Nadia Langenegger – Waterflook Estate

Name Nadia Langenegger

Job within the wine trade Winemaker at Waterkloof Wine Estate, South Africa 

How long have you been in this role/wine trade? I have been with Waterkloof for 11 years now. I started off as the assistant winemaker and then stepped into the winemaker position in 2013. 

What made you want to get in to this area of work and what drives you to stay in it? I have always had a great appreciation for science and nature. Winemaking brings the two together, so it made 100% sense to me to venture into that direction. I am also a big foodie – wine and food go together so well. My husband is even a Chef! 

What is your wine career highlight? 
The day my boss entrusted me with the head winemaker position at Waterkloof. 

If someone wanted to get in to the wine industry, what would your advice be? Do at least two harvests from the start to the end and then see if it is really what you want to do…passion is key! 

5 quick fire questions – Up Close and Personal! 
1. Favourite food and wine match?
Pinot Noir and pigeon- I had it once and dream about it! 
2. Have you got tattoos if so, how many.. if not, are you tempted? No not 
yet, I have always wanted to get the outline of the African continent on my 
ankle. 
3. What did you want to be when you were growing up? A few things but 
always “Science” related – a Vet or a Doctor. 
4. What is your favourite season? Winter! The lowest amount of work stress and I sleep SO well then! 
5. If you had 3 wishes, what would they be? From a non-selfish perspective, 
it would be to supply proper education to all people in South Africa and to 
provide everyone with houses. From a selfish perspective, it would be to 
travel the world without a budget, to have access to any wine that I would 
like and to own a winery in Burgundy.