Tremayne Smith represents a new generation of winemaker in South Africa - firmly rooted in the terroir and potential of South Africa, but with a global prospective and experience to take the industry to the next level. While studying to become a chef, Tremayne shifted gears and enrolled at Elsenburg, South Africa’s prestigious agricultural college, to pursue winemaking. After stints with Sijnn and Mullineux, as well as numerous internships abroad, Tremayne became the head winemaker at Fable Mountain Vineyards. In 2014, he founded his own personal label, The Blacksmith. The Blacksmith focuses heavily on Rhône varietals, which thrive in the heat of the Western Cape. Tremayne works closely with farmers in the more remote corners, often sourcing fruit from very old, low-yielding vineyards. In the cellar, the wines are fermented with native yeast and very little sulphur is added, so that the parcels speak rather than the process. The result is wines that are alive! Tremayne manages to maintain crunchy fresh fruit, but also structure and grip. He has a profound understanding of the limits in producing natural wines - rather than follow dogma, he is solely driven to express the place, the fruit, and create a vibrant, moreish experience. Quantities are limited and have found their way into some of the very best wine bars and restaurants.
