News

The inaugural Viognier Challenge was held at Vrede and Lust on Tuesday March 16th 2021. There were 24 entries of single variety wines, with no limitation made on whether they were oaked or not.

The wines were judged blind, using the international 100 point system. The 5-person panel consisted of Christine Rudman (Chairperson); Michael Bampfield-Duggan; Greg Mutambe; Samarie Smith and Malu Lambert.

They were given no indication of origin or vintage, or whether then wines were oaked. No discussion was permitted during the tasting, with a general report of overall impressions taking place afterwards. The tasting was audited by Cecil Kilpin & Company.

The high number of gold medals awarded (75 %) reflect the quality of the entries.

A taste of the vast store of insights gleaned from the Great BIG Wine Survey brought to you by Hollard has been released in an initial report available at no cost to wine producers, analysing South Africa’s curious relationship with wine across abroad spectrum of income and age brackets.

The in-depth analysis and publishing of findings is a collaboration between TOPS at SPAR Wine Show; KLA, a leading independent consumer insights agency;and Peter McAtamney, founding Principal of Wine Business Solutions (WBS), which provides strategic consultancy services to the wine industry on a global level. The North West University’s TREES (Tourism Research in Economics, Environs and Society) research unit played a pivotal role in establishing the terms of reference for the research study.

SA’s first wine route to remain collaborative pace-setter in wine tourism.

The Stellenbosch Wine Routes celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, a milestone that also marks the birth of South African wine tourism.

Beyond offering the highest density of exceptional premium wines in South Africa, the Stellenbosch Wine Routes paved the way for the creation of the country’s wine tourism, an industry that contributes R7.2bn to GDP per year.

“The occasion of our 50th comes at a most opportune time,” says Stellenbosch Wine Routes chairman, Mike Ratcliffe. “The wine industry and indeed, the country, is undergoing one of its most challenging seasons and reflecting on historic achievements is important for the inspiration it provides given the work that awaits us.”

The 2021 European wine awards season kicked-off extraordinarily well for De Wetshof Estate in Robertson with three of its Chardonnays raking in four golden awards at two auspicious wine shows.

In the Chardonnay du Monde held in France, the world’s most famous international competition for Chardonnay, the De Wetshof Lesca Chardonnay 2020 achieved a gold medal, also taking its place among the top 10 wines at this year’s competition. De Wetshof’s famous Limestone Hill 2020, South Africa’s most awarded unwooded Chardonnay, also garnered a gold medal at the Chardonnay du Monde.

The De Wetshof Lesca, which is marketed in South Africa under the name Finesse, was one of the first Chardonnays in the De Wetshof range, having been launched back in 1989.

Bubbly, bubbles, Champagne, Méthode Cap Classique, or as we like to call it, Cap Classique, originated in the French province of Champagne where they referred to it as Méthode Champenoise.

Names aside, the important fact is that careful fermentation in the bottle itself is the key to those delicate strings of tiny bubbles (called a mousse). With the Cap Classique style of wine celebrating 50 years of creation in South Africa, we’re popping corks and celebrating each tiny bubble!

Achim von Arnim’s role in South African Cap Classique

Our founder, Achim von Arnim, spent many years in the vineyards of France and Germany while studying viticulture in Geisenheim.

Harvest-time is here and as the most important time on a wine farm, it brings with it an infectious verve and positive energy - even in these difficult circumstances. After an outstanding growing season, quality expectations are high and we would like to invite you to join the La Motte Harvest Experience and share in the excitement of harvest-time in the Winelands.

We invite you to join one of the estate’s enthusiastic and knowledgeable wine tasting ambassadors for a celebration of unique harvest traditions.

• In the vineyard - enjoy an introduction to the various varietals, harvest processes and the estate’s biologic farming practices. Spot the differences between the various varieties and taste the sweetness of the ripe berries.

South Africa’s first Cap Classique ever made – the iconic Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel – celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The milestone also marks the birth of the country’s Cap Classique category, which has become the ambassador for South African wine excellence at home and abroad.

We’re exceptionally proud of seeing how that small, first start of Kaapse Vonkel by our patriarch Frans Malan, has grown to such an extent that some 200 wineries now make Cap Classique in South Africa. This is a wine that is regularly recognised by international wine authorities for the exceptional quality of the category as a whole. Frans Malan made the first bottle-fermented méthode champenoise wine in South Africa, at a time when sparkling wine comprised carbonated and mainly sweet products.

A DECADE OF COLLABORATION AND EXCEPTIONAL VINTAGES…

For Delaire Graff Estate’s Winemaker, Morné Vrey, and Viticulturist, Kallie Fernhout, 2021 marks ten years of partnership excellence.

What can we expect from this harvest? Morné what are you excited about?

Morné Vrey: Our harvest is very late this year, but we can already see some good acids on the white grapes coming in. It is still difficult to make a call on the red wines; with our Cabernet Sauvignon the cooler morning and evenings causing longer hanging time for the grapes is beneficial. There is potentially good color and tannins.

What is Kallie/Morné best characteristic?

Kallie Fernhout: Morné’s attention to detail...

Stay before 31 May 2021 and enjoy exclusive benefits across the Estate.

As summer draws to a close, we invite you to settle into the lap of luxury at Delaire Graff with this exclusive, end-of-season offer. The crème de la crème of Cape Winelands elegance is the ideal romantic destination for two, where you can indulge in luxury and allow your daily troubles to float away with every sip of Champagne and minute spent in your private heated plunge pool.

From R9,000 per lodge per night.

Valid until 31 May 2021 for new bookings only. Subject to availability. Offer cannot be combined. Dates can be changed within the validity period. Inclusive of Wi-Fi, please enquire for more information.