Tim Whitfield
Head Winemaker & Director of Wine
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About
Head Winemaker & Director of Wine with 10+ years' international experience across South Africa and Europe. Elsenburg-trained with extensive winemaking experience on the Simonsberg Mountain through Tokara and Plaisir de Merle. Currently responsible for all winemaking, production, budgeting, and strategic planning at Clai Winery in Croatia. Experienced in leading teams, managing premium wine brands, and producing award-winning wines for international markets.
Experience
Head Winemaker & Director of Wine at Clai Winery (Present)
- Lead team of 10 across winery and production operations
- Responsible for 35,000 bottle premium wine and olive oil production
- Budget ownership and strategic planning
- Export market development across 8 countries
- Product development and portfolio management
Winemaker at Plaisir de Merle
- Led winemaking operations following ownership transition
- Managed premium red and white wine production
- Oversaw harvest planning and cellar operations
Winemaker at Tokara
- Premium Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay production
- Brandy distillation and XO blending
- Production scale up to 900,000 bottles
Harvest Assistant at Kanonkop (2016 – 2016)
Harvest shifts assisting with punch-downs in the open fermenters during the 2016 vintage while studying.
Education
B.Agric in Viticulture & Oenology – Elsenburg (2013 – 2016)
Distillation C1 in Distillation & Spirits Production
