Saltare

We are a boutique winery

without a farm or cellar. As described in the other pages we purchase our grapes from different vineyards in small quantities, transport it to cellars where we rent space and make the wine there. Much of our planning and administration we do from home.

Carla dreamed

of a job where she could be in nature (rather than in an office) and work with the senses. She first studied Human Movement Sciences and then went on to complete a degree in Town and Regional Planning. Winemaking never occured to her as a potential career. While searching employment she started part-time work in the tasting room of a winery. For the first time she realised winemaking would suit her very well and she went back to Stellenbosch University for a degree in Viticulture and Oenology.

Her first harvest was at Tokara in Stellenbosch, after which she completed harvests in Bordeaux (France), New Zealand and Spain. In 2000 she was employed at Anura Vineyards as winemaker. She kept this position until 2008, during which time Anura's wines received numerous top awards, including two trophies at the prestigious Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show (best Chenin blanc and best MCC), as well as Best Red Wine at the 2005 SAA Wine Selection. Her wines have also won numerous Double Gold awards at the Michelangelo and Veritas Wine Awards.

In 2008 her position at Anura changed to consultant winemaker and she consults at a number of other wineries. As consultant she can now devote more of her time to Saltare.

Christoff never dreamed

of becoming involved in a winemaking project. He grew up in Zambia and moved to Stellenbosch at age ten. Life in the heart of South Africa's winegrowing region inevitably meant that he learned to appreciate good wine. When he met Carla the fact that she was a winemaker did not pass him by unnoticed! After completing his doctorate in theology and philosophy in 2007 he could lend more of a helping hand in the cellar and tasting wine samples. Christoff works at Stellenbosch University's International Office.