The master of Merlot

In this episode, we speak with Matthew Copeland, chairman of Merlot and, since 2026, the winemaker at Copeland Wines. We discuss the current and future viability of Merlot in South Africa, and whether South African Merlot winemakers are tapping into the varietal’s homegrown potential or still operating under the shadow of Bordeaux and Bordeaux-style blends.