Meet our Winemaker, Fred Fismer
Fred has been tasked with injecting some revived energy and enthusiasm into our dynamic Simondium-based estate.
Growing up in the Winelands, winemaking was always an obvious choice for Fred and being immersed in the culture surrounding wine from a young age made it even easier. He qualified in BSc. Viticulture and Oenology at Stellenbosch University in 2014.
With new estate ownership, a harvest on the horizon, and a shared vision for revealing the very best on offer within the area, the Plaisir team is looking forward to a new chapter working with this accomplished young winemaker and growing the brand from strength to strength.
When you ask Fred about his passion and career choice thus far, the answer was rather simple?
“I really believe that one should never see yourself as a winemaker but rather a wine grower or as the French say ‘vigneron’. Site is one of the most important factors in winemaking and growing. It is very important to understand every aspect of the vineyards and in that way understand exactly what you are bringing into the cellar. If you can ensure good quality fruit the rest is relatively easy.
Vintage variation should be embraced as this is really a showcase of how wine is a living product subject to the effects of its environment. I don’t like to change too much of that.
In closing I like to be mindful in my winemaking by using my scientific background to work as much with nature as possible. Sometimes not making a decision IS making a decision.”
