim to create a wine that reflects its origin. When it comes to winemaking, I believe in minimal intervention to allow the wine to speak for itself and represent its sense of place.
The wine range currently consists of Alinea Sauvignon Blanc 2021, Vermentino 2021, and Carignan 2022.
Where can consumers buy your wine?
The best place to contact is Rueda Wine Co., as the wines are stocked in numerous boutique wine shops and online wine shops. Rueda handles the distribution of my wines and has an online wine shop where the wine is available.
What lies ahead for Alinea?
There has been an exciting project in the works for a while. Several years ago I began a project that is very close to my heart and planted my own two small vineyards in Noordhoek, Crofter’s Valley.
The first block I planted is only a mere 750 vines of stok-by-paaltjie Syrah, only a few kilometres from the sea. The second block I planted is a white field blend of six different varietals – Grenache Blanc, Verdelho, Chenin Blanc, Colombar, Roussanne, and Semillon. A total of 650 vines are planted, also stok-by-paaltjie. This block is planted on the sloping Dassenberg Koppie and both blocks are organically farmed. This was the first year that I harvested these blocks.
Who is your mentor in the wine industry, and why?
Riandri Visser has been an incredible role model and mentor to me. She shared her incredible wealth of knowledge with me from day one. She was always extremely patient with me as I began to wrap my head around the science and art of winemaking. I deeply admire her ability to create exceptional wines in both France and South Africa. I also so admire her strength and humility and she has truly been an amazing role model for me as a woman in the wine industry. She places a huge amount of emphasis on the importance of understanding your vineyards, which sparked my love for viticulture. She has been extremely supportive throughout my winemaking journey and I will continue to look up to her and be inspired by her.
What advice would you give to young people who want to work in wine?
Don’t be afraid to work hard and embrace every opportunity.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I am extremely active. I enjoy running, pilates, and yoga. I have two gorgeous labradors, Sherry and Amaro, and I love taking them for walks.
Follow Natasha Jacka on social media to stay up to date with all things Alinea: @alineawine