Meet The Maker - Ginny Povall / Botanica (South Africa)

This week we shine the spotlight on American born Ginny Povall who, in 2008 purchased a flower farm in Stellenbosch that was better known for being the country's first to cultivate protea flowers, which are indigenous to South Africa. The heritage of the estate inspired Ginny to not only name her winery 'Botanica', but also create those beautiful, floral labels that have become synonymous with her wines - check out her Merlot on Good Pair Days here.

After working for years in the hustle and bustle of New York City, Ginny fell in love with the Cape's natural beauty on a windsurfing holiday, this was back in 2005 and it didn't take her long to pack up her bags and make the jump!

A self-taught winemaker, Ginny works her vineyards organically, and also practices regenerative farming in a bid to build strong top soils and create a strong and sustainable ecosystem for her vines to thrive in. She also stays away from using any animal products in her process, making all of her wines vegan friendly.

But that's enough from us, time to get to know Ginny a little bit better...

Why did you decide to get into winemaking?

It started as a desire to own a farm/vineyard and morphed into winemaking as a way to better understand viticulture.

Do you have a favourite wine or wine region outside of your own?

Pinot Noir from anywhere around the world.  If you force me to pick a favourite it would be Domaine Fourrier Gevrey-Chambertin Clos St Jacques 1er cru, but who gets to drink that on a regular basis… I’m afraid to open the few bottles I have…

What grape do you like working with the most and why?

Pinot Noir because I love the challenge of making it in South Africa.

Celebrity Crush?

Bradley Cooper.

Favourite Movie?

Martin Scorcese’s film Casino with Robert de Niro and Sharon Stone. This is an incredibly visual film.

Favourite type of music/artist?

Reggae/ska never get tired of listening to it. Toots and the Maytals

Fun fact about you that has nothing to do with wine?

I can sew really well because as I child we didn’t have a lot of money so I made my own clothes.  I have a fabric obsession that I think is classified as a fabric hoarder ;)

Thanks for your time, Ginny. If you haven't had a chance to taste the wonderful wines of Botanica, don't be afraid to head over to Good Pair Days and take a closer look, we promise you won't be disappointed!

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