For Jill Onkruid, national brand ambassador for Compagniesdrift, wine is like the thrill of a first date – unpredictable and full of surprises. Each sip reflects the winemaker’s unique approach, turning even the same cultivar into a completely new experience.
In an interview with Food For Mzansi, Onkruid shares how her wine journey began far from the vineyards of Stellenbosch. She grew up in Eerste River in Cape Town, where her upbringing was far removed from wine culture.
Reflecting on her roots, she shares, “My dad always said, although our surname is Onkruid, which means ‘weed’ in Afrikaans, we are not weeds. No one wants to pull us out of their garden because we are amazing people. And I agree with that,” she laughs.
Her introduction to wine was serendipitous. After realising that nursing was not her calling, she dropped out of her studies and began working in the tasting room at Meerlust.
“I grew up not knowing much about wine because my parents were conservative and didn’t drink at all,” she explains. “But working at Meerlust opened my eyes to the incredible diversity of cultivars and flavour profiles. I was hooked. I saved up and completed the Cape Wine Academy introductory course, and that’s when everything clicked for me.”
Her path to Compagniesdrift began with a chance encounter. Ilse Ruthford, the managing director of Compagniesdrift, visited the tasting room one day. Onkruid, however, had no idea who she was but greeted her politely as she would any guest.
“She was impressed and later enquired about me. A year later, I joined Compagniesdrift as their brand ambassador,” Onkruid shares.
Initially, her parents were apprehensive about her career choice. “My mom was worried I’d never have a stable job or income in the wine industry, but now they’re my biggest supporters,” she says proudly.
Crisp, fresh, and full of heart
Compagniesdrift is more than just a wine label; it’s a testament to community empowerment. Established in 2010 by the Myburgh Family Trust, owners of Meerlust, the initiative benefits 72 farmworker families from Meerlust, Ken Forrester, and Vriesenhof.
“We are primarily a storage facility, providing cold storage for around 80 wineries in the Western Cape, with the capacity to house three million bottles,” explains Onkruid. The facility also offers wine labelling and export labelling preparation services.
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In 2015, Compagniesdrift launched its own wine range with guidance from the Meerlust winemaking team. “Our wines are a lifestyle brand – crisp, fresh, and easy to drink. They’re perfect for relaxed settings like a braai or poolside gatherings,” she adds.
The label design is deeply symbolic, celebrating the farm’s rich history. “The circle represents unity between Meerlust and Compagniesdrift. Elements like the cattle, broken chains symbolising the end of slavery, and the iconic windmill from Mary’s Dam all tell our story.”
Candy floss and lekker braais
Onkruid starts by highlighting the recently launched grenache noir rosé. “It’s fruit-driven, with notes of candy floss, quince, and a slight grapefruit finish. It’s the perfect summer wine – refreshing and nostalgic,” she describes.
The cabernet sauvignon-merlot blend is the only red in their range. “It’s 60% cabernet sauvignon and 40% merlot, aged in French oak. It’s a 2021 vintage, already well-aged but also drinkable now. The dark fruit and plum notes are balanced with sleek tannins, making it sophisticated yet approachable,” Onkruid says.
She enthusiastically recommends it for South African summer braais. According to her, this wine pairs beautifully with a fire going, the Springboks on TV, and a lekker kuier with friends.
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