At The Old Oak, we are privileged to work closely with Dirk Coetzee, the acclaimed winemaker at L’Avenir Wine Estate in Stellenbosch. Over the years, our partnership with Dirk and L’Avenir has flourished, making The Old Oak the largest single restaurant client of the estate. From our inception, The Old Oak has proudly been referred to as the ‘Home of L’Avenir in Johannesburg’, a title we wear with honour as we showcase the exceptional wines crafted for our restaurant.

Dirk’s dedication to his craft, his meticulous approach to winemaking, and his passion for elegance and a sense of place are evident in every bottle. Each sip reflects his commitment to preserving South Africa’s rich terroir and its celebrated varietals.

Under the mentorship of the renowned Stellenbosch ‘Pope of Pinotage’ – Francois Naudé, Dirk has mastered the art of creating site-specific, authentic wines from South Africa’s most revered winemaking region. He is also a staunch advocate for the preservation of old vines, particularly Chenin Blanc, championing their unique contribution to the country’s wine heritage.

Since his first harvest at L’Avenir in 2008, Dirk has passionately pursued winemaking excellence. The 2018 vintage marked his 10^th harvest, cementing his reputation as a leader in the industry. His vision for L’Avenir is clear: to set the standard for Stellenbosch Pinotage while continuously innovating and respecting tradition.