Pieter van der Merwe is the winemaker behind Sanniesrust Wines, a labour of love inspired by the Free State farm where he grew up.
Pieter van der Merwe is the passionate force behind Sanniesrust Wines, a boutique label rooted in the soil and spirit of the Free State farm where he grew up. What began as a nostalgic tribute to his childhood home has evolved into a vibrant winemaking venture defined by authenticity, experimentation, and a deep respect for drinkability.
Originally destined for a career in accounting, Pieter enrolled at Stellenbosch University with spreadsheets in mind, but it was the vineyards, not the lecture halls, that captured his imagination. Wednesday afternoons quickly became synonymous with wine tours, and the allure of the cellar proved irresistible. Pieter found his true calling during a harvest stint at Warwick Wine Estate. That experience ignited a passion that led him to formal training at Elsenburg Agricultural College.
Following his studies, Pieter honed his skills as assistant winemaker at Guardian Peak. He later joined David Finlayson Wines just outside Stellenbosch, where his role as winemaker offered both professional growth and the freedom to explore his own creative ambitions. It was here, that Sanniesrust Wines was born, initially a single barrel project, now a respected independent label with a loyal following.
Pieter wines speak softly but carry a clear message: innovation doesn’t need to shout. With Sanniesrust Wines, he’s carved out a space where creativity thrives, not for the sake of market trends or prestige, but out of a deep-seated curiosity and a drive to explore what lies beyond the boundaries of traditional winemaking. His label is less a commercial venture and more a personal canvas, where each vintage reflects a willingness to question, to play, and to trust instinct over convention.
At the heart of Pieter’s approach is a beautifully simple principle: “Drinkability is key.” These are wines meant to be opened, shared, and enjoyed, whether around a fire, at a long table, or in quiet conversation.
The unmistakable bright orange labels of Sanniesrust Wines do more than catch the eye, they declare a philosophy. They’re a visual cue that this is something different: a wine that stands apart not just in flavor, but in feeling.
