Reg Holder

Raised on a grape farm in the West Coast town of Vredendal, Reg Holder’s connection to vineyards and farming runs deep. After earning his degree in Viticulture and Oenology from Stellenbosch University and gaining international experience in France, Australia, and California, he returned to South Africa and spent several years as head winemaker at Delheim before striking out on his own.

 

In 2016, he established Holder Wines, and the Dorper range followed soon after. Created in collaboration with viticulturist Etienne Terblanche, Dorper was inspired by the concept of making a great “village” wine - much like in Burgundy. The name is a layered play on words: from “village” (French) to “town” (English) to “dorp” (Afrikaans), and also the name of South Africa’s hardy black-headed sheep, the Dorper, known for its resilience and adaptability, much like Pinotage and Chenin Blanc.

 

Both Both Dorper wines have since built a cult following, treading the line between traditional structured styles and ‘new wave’ lighter examples with real elan: both were rated among the best in South Africa in 2022 by Tim Atkin MW, the Pinotage being one of just five to score 95+ points.