5 minutes with Kiara Scott of Brookdale

Kiara Scott tasting her own wine

Kiara Scott is making some great wine at Brookdale Wine Estate. I spnt five minutes getting the lowdown from her.

What was the defining moment in your life that set you on the path of becoming a winemaker?
In my matric year I first heard about winemaking as a career. I had found alcohol and the effects thereof “interesting” (for lack of a better word) and from that point onwards, felt crazy enough to study winemaking!

A vintage photograph of Elsenburg

Where did you train to become a winemaker?
Elsenburg, part of Stellenbosch University.

Kiara Scott in the Brookdale Vineyards – those boots, the best fertiliser for a vineyard

Who would you regard as your mentor?
I have learned different things from different people I have encountered in the wine industry, but I would like to mention my former CWG mentors Charles Hopkins, David Nieuwoudt, Carl Van de Merwe, and Duncan Savage for their role in developing my winemaking career.

You work with a selection of some of the world’s most noble grape varieties. Is there one other variety with which you would really like to work?
Not right now. Honestly at Brookdale with our 16 varietal white field blend and developing a 20-varietal red field blend, I’ve got my hands full!

Marsanne ripening onthe vine

Is there another wine you would like to make in your cellar with the varieties available to you there?
A Cap Classique made from Marsanne

You seem to be quite innovative with new wine styles – what leads you there?
Curiosity

If you could choose anywhere in the world to make wine other than where you are now, where would it be?
Greece

Assyrtiko Vines are traditionally woven into a basket shape

And what grape type would you use?
Assyrtiko

I know it is a bit tricky asking a mother to choose her favourite child, but which one of your wines is your current favourite?
The Mason Road Serendipity Rosé

Coche-Dury Meursault

Your greatest bottle of wine ever? [And you can’t say one of your own!]
Coche-Dury Meursault

What is your favourite style of food?
Japanese.

Your best style of restaurant, you enjoy visiting? Why?
Fine dining is great, but I also enjoy casual dining.

Your ideal dinner party guest. Just one. Tell me why you chose them.
My late great grandmother – I miss her.

Moroccan Atlantic Seaside resort

Your favourite holiday destination?
Morocco

What is on your bedside table as reading matter at the moment?
The Bible

Jews Harp

One piece of music you would take with you to a desert island.
I would take an instrument and make my own music.

I’m currently working on….
Myself 😊

My favourite weekend getaway is….
A staycation at a beachfront destination.

Deep Fried Chicken and Chips

Guilty Pleasures?
On Thursday’s fries, fried chicken and Cap Classique. On Saturdays lightly toasted sourdough, burrata and olives with white wine.

One day, I will….
Own a farm and feed, educate, and empower the underprivileged.

Brookdale Estate