Heinrich van der Watt is the driving force behind Pink Valley Wines, celebrated for its elegant, Provençal-style rosés that have captivated wine enthusiasts since the first release in 2019. Taking over from Petri Venter, who now focuses entirely on Le Chant Wines, Heinrich brings a wealth of experience and passion to his new role—a position he feels well-prepared for, given his deep-rooted connection to the wine industry.
Few 25-year-olds can boast ten harvests under their belt, but Heinrich is an exception. As the nephew of Schalk-Willem Joubert, the South African partner of Oddo Vins et Domaines (owners of Pink Valley, Le Chant, and Taaibosch), Heinrich was immersed in the world of wine from a young age. “We moved from Pretoria to Welgemoed when I was a child, and I spent a lot of time with Schalk-Willem and his family, where wine was always a central topic,” he recalls. “I helped out at his previous winery during school holidays and even worked a harvest at Taaibosch before starting university. I’ve never wanted to do anything other than make wine—well, except surfing, but that’s not a career!”
Heinrich pursued a BSc Agric degree in Oenology and Viticulture, gaining hands-on experience at Taaibosch, Pink Valley, and other wineries. After a harvest in France, he spent six months in California at Fisher Vineyards, where he not only honed his winemaking skills but also gained valuable insights into sales and marketing. “This was an incredible learning opportunity,” he says. “At university, they teach you about vines and winemaking, but marketing and sales are just as crucial to the wine business. I jumped at the chance to understand that side of the industry.”
After several years of part-time work at Taaibosch and Pink Valley, Heinrich officially joined Pink Valley in 2025, overseeing this year’s rosé production. “I’m fortunate to understand the style Pink Valley is known for, especially after working a harvest in Provence at Domaine Vallon des Glauges, another Oddo Vins et Domaines property,” he explains. “Our goal is to create a rosé with a delicate hue, complexity, and texture on the palate. As rosé specialists, we aim for a wine that is fresh, approachable, and delicious, yet layered and vibrant.”
The Pink Valley Rosé is a blend of Syrah, Sangiovese, and Grenache, crafted with meticulous attention to detail. “We use gentle pressing and minimal skin contact, then chill the juice to 2°C for two weeks before fermentation,” Heinrich explains. “The minimal skin contact ensures the light color, while the cooling process enhances the wine’s aromatics and fresh acidity. Each variety is fermented separately, and some components are aged on their lees in cement tanks and stainless steel to add texture and depth.”
Heinrich is deeply honored to lead Pink Valley’s rosé production, building on the legacy of his predecessors. “Thanks to the incredible work of those before me, both in the cellar and in marketing, Pink Valley Rosé has gained a loyal following in South Africa. It’s a privilege to continue this tradition and contribute to its success.”
With his passion, expertise, and dedication, Heinrich van der Watt is poised to elevate Pink Valley Wines to even greater heights, ensuring its place as a benchmark for exceptional South African rosé.
