While considering his next professional step, Copeland notes that flexibility remains key given a young family.
When asked, “what’s next?” Matthew Copeland had the following to say:
I’ve enjoyed a lot of support and freedom during my 18 years with Vondeling. When I started, Vondeling had just began production and in the years that followed, we were able to expand the vineyards, build a second cellar and grow production to several hundred thousand bottles, sold in over 25 different countries.
I was thrilled to help draft legislation and then release South Africa’s first official Methode Ancestrale, cementing our position as both innovator and pioneer. To be recognised as the best Bordeaux-style red wine in the Platter's Wine Guide 2024 was a proud moment for me and for the region. As an advocate and longstanding believer in Chenin Blanc and Chenin-based blends (even before they were cool), I’m always proud when sales of Babiana continue to grow and the wine receives yet another 5-star accolade. Top 10 awards and best in show trophies for Pinotage and Merlot are also proud achievements. As Chairman of Merlot SA, I believe in this grape’s potential and in the importance of Chenin Blanc and Pinotage as South African signature varietals.
Farm life has been one of many blessings. I fell in love on Vondeling, was married in the farm Chapel and have enjoyed the last ten years raising our two sons on the farm. Dirty feet, scratches, bruises and laughter have filled my life during our time on Vondeling. The space for bicycles, quad bikes and some dodgy driving has been invaluable. To have been able to teach my boys about the myriad aspects of nature, which abound on the farm and to share happy hours with them in the vineyards and cellar is a something I’ll miss.
I’m grateful for this journey with Vondeling and especially with the Ward and Johnston families. I know that our journey is by no means over. I’m proud to leave behind a skilled and established team with a longstanding legacy of sound ethics, top conservational principles and solid wines. Now it’s time for my family and I to move closer to the schools that take up so much of our time. I mean, the boys do three sports a day!
In some ways, I’m going back to basics. It’s all about interacting with talented people, who’re passionate about the industry. I like being involved in big projects with lots of moving parts. They allow me to grow professionally, and I enjoy that my decisions can have a positive impact on the team around me.
That said, the grassroots, “roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty” part of winemaking is why I got involved in the first place. To have equity in what I do will help drive my passion, inspire my thoughts and keep me vital. Is a Copeland Wine project in the making? It’s certainly every winemaker’s dream and I won’t be ruling anything out.
I look forward to forging new relationships, maintaining precious friendships and celebrating fine wines wherever they are made, but most assuredly in my home, South Africa.