Danie Marais: A 26-Year Journey at Windmeul Cellar

After 26 years at Windmeul Cellar, Cellar Master Danie Marais retired at the end of September, closing a remarkable chapter in the cellar’s history.

Over more than two decades, his contribution helped shape not only the wines produced at Windmeul, but also the cellar, its traditions and the experiences visitors enjoy today.

Danie joined Windmeul at the end of 1999, excited by the opportunity to work with the high-potential grapes of the Swartland and Paarl region. At the time, Windmeul was less well known for its bottled wines and was once described by a well-known wine writer as one of the region’s best-kept secrets.

Looking back, Danie reflects on his time at the cellar:

“Dit was die afgelope 26 jaar vir my ‘n absolute voorreg om deel te kon wees van die Windmeul Kelder span.”

26 years of change and growth

Much changed at Windmeul in the years that followed.

The cellar’s bottled wine range developed steadily, earning numerous accolades and helping establish Windmeul’s reputation for quality.

Reflecting on the development of the wine range, Danie explains:

“Die reeks wyne wat ons huidig verkoop, is deurlopend gebou met ’n groot fokus op Chenin Blanc en Pinotage.”

Behind this progress was a continued focus on quality, from block-specific grape intake to investment in the right equipment and the winemaking team’s dedication.

The early 2000s brought significant changes to the cellar’s infrastructure. Between approximately 2003 and 2005, the winery made major investments to accommodate increased red grape production and expand processing capacity.

Another important milestone followed in 2006 with the opening of Windmeul’s Wine Center. For Danie, this was particularly meaningful, helping change the cellar’s image and create new opportunities for the business.

Another initiative that reflected Danie’s entrepreneurial approach was Firsty Thirsty, which he introduced in 2015. The idea was inspired by his experience at the Om-die-Berg Festival, where he recognised people’s enthusiasm for young, fresh and fruit-forward wines. This led to the development of Firsty Thirsty Chenin Blanc, which has since become a successful addition to Windmeul’s wine offering.

Beyond the development of Windmeul’s bottled wine range, Danie also emphasises the importance of the cellar’s bulk wine business, its long-standing customer relationships and the collective contribution of everyone involved in its success.

In his own words:

“Die grootste gedeelte van Windmeul Kelder se omset word verdien met hoë kwaliteit bulkwyn wat vir spesifieke handelsmerke geproduseer word. Die goeie verhoudings wat met kliënte gebou is oor baie jare speel ‘n kritiese rol in die sukses van die kelder. Heineken, een van Suid-Afrika se grootste wyngroothandelaars, het oor die jare ’n waardevolle bydrae tot Windmeul Kelder se sukses gelewer.

Die direksie, lede en personeel se rol is ook baie belangrik om so ‘n produsentekelder suksesvol te kan bestuur.”

Yet when reflecting on the greatest highlights of his career, Danie does not single out a particular wine, award or vintage.

Instead, he points to the cellar’s continued stability and its ability to remain competitive for its members and producers. For him, this has been one of the most rewarding aspects of his 26 years at Windmeul.

More than winemaking

Danie’s contribution extended well beyond the winemaking process.

Over the years, he played an important role in developing the Windmeul grounds and helping establish the cellar as a destination where wine, food and the surrounding community could come together.

One of these initiatives was establishing the Windmeul Farmers Market in November 2009, which has since become a much-loved monthly event.

The market also provided a natural setting for another idea particularly close to Danie’s heart: the Waterblommetjie Festival.

Inspired by his family’s love for waterblommetjie potjie, the festival grew from an existing potjiekos competition. What began as a decision to focus the competition on one traditional local ingredient developed into an annual event celebrating waterblommetjies, local food, wine and community.

In September 2026, the Waterblommetjie Festival celebrated its 16th edition, becoming another lasting tradition on Windmeul’s calendar.

Another meaningful development was the arrival of Ou Meul Bakery on the Windmeul grounds, connecting the cellar’s past with its future.

Windmeul Cellar takes its name from a windmill that once stood nearby and played an important role in the surrounding community. With its distinctive design, the windmill ground wheat into flour for baking bread.

When the opportunity arose to expand Windmeul’s offerings, the team decided to approach the owner of Ou Meul Bakery. It was a fitting connection, bringing part of the area’s history back to life while giving visitors another reason to spend time at the cellar.

Together, these developments helped shape Windmeul into more than a working wine cellar, creating a welcoming destination for visitors to experience the food, wine and traditions of the Paarl Winelands.

Leaving something to grow

Just before his retirement, Danie marked one of his final days at Windmeul in a particularly fitting way.

During September, seventeen trees were planted across the Windmeul grounds to mark the occasion. The development of the grounds has always been close to Danie’s heart, making the planting especially meaningful.

In his own words, it was “die kersie op die koek” after 26 years at Windmeul.

As those trees grow in the years ahead, they will become part of a landscape Danie cared deeply about and helped develop during his time at the cellar.

The things he will miss

After 26 years, there are inevitably things that will be difficult to leave behind.

When asked what he will miss most, Danie spoke about the excitement of a new season, the planning that comes with each harvest and the unique challenges each year brings.

And then there is something far more difficult to describe unless you have spent your life around a working wine cellar: the smell of the fermenting cellar.

“Dis nie iets wat jy kan skep nie, dis net in die kelder – en dis besonders.”

A simple reflection that captures something of his lifelong connection to winemaking.

Looking ahead

As Danie steps into retirement, his wishes for the next chapter are simple: peace, good health and more time to enjoy with his wife, children and grandchildren.

He is also looking forward to one particular pastime: fishing in Namibia.

For years, the best time to go coincided with harvest. Retirement means he can now plan his fishing trips around the best time of year.

While Danie may be stepping away from his role, he leaves Windmeul confident about what still lies ahead.

“Ek glo daar is steeds potensiaal om die reeks verder te vestig en meer kliënte daaraan bloot te stel.”

Reflecting on his 42-year career, Danie also wanted to thank those who supported him along the way.

“Graag wil ek afsluit deur die direksie, lede, personeel en kliënte van Windmeul Kelder te bedank vir hulle ondersteuning oor die afgelope 26 jaar.

’n Besondere woord van dank aan my vrou Zenda en ons hele huisgesin vir hulle deurlopende ondersteuning, nie net gedurende my tyd by Windmeul Kelder nie, maar deur my volle loopbaan van 42 jaar.”

After 26 years of dedication, change, challenges, harvests and memorable moments, Windmeul Cellar extends its sincere thanks to Danie for the contribution he has made to the cellar and its story.

His influence shows in the wines, the cellar, the Wine Centre, the traditions and experiences that have grown around Windmeul, and even in the trees that will continue to grow on its grounds.

Danie, thank you for 26 remarkable years at Windmeul. We wish you good health, happiness, and all the best for this next chapter.