Meet Matt from Copeland wines

MATTHEW COPELAND ~ OWNER/WINEMAKER

Matthew Copeland, born and raised in Paarl is a proud Boland native. He matriculated from Paarl Boys’ High School and briefly pursued engineering before discovering his passion for winemaking.

He began his journey in the late 1990’s with an apprenticeship at Domaine de Balisiers near Geneva, Switzerland. They focus on biodynamic and organic winemaking. He completed his first harvest in Baux-de-Provence, France, where he learned French and the rhythms of organic farming. He gained international experience in Sonoma of California, the Barossa Valley of Australia, the Marlborough region of New Zealand and back in Europe, before studying formally at Elsenburg Agricultural College, Stellenbosch and qualifying in 2003.

Matthew started his professional career helping Schalk Burger Snr to establish the Welbedacht cellar, specializing in old-vine Chenin Blanc and signature Bordeaux-style red blends. In 2007, he joined Vondeling, a fledgling cellar in the Voor-Paardeberg of Paarl where he developed the highly regarded Chenin blanc-based blend, the Babiana. He grew the brand internationally, earning multiple awards for wines including Philosophie, Babiana, Monsonia, and Bowwood Pinotage. He’s passionate about Merlot and serves as Chairman of Merlot SA and launched the South African Merlot Top 10 Competition.

After 18 years at Vondeling, Matthew launched Copeland Wines in 2026, producing seven wines, including three Reserves: Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, alongside Chenin Blanc, Rosé, Merlot, and Shiraz.

Top Accolades include

Platter’s Wine Guide, multiple 5-star accoldaes for Vondeling Babiana, the Monsonia and Philosophie. Awarded Best Bordeaux-style red blend, 2024

Taransaud Top 10 Merlot SA ~ Winner 2022, 2023 & 2025

ABSA Top 10 Pinotage ~ Winner 2019 & 2022

Michelangelo International Wine Awards, Trophy: Best Pinotage 2018 & 2024