Mika Engelbrecht's Tales in Every Sip: How a Wine Innovator Turns Each Bottle into a Story.
Greetings from Cape Town, South Africa!
Hold onto your wine glasses, vineyard visionaries! This week's Winemakers on Fire blazes a trail through Stellenbosch with Mika Engelbrecht—a rising star who's rewriting the rules of winemaking. She's not just crafting exceptional wines but weaving ecological stories into every bottle at Neethlingshof Estate. From resurrecting old vine vineyards to championing sustainable practices with owl posts and natural pest control, Mika embodies the future of South African wine. Her Short Story Collection isn't just a wine range—it's a narrative of passion, innovation, and deep respect for terroir.
Get ready to be inspired by a winemaker who proves that great wine is about so much more than what's in the glass.
"Young winemakers are bringing a fresh perspective to the industry. We are not afraid to challenge traditional winemaking methods and embrace new techniques."
Let’s dive in!
Mika Engelbrecht’s Tales in Every Sip: How a Wine Innovator Turns Each Bottle into a Story.
Roots of Passion: From Hermanus to Stellenbosch
Mika Engelbrecht's wine journey is as complex and layered as the wines she crafts. Raised in the picturesque coastal town of Hermanus, her connection to the Western Cape's landscape runs deep. "Growing up in Hermanus, I developed a deep appreciation for the natural beauty of the Western Cape," she reflects. "The rugged coastline, diverse flora, and rich history have shaped my understanding of the region's unique terroir."
Her academic path was deliberately crafted. Stellenbosch University provided the scientific foundation, while the UCT Business School added the commercial acumen needed to navigate the global wine industry. International internships in Australia, France, and Austria became her global classroom, each experience adding unique dimensions to her winemaking philosophy.
The Scholarly Approach to Winemaking
"Stellenbosch University provided a strong foundation in the science and practice of winemaking," Mika explains, "emphasising terroir, sustainability, and innovation." Her academic journey was more than just book learning. From Australia, she learnt modern techniques and efficiency; France taught her a deep respect for tradition and terroir; Austria introduced her to a rigorous focus on quality and sustainable practices.
Terroir: A Living, Breathing Narrative
For Mika, terroir isn't a static concept but a dynamic story waiting to be told. "I believe that a great wine should not only be delicious but also reflect the unique characteristics of the grapes and the land from which they come," she says. At Neethlingshof, this philosophy comes to life through the Short Story Collection—a range of wines that are more than beverages; they're liquid narratives.
The Wines: Each a Unique Chapter
The Duiker Cadenza: A Resurrection Story
The Sauvignon Blanc is a testament to Mika's intuition and respect for old vines. "The block was almost uprooted in 2021," she recalls, "but as I was updating the vineyard block data, I noted that it would qualify as an old vine vineyard (1986) the following year." The result is extraordinary—a wine that speaks of resilience and hidden potential.
"There is just something about an old vine vineyard that has stood the test of time," Mika explains. "Not overripe. The fruit is pure and complex." The wine benefits from a short barrel ageing (2.5 to 3 months), adding complexity while retaining its fresh, vibrant character.
The Maria: A Noble Tale
Named after a feisty widow who completed the estate's manor house, this Noble Late Harvest is a love letter to unpredictability. Produced from a unique 3.22-hectare block facing False Bay, it captures the magical unpredictability of noble rot.
"Noble rot is unpredictable and depends on a combination of factors," Mika explains. The result is a wine with pronounced aromas of ripe peach, dried mango, and a hint of orange marmalade, balanced by bright acidity and sumptuous sweetness.
Wine with a Purpose: More Than Just a Drink
The Caracal: Stellenbosch's Liquid Masterpiece
The Caracal, a sophisticated Bordeaux-style blend, is a meticulous creation that showcases the pinnacle of Stellenbosch winemaking. Carefully blended with 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 9% Petit Verdot, and 6% Malbec, it represents a no-compromise approach to quality. "We're nitpicking the best of the best barrels in all the lots available," Mika explains with a passionate glint in her eye.
The Owl Post: A Personal Favourite with a Mission
When it comes to the Owl Post Pinotage, Mika can barely contain her excitement. "This is one of my favourite wines," she admits, quickly adding with a laugh, "although I'm NOT allowed to have favourites." The wine is more than just a beverage—it's a mission statement about sustainable winemaking.
