Brookdale Estate’s winemaker, Kiara Scott Farmer, has concluded her remarkable journey at the Paarl-based winery on a high note by being crowned the 2024 Diners Club Winemaker of the Year. She earned this top accolade for her exceptional 2022 vintage of Brookdale Estate’s Old Vine Chenin Blanc, which was recognised as the best in its category.
Scott Farmer’s five-year tenure at Brookdale has been marked by innovation and success. Working initially alongside consultant winemaker Duncan Savage before becoming head winemaker in October 2019, she played a pivotal role in the estate’s achievements. Highlights include winning the Rosa Kruger Trophy for the best Old Vine Wine and earning a Gold award with a score of 97/100 at the Trophy Wine Show 2022 for the 2020 vintage of the Old Vine Chenin Blanc.
Brookdale proprietor Tim Rudd said: “We are immensely proud of Kiara and her accomplishments. It has been a privilege to provide a platform for her talent and see her career flourish. Concluding her time here with such a phenomenal accolade is fitting. We wish her all the best for her future endeavours.”
Her departure marks the end of a successful chapter for Brookdale and the beginning of an exciting new one for her in the wine industry.
Since joining the young, innovative Paarl wine estate, working alongside consultant winemaker Duncan Savage and later, as appointed winemaker from October 2019, Scott Farmer has been instrumental in the successes achieved by Brookdale.
This includes winning the coveted Rosa Kruger Trophy for best Old Vine Wine with the 2020 vintage of the Brookdale Estate Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2020, which took Gold with a top score of 97/100 in the Trophy Wine Show of 2022.
