Schenkfontein Wines: A Swartland Saga of Family, Grit, and Great Grapes
Named Schenkfontein—after a legendary schoolteacher, Leermeester Schenk, and a modest mountain stream that caught Hennie’s eye—the estate embodies tenacity and vision. Hennie, a seasoned farmer, pivoted to wine when his son Philip’s birth prompted a rethink: with five grandsons, the family farm was too small to sustain them all. Winemaking, Hennie’s forte, became the family’s new frontier.
From Scrum to Sip: Marthunis J. Barnard’s Journey into the Heart of South African Wine
April 25, 2025 7:52 pm From Scrum to Sip: Marthunis J. Barnard’s Journey into the Heart of South African Wine In the fast-paced world of tech, where deadlines loom and sprints dictate the rhythm, Marthunis J. Barnard keeps a steady hand as a Scrum Master at Tour Axis, guiding teams through the complexities of agile project management. His head is firmly in the corporate game, orchestrating seamless collaboration for a company that powers travel experiences across South Africa. But venture beyond the stand-ups and sprint reviews, and you’ll find his heart beating to a different tune—one that resonates with the earthy aromas of Pinotage, the crisp zing of Sauvignon Blanc, and the rolling vineyards of the Cape Winelands. For Marthunis, a family man with a wife and two young boys aged three and one, wine isn’t just a hobby; it’s a passion that’s blossoming into a full-fledged calling, embodied in his vibrant wine blog, CapeVineMaster.co.za. This is the story of how a tech professional’s side hustle is becoming the soul of his life’s work. A Scrum Master with a Taste for Adventure Marthunis’s day job at Tour Axis is all about structure and synergy. As a Scrum Master, he facilitates agile workflows, ensuring teams deliver high-quality travel solutions with precision. His LinkedIn profile paints a picture of a seasoned professional, adept at fostering collaboration, resolving blockers, and driving projects to completion. With a knack for mentoring and a deep understanding of agile methodologies, Marthunis thrives in the dynamic tech environment, where every sprint is a chance to innovate. His work supports Tour Axis’s mission to connect travelers with South Africa’s rich tapestry of experiences, from safaris to coastal getaways. It’s a role that demands focus, adaptability, and a cool head under pressure—qualities Marthunis brings in spades. But even as he navigates burndown charts and backlog grooming, there’s a part of him that’s always wandering through the vineyards of Stellenbosch or savoring a glass of Chenin Blanc at sunset. Wine, for Marthunis, started as a casual interest—a bottle shared with friends, a weekend trip to Franschhoek. Yet, what began as a hobby has grown into something far deeper, fueled by a curiosity about South Africa’s wine culture and a desire to share its stories. “My head is in tech,” he says, “but my heart? That’s in the wine industry, where every bottle tells a tale of the land and the people behind it.” CapeVineMaster: A Passion Project Takes Root In 2025, Marthunis relaunched CapeVineMaster.co.za, transforming his love for wine into a platform that celebrates South Africa’s wine farms, varietals, and tasting experiences. The website, set to officially launch on May 1, 2025, is a labor of love—a digital haven for wine enthusiasts, novices, and travelers alike. Through monthly online tastings, weekly blogs, and a comprehensive directory of wine estates, Marthunis is building a community that demystifies wine and makes it accessible to all. His articles, like a recent piece on Ashton Winery’s chocolate and wine pairing, blend vivid storytelling with practical insights, capturing the magic of the Cape Winelands while offering tips for readers to explore it themselves. What sets CapeVineMaster apart is Marthunis’s approach: he’s not a sommelier or a vintner, but a self-proclaimed novice on a journey of discovery. “I’m learning alongside my readers,” he admits. “Whether it’s decoding tannins or finding a budget-friendly Pinotage, I want to make wine fun, not intimidating.” His blogs reflect this ethos, weaving personal anecdotes—like swirling a glass of Shiraz while his boys nap—with detailed reviews of estates and varietals. Posts on wine tasting for beginners and affordable wines under R100 showcase his knack for breaking down complex topics into relatable, engaging content. The site’s vision, as Marthunis outlined in an earlier conversation, is to list every wine farm in South Africa, share their stories, and foster a community where readers contribute their own experiences. It’s an ambitious goal, but one that’s rooted in his genuine love for the craft. From Hobby to Heartbeat Marthunis’s journey into wine began modestly, sparked by a visit to a Robertson Valley estate years ago. The rolling vineyards, the scent of oak barrels, and the stories of winemakers captivated him. What started as occasional tastings evolved into a dedicated pursuit—reading about grape varieties, experimenting with food pairings, and documenting his adventures. “At first, it was just something to do on weekends,” he recalls. “But the more I learned, the more I wanted to share it.” His wife, a patient supporter of his growing obsession, often joins him on wine farm visits, their two boys in tow, turning tastings into family outings. These trips, from Ashton to Viljoensdrift, have become the heart of CapeVineMaster, inspiring blogs that capture the warmth of South Africa’s wine culture. Balancing a demanding tech career, a young family, and a burgeoning blog isn’t easy. Marthunis often writes late at night, after his boys, aged three and one, are asleep, or steals moments during lunch breaks to research varietals. Yet, the hustle feels less like work and more like a calling. “Wine brings people together,” he says. “It’s not just about the drink—it’s about the stories, the land, the community. That’s what I want to capture.” His passion shines through in CapeVineMaster’s vibrant content, from guides on Sauvignon Blanc to reviews of family-friendly estates. Readers are invited to join the journey, whether through comments, story submissions, or virtual tastings, making the site a collaborative celebration of wine. A Family Man with a Vision At the core of Marthunis’s life is his family. A devoted husband and father, he cherishes the chaos and joy of raising two energetic boys. His wife, his partner in both life and wine adventures, shares his enthusiasm for exploring the Winelands, often planning family-friendly visits to estates with play areas or picnic spots. “The boys are too young to understand wine,” Marthunis laughs, “but they love running through the vineyards or chasing each other at a tasting room.” These moments ground him, reminding him why he’s pouring his heart