Stylistically unique, the wine is crafted with about 15% Hungarian oak and finished in barrel. But its true magic lies in its ecological approach. "As we aim to reduce pesticide usage as part of our integrated pest management, we harnessed a natural approach by strategically putting up owl posts throughout the vineyards to assist with rodent control," Mika explains.
The owl posts are a 24-hour ecosystem management system. "It actually acts as a 24-hour watch," she says enthusiastically. "Owls use it during the nighttime, and small falcons use it during the daytime to stalk their prey." The farm even has owl boxes set up in various locations, with spotted eagle owls regularly making appearances, sometimes nesting in hollow oak trees.
Sustainability: More Than a Buzzword
As a WWF Conservation Champion, Mika's commitment to sustainability is profound. "You have to keep on trying to reduce, re-use, and recycle," she says. "It is something I am extremely passionate about and very close to my heart."
Beyond owl posts, the estate uses natural predators like guinea fowl for pest control and implements comprehensive composting practices. Every decision is measured and intentional, from electricity use to fuel consumption.
Recognition and Innovation
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WineLand's 30 Under 30: A Generation of Change
The WineLand's 30 Under 30 recognition is more than just an award—it's a celebration of a new generation of wine innovators. This prestigious acknowledgement highlights young professionals who are transforming the South African wine industry through innovation, sustainability, and fresh perspectives.
For Mika, the recognition represents a broader movement. "Young winemakers are bringing a fresh perspective to the industry," she explains. "We are not afraid to challenge traditional winemaking methods and embrace new techniques." The award celebrates those who are pushing boundaries, connecting with consumers through digital platforms, and reimagining wine production for a more sustainable future.
Diners Club Young Winemaker of the Year: A Cabernet Triumph
The Diners Club Young Winemaker of the Year Award for her 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon was a crowning moment that validated Mika's approach to winemaking. "As a region, Stellenbosch has the ideal soil types and climatic conditions to produce world-class Cabernet," she explains with pride.
Her award-winning wine tells a story of perfect terroir—mild temperatures, ample sunlight, well-drained soils with granite, shale, and sandstone, and moderate rainfall. The resulting Cabernet showcases the potential of Stellenbosch, which she playfully calls "The Kingdom of Cabernet Sauvignon."
The wine's deep colour, intense aromas, rich palate, and balanced acidity are a testament to Mika's winemaking philosophy. "This wine reflects my commitment to producing elegant, age-worthy wines that celebrate South Africa's wine heritage," she says.
Adaptive Resourcefulness: A Winemaker's Superpower
Her ability to navigate challenges defines her. "Time management and crisis management are no joke," Mika admits. "In the world of wine, things can get pretty hectic and unpredictable." Her 'Adaptive Resourcefulness'—a blend of crisis management, creativity, and efficiency—sets her apart.
Looking to the Future
With multiple awards, including four 4.5-star wines at the 2025 John Platter Wine Awards and the 2024 Diners Club Young Winemaker of the Year, Mika is reshaping South African wine's narrative. "Ultimately, the future of the South African wine industry is bright," she declares, "and young winemakers are at the forefront of shaping its destiny."
In the world of wine, Mika Engelbrecht is more than a winemaker—she's a storyteller, an environmentalist, and a visionary, pouring her heart and soul into every single bottle. Cheers to that!
Terroir 2.0: Where innovation meets tradition.
Winemakers, this is not a pitch.
This is a digital revolution.
Uncover your hidden potential. Rewrite your story.
Are you ready to transform tradition into triumph?
Here's what you missed last week...
In the rugged embrace of the Paardeberg Mountain, Matthew Copeland is crafting a bold new chapter in the story of South African wine. Last week’s Winemakers On Fire took you on a journey with a visionary who sees winemaking as more than a profession—it's a passionate dialogue between land, tradition, and innovation. From organic cellars across Europe to the sun-drenched slopes of Paarl, Copeland has crafted a philosophy that celebrates minimal intervention and maximum respect for terroir.
His award-winning Philosophie 2019 isn't just a wine; it's a testament to sustainable viticulture and the magic that happens when a winemaker truly listens to the landscape.
"It's really not complicated. We believe that long-term strategies that preserve and revitalise our soils will outweigh any short-term gains."
Until next Tuesday, keep your glass full and your taste buds curious.
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Cape Wine Master at Self Employed
2wGreat article. Well done!