Meet the Maker: Kyle Oosterberg of The Flying Winemaker
Kyle Oosterberg, Global Director & South African Winemaker at The Flying Winemaker, describes himself as a “Jack of all trades.” Based in Hong Kong and part of the young, dynamic team behind the globally focused new-wave négociant, Kyle brings a perspective that spans winemaking, markets, hospitality, and the consumer.
That broad view shapes his approach to wine. Kyle isn’t interested in pushing a bottle simply because it fits a sales target. For him, wine is about discovery, place, and personal preference. Try The Flying Winemaker Cabernet Sauvignon from Margaret River, for example, and you’re not simply tasting Cabernet — you’re taking a journey to Margaret River.
Wine First, Market Second
Price matters, but Kyle believes it should never be the only consideration. The Flying Winemaker builds its wines around a simple philosophy: make the best expression of a grape and its place, rather than making wine purely for a particular market.
International wine fairs and strong relationships in nearby markets remain important, particularly because being present allows the team to understand customers and partners more closely.
The brand’s consumer-friendly vision includes several wine categories: Destination and Exploration Series, small-batch Icon wines, and approachable Lifestyle wines designed for everyday drinking and relaxed occasions.
The ambition is clear: to build The Flying Winemaker into a household name without losing its sense of discovery.
From Wine Retail to Winemaker
Kyle’s journey into wine began almost by accident. At just 16, he took a casual summer job in wine retail. When he was asked to help in the tasting room, he quickly realised how little he knew about wine.
Determined to improve, Kyle took the tasting notes home and memorised them.
His first winery visit changed everything. He became fascinated by how grapes could be transformed into wine and by the incredible diversity of grape varieties — each requiring different winemaking decisions to reveal its character.
He also discovered one of the fundamental truths of viticulture: the grapevine is essentially a weed that needs to be tamed.
Learning the Craft in South Africa
Kyle eventually became Junior Winemaker’s Assistant to Anthony Kock, then Assistant White Winemaker at Spier in Stellenbosch, and now a highly regarded senior white winemaker.
Kock became an important mentor as Kyle developed his understanding of winemaking, from grape variety and vineyard expression to acidity, texture, balance, and structure.
One of the wines that first inspired Kyle was an unusual blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Viognier made at Spier. The combination worked because of the balance between acidity, richness, and texture — a lesson that stayed with him.
Today, Kyle’s go-to grape is old-vine South African Chenin Blanc. In the right hands, it can deliver richness and texture, stone-fruit character, and a beautifully dry finish.
The Next Chapter for The Flying Winemaker
It feels fitting that Kyle’s journey has now come full circle, with The Flying Winemaker producing wine in South Africa.
For Kyle, winemaking is not simply about following formulas. It is about understanding the grape, the place, and the people who will eventually enjoy the wine.
And with The Flying Winemaker’s South African wines entering a new chapter, there is plenty more to discover.
By Annabel Jackson
FAQs
Who is Kyle Oosterberg?
Kyle Oosterberg is the Global Director & South African Winemaker at The Flying Winemaker.
What is The Flying Winemaker?
The Flying Winemaker is a globally focused new-wave négociant that works across wine regions to produce wines designed to express the character of their grapes and places.
What is Kyle Oosterberg’s favourite grape variety?
Kyle’s go-to variety is old-vine South African Chenin Blanc, particularly for its ability to combine richness, texture, stone-fruit character, and a dry finish.
How did Kyle Oosterberg become a winemaker?
Kyle began working in wine retail at 16 before discovering winemaking during his first winery visit. He later worked with Anthony Kock at Spier in Stellenbosch, who became an important mentor.
What makes South African Chenin Blanc interesting?
Old-vine South African Chenin Blanc can produce wines with impressive texture and concentration while retaining freshness, stone-fruit character, and a dry finish.