Dakar Rally driver Giniel de Villiers
Driving a Volkswagen Touareg, Giniel de Villiers became the first African to win the internationally renowned Dakar Rally. After having overcome 6 000km of plains, deserts, hills, mountains and rocky passageways, he is happy to be back at home in wine town Stellenbosch where his greatest hurdle is deciding which wine producer he considers best. Interview by Jeanri-Tine van Zyl.
What was the first bottle of wine that all made sense and why?
A bottle of Tassenberg as a student - it gave me immense insight.
What wine that you have not yet tasted do you most want to?
Wendy Applebaum's De Morgenzon Chenin Blanc and Kevin Grant's Ataraxia Chardonnay - I heard both these wines are fantastic.
What was the last wine that you bought?
I had some friends over for a braai and bought a variety of white wine, including Haute Cabrière Chardonnay-Pinot Noir, Neil Joubert Sauvignon Blanc, La Motte Sauvignon Blanc, Danie de Wet Chardonnay and Hartenberg Sauvignon Blanc. At the moment, I tend to enjoy Sauvignon Blanc, unwooded Chardonnay and light Chenin Blanc. In winter, I enjoy red wine more.
How big is your wine collection and where do you store it?
I have quite a few bottles that I store in my home cellar.
Which are your favourite South African wine producers?
There are so many wonderful wine producers in our country! I currently enjoy the wines of Rust en Vrede, the Sauvignon Blanc of La Motte, all the reds of Guardian Peak and almost any Hartenberg wine. Robertson produces wonderful wines, and those I rate are by Danie de Wet and Springfield, and also Graham Beck's Cap
Classiques.
What do you like least about wine?
Restaurants that over-price wines and pretentious wine snobs making ordinary people feel they have no worthy opinion about wine.
What is your favourite meal?
I'm uncomplicated when it comes to food- I enjoy a good-quality steak.
What are your favourite restaurants in South Africa?
Rust en Vrede in Stellenbosch and Le Quartier in Français in Franschhoek.
Which three people would you invite to your fantasy dinner party?
Nelson Mandela, Richard Branson and Smittie de Villiers (my father).
What is your most treasured possession?
I am not very materialistic. Hmm...maybe my mountain bike.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Attending the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Monaco.
How do you relax?
I go mountain biking in Jonkershoek or take long runs or walks in the forest behind my house.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
To be at ease with yourself, your surrounds and your abilities, and have friends who accept you as you are.
