Marlize was raised on a farm in Worcester, South Africa and moved to Ontario in 2005. After studying Viticulture and Oenology at Elsenburg Agricultural College and Stellenbosch University, she has been making wine around the world since 2002. Her past winemaking positions include Flagstone Winery in South Africa, Flat Rock Cellars in Jordan and Hidden Bench Estate Winery in Beamsville. Currently residing in Hamilton, Ontario, she is the virtual and in-person winemaker for The Drift Estate (Overberg, SA), Black Oystercatcher (Elim, SA), consulting winemaker for Hidden Bench and the Bruce Jack Wines made in Chile and Napa Valley. The Long Way Home is a lifelong aspiration, a culmination of everything learned and years of experience making wines from unique and off the beaten path vineyards. It tells the story of leaving behind the known and putting down new roots. It is also a story of coming full circle, of strong bonds and new friends who became close friends and making this wine come to life. I believe in authenticity in wine, wines with a sense of place and to guide these wines with little interference to the best they can become. This is achieved by paying attention to the smallest detail from vineyard to bottle. This journey is not only mine, but a fun filled and often chaotic adventure with my husband Meiring, son David, daughter Kate, two cats and a faithful hound. In my free time I enjoy running and biking the escarpment trails and canoe camping with my family. Despite what you see on the logo, Timba is NOT good on a canoe! The Long Way Home Chardonnay has found a residence at Niagara Custom Crush Studio where it is crafted.
The 2022 vintage will be available in retail from November 2023.