I figured now was as good a time as any to introduce myself. My name is Jaryd, and I'm a destination host and operations assistant at Saffa Tours—and, admittedly, a wine lover. In both my personal and professional life, I spend a fair amount of time at wine farms across the Western Cape, South Africa’s most prolific wine region.
These visits bring me immense joy. From tasting wines (paired with delicious cheese and charcuterie) to soaking in the views and learning how the unique climates and soils influence each wine’s character, I've developed a true passion for wine and viticulture. But more than the wine itself, what excites me most are the people behind it—the stories of those who dedicate their lives to the intricate art of winemaking. One such story is that of Douglas Mylrea and Paul Hoogwerf, the founders and winemakers of Maanschijn Wines.
Doug and Paul, now in their early 30s, first met in high school and later studied winemaking together at Stellenbosch University. After years of honing their skills around the world, they reunited and discovered a shared philosophy towards wine.
Thus, Maanschijn was born. I was fortunate enough to visit their production facility with some guests, where we learned about their low-intervention approach, the heritage building where they craft their wines, and connected with the men themselves.
As we arrived, we noticed their tiny cellar (perhaps the smallest in the Southern Hemisphere). Here, Doug and Paul ferment low-intervention wines from Walker Bay’s cool-climate vineyards. Nestled beside their vineyard is a beautiful garden, where we settled in to hear their story and taste their wines—from the playful Brunch Club series, perfect for warm days, to the more complex Herbarium series, showcasing their artistry and dedication.
Paul then led us to one of their vineyards on the property, explaining the challenges their vines face. This insight into the minds of young, innovative winemakers was invaluable. Doug and Paul are the real deal: no fancy facility, no large staff, just two lifelong friends with a passion for wine and the skill to craft some of the most complex and delicious wines I’ve tasted. I left with a few bottles of their Herbarium White Blend, eagerly waiting to share the story of these two remarkable gentlemen at my next special occasion.
As a host, bringing guests to Maanschijn, where the doors are opened by the owners themselves in such an honest and welcoming way, is a rare and special experience. If planning a visit to Cape Town with us, we'd love for you to join us on our next visit!
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