KWV is excited to welcome Justin Corrans as its new chief winemaker. Corrans joins the KWV fold having previously served as the CEO of Breedekloof winery, Mountain Ridge. His appointment is backed by nearly twenty years of international and local wine industry experience, a meticulous approach to winemaking, sound technical knowledge and an unwavering passion for South African wine.

Corrans completed his studies in Wine Biotechnology at Stellenbosch University followed by a HonsBSc. With extensive local harvest experience, Corrans also visited Domaine Francois Villard in Northern Rhône (France) and Jackson Family Wines in Sonoma Valley (USA) to expand on his international harvest knowledge. Driven by a sense of discovery, Corrans explored the Languedoc-Roussillon region in France, the Central Valley of the USA and the Australian Riverland to further “new ways of thinking and techniques to overcome challenges”.

Lured by KWV’s legacy as a pivotal organisation within the South African wine industry and excited by the prospect of contributing to this legacy, Justin views his new position as “a truly great opportunity and privilege”.

KWV CEO, Boyce Lloyd, says Corrans brings a trifecta of skills to this important position. “Justin is an exceptionally skilled winemaker backed with valuable management skills obtained in his previous role as CEO. His academic and technical knowledge adds further strength to this new role. It is an incredibly challenging time to step up to a leadership position, but Justin has illustrated the qualities needed to lead his team through the current Covid-19 pandemic and its associated challenges.”

Corrans says he is undeterred and hopes to manage this period with wisdom and passion. “The wine industry is filled with challenges, but I have no doubt that the dynamic winemaking team at KWV will face these with a winning attitude. Covid-19 has forced everyone to change their daily lives. One must be a creative problem solver and quick to implement your plan in an ever-changing and uncertain world.”