Sakkie MoutonProducer from Western Cape, South Africa

The story of Sakkie Mouton begins in the heart of South Africa’s West Coast, a region known more for its fishing heritage than its viticulture. Sakkie, a third-generation farmer, grew up surrounded by the wild coastal landscapes of Vredendal and the surrounding Olifants River region. His family’s roots in agriculture and the land instilled in him a deep respect for nature and the desire to craft wines that reflect the essence of the place he calls home.

Despite having no formal winemaking background, Sakkie was driven by passion and curiosity. He began his career working as a viticulturist, focusing on the farming aspect of wine production. However, it didn’t take long before he decided to take the leap into winemaking itself. In 2018, he produced his first wine, a Chenin Blanc under his own label, named Revenge of the Crayfish, after the local fishing industry that thrives in his hometown. This wine immediately caught the attention of critics and wine lovers alike, with its combination of purity, freshness, and the unmistakable minerality of its terroir.

Since then, Sakkie Mouton has expanded his range, but he continues to focus on small-batch production, staying true to his philosophy of letting the vineyards speak for themselves. His wines are known for their elegance, complexity, and a strong sense of place, reflecting his hands-off approach in both the vineyard and cellar.

“Finally his vision and dreams have met reality after making his maiden release white wine… which for me is one of the most profound Chenin Blancs produced in South Africa since Eben Sadie conjured up Skurfberg and Skerpioen in his old vine series.” - Greg Sherwood MW

Sakkie Mouton Revenge of the Crayfish

Sakkie Mouton’s Revenge of the Crayfish was his debut wine, released in 2018, and it marked a remarkable entry into the world of South African winemaking. This Chenin Blanc, sourced from the rugged West Coast vineyards of Vredendal, quickly gained attention for its striking purity and focus on terroir. Named after the local fishing industry, the wine embodies the coastal influences of the region, with cool breezes and limestone-rich soils lending vibrant acidity and a distinctive minerality.

Despite being a newcomer, Sakkie’s natural, minimal-intervention approach to winemaking resonated with critics and consumers alike. The wine’s freshness, complexity, and ability to showcase the character of the land set it apart. Revenge of the Crayfish was an immediate success, highlighting Sakkie Mouton as a rising talent in South Africa’s new wave of winemakers, with a clear focus on authentic, terroir-driven expressions.

On the 2023 release, Greg Sherwood MW wrote:

"With every new vintage release from Sakkie Mouton, you just never know what to expect other than that the boundaries of quality, texture and complexity will once again be pushed a little further as he learns from every consecutive vintage put in bottle. Undoubtedly, the Revenge of the Crayfish Chenin Blanc from Koekenaap, which in 2018 was his first wine produced, is now in 2023 nearing a point where the vision for his individual Weskus terroir style is starting to be cemented into something quite substantial and lasting. I probably say it every vintage, but this 2023 for me represents the finest and most grown-up expression of the Crayfish cuvee produced to date.”