The air in Sandton hummed with anticipation, a prelude to the rich aromas and even richer conversations that awaited us at the Stellenbosch Winter Wine Showcase, held at the elegant Southern Sun & Towers. This wasn’t just a tasting; it was a relaxed walk-around odyssey, connecting us with over 40 of Stellenbosch’s most esteemed winemakers, winery owners, and ambassadors. Each poured something truly special, complemented by delicious food and the promise of warm, genuine connections. This was a celebration of South Africa‘s most awarded wine region, and it delivered on every promise.
Stepping into the bustling hall, we were immediately drawn into the passionate world of these vintners. Our first stop led us to Bongani from Morgenster Estate.
“Welcome, gentlemen. So this is Morgenster Estate. I’m Bongani. So today we’re actually showcasing an Italian varietal. It’s called Vermentino.”
He shared how the Italian owners, in memory of a departed father or grandfather, named a range Giulio Bertrand. The Vermentino, he explained, was stainless steel fermented, boasting a nose akin to Sauvignon Blanc, with hints of rosemary, yet surprisingly dry on the palate.
“If we were blindfolded, we’d say it’s a Sauvignon Blanc. Yes, a Sauvignon Blanc. But with a bit of sweet nose. It’s not dry. It’s a beautiful summer wine.”
“I think this is the best one to introduce someone to try wine… it’s the gateway plug to the heavy stuff of wines.”
As Bongani aptly put it,
Their commitment to organic practices only added to its appeal.
A foray into the world of MCC led us to Simonsig, the originators of Cap Classique in South Africa, dating back to 1971. Their representative educated us on the distinction between Cap Classique and Champagne, a protected geographical indication.
“Champagne is an area in France and a bottle it can be called Champagne if it is made in Champagne”.
he explained, dispelling common misconceptions
Their dedication to the traditional method, with long fermentation on the lees, results in a rich, buttery mouthfeel without the overt oak, making their Cap Classique a versatile food pairing wine.
We then met Jacques, the passionate winemaker from Jordan Wine Estate. His journey from accountant to winemaker, fueled by a love for wine, was inspiring.
“I love that this is something I made and I can put it in a bottle and I can present it to someone and share it with someone.”
His simple yet profound philosophy perfectly captured the essence of winemaking. Jacques’ insights into developing one’s palate and recognizing regional characteristics were truly enlightening, emphasizing the nuanced experience of wine tasting.
The showcase also introduced us to the rising stars of Bertha Wines from Weltevreden Estate. Their decision to start making wine in 2019, amidst a pandemic, was audacious. Bertha, named after their grandmother, embodies strength, humility, and resilience. Their Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé, Semillon, and Shiraz reflect this ethos, offering a unique take on Stellenbosch wines. The Semillon, a bold standalone, showcased their experimental spirit, making only 2,000 bottles of this delightful reserve.
A profound sense of history enveloped us at the Annandale Wines stand. Established in 1688, Annandale is one of the original 15 farms in the Cape. The representative, a sixth-generation winemaker, and his 17-year-old son, a seventh, shared their family’s unwavering dedication to traditional winemaking.
“We don’t listen to the people. We make wine the way we like to make our wine. And if you like my wine, you buy it.”
This commitment to authenticity, with low sulphur, no additives, and natural yeast, resonated deeply. Their small batches, around 15,000 bottles across three wines, underscore their focus on art over mass production. The 950 rand Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2021, a selection by three generations, was a testament to their legacy.
Among the many inspiring stories, a highlight was meeting Ntsiki Biyela of Aslina Wines. Hailing from Zululand, Ntsiki’s journey to becoming one of the few black wine owners in South Africa is a testament to her talent and passion.
“I’ve been making wine for 20 years now. I worked for another company for 13 years… and then I decided to start my own company.”
Her dedication to her grandmother, Aslina, for whom the brand is named, adds a deeply personal touch. Ntsiki’s ambition to own her own space, currently relying on a tasting room and aiming for 200,000 bottles sold, is a powerful narrative of determination and vision.
Our overall experience at the Stellenbosch Winter Wine Showcase was truly amazing. Learning about the diverse stories, inspirations, and dedication behind each bottle brought immense joy. This event was not just about tasting wine; it was about connecting with the heart and soul of Stellenbosch. The partnership between Stellenbosch Wine Routes and Southern Sun, as announced by Southern Sun Hotels CEO Marcel von Aulock and Stellenbosch Wine Routes chairman Mike Ratcliffe, further solidifies this commitment to showcasing South African excellence in both wine and hospitality. This collaboration, a testament to shared vision, will undoubtedly continue to elevate visitor experiences and champion sustainable tourism in the region.
#ThinkQuality #DrinkStellenbosch #visitStellenbosch #WineBoscher
