Werner’s departure marks the close of a defining era at Iona - one shaped by humility, precision, and a deep commitment to both people and place. Joining the farm in May 2011, he became part of the Iona family, guiding the estate through seasons of growth with quiet determination and care.
“Werner’s commitment and understanding of every aspect of our business - from the vineyards, the people, and to the wine in the bottle - is without precedent,” says Andrew Gunn, Iona’s founder. “He has become an integral member of our family, and he goes with our deepest appreciation for his contribution over the last fifteen years. We wish him every success in his next venture.”
“Werner is so much more than a winemaker,” adds Rozy Gunn. “He has taken our entire business as seriously as we do. His commitment and contribution will probably only be fully understood by his absence. Together with his lovely wife Jaanre and son Migael, they have been a joy and an asset to Iona beyond the limits of an employee. I will miss them all deeply and wish Werner well in any future endeavour. My happiest day in the season was delivering my grapes to the Iona cellar door – I trust Werner completely.”
Werner’s reflections
“To work at Iona has been one of the great privileges of my life. It’s a very special place - there’s nothing quite like farming up here, and I’ve been incredibly fortunate to do it with people who care so deeply about what they do,” says Werner Müller.
“When I started, we had 16 barrels of Chardonnay and three barrels of Pinot Noir. Today, we’re producing around 20 000 bottles of Chardonnay, and that journey has been built on patience and teamwork. It took me fifteen years to truly understand these vineyards - to learn each block, each soil, and how to let them speak. But what I’m proudest of isn’t the awards or the milestones; it’s the people. Watching our vineyard team grow - seeing Justin, Jody and others step up into leadership - that’s been the real achievement. Iona has never just been about wine; it’s been about people, trust, and time.”
Looking ahead
Werner will remain at Iona through the 2026 harvest, ensuring a seamless handover to the next winemaker. The estate is in the process of identifying a successor who will continue to build on Werner’s work and take Iona’s wines to their next chapter of excellence.
“We are still in the process of selecting an appropriate candidate,” says Andrew Gunn. “Werner’s experience and knowledge of the farm are invaluable, and his commitment to seeing the 2026 harvest through speaks volumes about his integrity and care for Iona. This continuity will ensure a smooth transition for the team and the wines.”
A legacy of craft and care
During Werner’s tenure, Iona refined its reputation for producing some of South Africa’s most elegant cool-climate wines - particularly Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir - recognised for their balance, texture, and quiet power. His steady leadership helped guide Iona through growth and change, always anchored in the belief that great wines are born from observation, not intervention.
Those who have worked alongside him speak of his generosity, humility, and the calm presence that defined the cellar culture. He leaves behind not just wines, but a way of working - one that values patience, precision, and people above all else.
“Werner leaves behind more than wines,” says Andrew Gunn. “He leaves a standard - of care, of curiosity, of commitment - that will continue to shape Iona for years to come.”
About Iona
Situated high in the Elgin Highlands, Iona is one of South Africa’s most distinctive wine estates. Its elevated vineyards, cooled by Atlantic breezes and surrounded by the Kogelberg Biosphere, yield wines defined by balance, clarity, and length. Founded by Andrew and Rozy Gunn, Iona has always been as much about people and philosophy as about wine - a belief that authenticity, beauty, and integrity are inseparable.