South African wine estate Kleine Zalze has appointed RJ Botha as winemaker.

Botha will assist cellarmaster Johan Joubert to develop new premium white and red blends which will be launched in South Africa this year.

He previously worked as winemaker at Nitida in Durbanville for five years and was named Diners Club Young Winemarker of the Year in 2010.

"We are delighted to have made this appointment. RJ's passion, and his belief in getting quality wines in the bottle matches ours," said Joubert.

Kleine Zalze moved its whole portfolio in the UK to Hatch Mansfield last year.