First up in the move to expand his Teddy Hall Wines selection, needless to say, was the introduction of different expressions of Chenin blanc, led by his trademark sumptuously oaked Chenin Blanc Reserve. Next in line was a Cabernet Sauvignon and sparkling wine.
But he balanced the portfolio of serious wines he was developing with the Moments Collection, showcasing his deft hand at bringing out the easy charm of his favourite varieties: Chenin blanc (Summer Moments) and a cabernet sauvignon shiraz blend (Winter Moments).
Branding discussions bring on another bout of self-mockery: 'I’m into the branding idea; when I get photographed I'm usually clutching my bottle of wine up against my face, right up here next to my ear, or cradling it in my arms... it's what you do when you're a one-man show!' But again, it reflects the scope of his interests: he did a technical course in portrait photography 'in my younger days.
These days it's a new-look Teddy at home in his pad in Stellenbosch with wife Doreen. Still a chess player, but gone are the more conventional short-back-and-sides haircut, beard and rimless spectacles; he's clean-shaven, with spiked dark hair and trendy black, rectangular eyewear.
The winemaker, who's as happy in the kitchen as he is in the cellar, has always enjoyed cooking. 'My stepfather was Lebanese and cooked quite a lot, though he wasn't much into wine.'
He follows the recipes of classic chefs such as Paul Bocuse. 'The thing is, if you use their recipes, the food always tastes awesome. After all, that's why they're considered classics!'
A particular favourite is Bocuse's salmon and spinach lasagne. 'It goes really well with my Dr Jan Cats Chenin Blanc Reserve ... or the Blanc de Blancs Méthode Cap Classique.'
Dr Jan Cats is considered a benchmark expression of Cape Chenin that combines the variety's fresh, tropical fruit flavours with a depth of complexity provided by elegant oaking in new barrels.
The Cap Classique, a bubbly rich in flavour from years on the lees, was initially made as a home tipple but became part of his range in 2009.
'The correct way of opening a bottle of bubbly is not with a pop; it should just make a sound like the sigh of a satisfied woman.'
Mixed herb, pecorino cheese, and crouton salad with poached egg recipe by Teddy Hall....
Tagliatelle with roasted tomato and anchovy recipe by Teddy Hall paired with Teddy Hall Hercules van Loon Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve wine....