Coenie’s passion for winemaking started at an early age, tagging along with his father who ministered to farm employees. He knew even then that he wanted to be part of this ageless industry. Coenie began by studying engineering at Stellenbosch University with the aim of building wine cellars, but when he realized he could study winemaking itself, he switched courses. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in viticulture and oenology in 1994 and an Honours degree in oenology in 2000.

Early influences on his winemaking style came when he was harvesting on wine farms in California, USA. There he came into contact with the South African wine stalwarts whom he still considers his mentors: Martin Meinert of Vergelegen and Chris Keet of Cordoba and viticulturalist, Mathew Castle.

After graduation, Coenie joined industry giant Distell, working across different departments and learning different aspects of the wine industry before landing what he describes as the “coolest job in the world” – winemaker for their Bergkelder range of red wines. In 2003 he took over as cellar manager at Bergkelder and for the next 10 years gained “phenomenal” experience, working with super premium vineyards from Gansbaai in the south to Lutzville in the north.

It was as winemaker at Rust en Vrede that Coenie produced the 2007 single varietal cabernet which won him the 2009 Diner’s Club Winemaker of the Year award and led to his membership of the illustrious Cape Winemakers Guild.

Inspired to create his very own wines, Coenie has come full circle with his cabernet sauvignon maturing in the cellar to complement the Chenin Blanc and Cinsault produced by Rock of Eye from a blend of artistry and instinct born of his Rock of Eye and hands-on experience.