The Winemaker
Clarise Sciocatti
“Wines shouldn't be complicated or pretentious. Just enjoy them.”
Clarise Sciocatti is a South African winemaker specialising in minimal intervention wines. She holds a WSET Diploma in Wines and a Postgraduate Diploma in Wine Business Management. After working vintages across New Zealand, Australia, California and South Africa, including roles at Avondale Wine Estate and as Head Winemaker at Hazendal Wine Estate, she founded IL GECO Wines in 2022 to focus on terroir-driven, single-varietal wines from the Bottelary Hills in Stellenbosch.
The Journey
Clarise's winemaking adventure began with a degree in wine, followed by two years as a travelling winemaker in New Zealand, Australia and California. Her roots brought her back to South Africa, where she joined Avondale Wine Estate, renowned for organic and biodynamic wines, as Assistant Winemaker.
While working full time, she completed a PGDip in Wine Business Management and the prestigious WSET Diploma. Producers who have shaped her approach include Avondale, Vilafonté and the legendary Château Montelena in Napa Valley.
In 2016, Clarise was appointed Head Winemaker and Viticulturist at Hazendal Wine Estate, where she played a key role in developing their vineyards, cellar, and both wine and vodka portfolios.
The Dream
In 2022 she took a leap of faith to focus solely on IL GECO Wines. The project reflects a philosophy of patience, restraint and clarity: letting the vineyard speak.
When not in the vineyard or cellar, you'll likely find her with her son, husband and two beagles, often camping, surrounded by nature, family and friends, with a fire, good food and wine.