Graham Beck

Pioneering South African wine producer and social philanthropist Graham Beck, owner of Graham Beck Wines, passed in the early hours of Tuesday morning, 27 July at the age of 80 in London after a battle with lung cancer.

Best known for his bold and insightful approach to life, Mr Beck’s involvement with South African wine began with his visionary purchase of the Madeba farm in Robertson, a property he developed into a world class producer of méthode cap classique. Later acquisitions of well-positioned properties in Franschhoek and Stellenbosch saw Graham Beck Wines grow to become a leading wine purveyor, reflecting Mr Beck’s dream to produce to the “highest possible standards”.

In 2009 Mr Beck, with his wife of 50 years, Rhona, opened the Graham and Rhona Beck Skills Centre near Madeba in Robertson. Part of an extensive social development program, the centre aims to facilitate skills development for the long term upliftment of the farming community in the Breede River Valley.

A self-made entrepreneur with considerable varied investments, Mr Beck made his start in the renovations industry, shortly after graduating from university with a Bachelor of Commerce degree. After 15 years working at the coal face of the mining industry, astute investments saw Mr Beck well on his way to success, with the purchase of a stud farm in Robertson in 1976 and the purchase of Madeba farm in 1983.

The acquisition of Union Wine in 1989 led to the formation of Douglas Green Bellingham, a company shared with Kersaf in a 50/50 share; later acquired by Mr Beck in entirety, then sold to management in 2006. Mr Beck’s most recent investment in South African wine was the purchase of Steenberg Wines and Hotel in the renowned Constantia Valley in 2005.

Described in a prominent wine magazine as “mortal, but not mere, neither in size nor inspiration,” Mr Beck saw his greatest achievement in life as his ability to “give employment to thousands of people, and that this has enabled them to better their lives.”

Mr Beck passed with his wife Rhona by his side. Graham Beck Wines will continue to operate as it has done, in respect of the final wishes of its visionary leader.

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Alexandra Galindo & Andres Correa tasting Topiary wines

But that did not stop thousand of Cape Townians and tourists alike from revelling in the Franschhoek sunshine at the Franschhoek Bastille Festival 2010, the 16^th celebration of this event.

Football fans, Alexandra Galindo from Chile and Andres Correa from Columbia, stayed on after the 2010 FIFA World Cup to discover the Western Cape and to improve their English. They had read about the Franschhoek festival on a local website and we met them while sipping Topiary wines in the Food and Wine Marquee. Alexandra had only good things to say about the Shiraz 2006 and the Rose that were on offer for tasting.

Topiary Wines, not surprisingly, is named for viticulturist, Malcolm Pemberton’s sculpted garden on the property in Franschhoek. This new boutique winery produces a Methode cap classique and a Rose wine, as well as Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon-Shiraz, Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc varietal wines.

Protea wines stand

For me a super discovery in the Food and Wine Marquee was the new second label of Antonij Rupert Wines, The Protea Range, consisting of Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Chenin Blanc 2009, Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 and Merlot 2007. What is remarkable about this range is that they are made to the same high standard as the L’Ormarins and Anthonij Rupert wines but retail at under R50.00 per bottle.  They are available locally at Ultra Liquor Stores, Vaughn Johnson’s Wine Shop, Wine Concepts and at Picardi Liquor Stores.

The barrel rolling race drew us out into the sunshine again. South Africa had promised to roll out the barrel for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, but you haven’t seen anything quite like this Franschhoek Wine Route competition where 16 wine farms compete for the trophy. Although the challenge is thrown out each year to the other wine routes to compete, none take up the challenge. An investigation by our specialist team led to an embarrassing reason for this – the maturation containers of Stellenbosch Wine Route farms are square. Come on guys – prove us wrong on this one and take up the challenge in 2011!

Reigning champ, Glenwood, fell in the quarter finals and Franschhoek Cellars took the trophy.

With or without a festival, Franschhoek has everything to offer as a mini-break destination or a day out. Enter the valley and you could be a world away.

Barrel rolling competition

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The Big Issue vendor

One of them is Matthew Blackman, 40, who sells the The Big Issue in the Bristol city center and commented,

It’s disgusting because most of us vendors are either drug addicts or alcoholics. To be sponsored by a company that profits from that seems wrong.

They are making a big mistake. Even though they are being paid a lot of money it’s still bad publicity. It’s like some bad, ironic joke.

A more balanced view is expressed by Steve, a vendor in Bath who says,

I am a bit annoyed to hear that a wine company will be sponsoring the jackets as a lot of the vendors have an alcohol dependency.

If it is helping the Big Issue then it is important but I think the company should provide some kind of support to vendors on how to get off the alcohol.

Fairhills wine company is not called that for nothing. They are Fair Trade producers; have supported alcohol abuse treatment centers in South Africa for many years and are opening a center in England to assist alcoholics kick the habit.

Bernard Fontannaz, owner of Origin Wine addressed the controversy by explaining,

That is all good to do it here in South Africa, where the needs are big, but we wanted to contribute, as well, in countries where we sell our wines. As we all know the Cape does not have the monopoly on alcohol related abuse.

In order to do so we thought that, by sponsoring the Big Issue sellers, and in doing so helping them in their task to sell more and make a decent living, we will contribute to help people who fall out of the track sometimes due to alcohol abuse.

I do believe that we are acting responsibly and, in fact, are trying to be consequent with our involvement in the alcohol industry. We are a stakeholder in it and we need to assume responsibility for the good and the bad.

What the 60,000 pound deal means is that The Big Issue sellers will be more visible and easily recognized resulting in increased sales and hopefully, a speedier repatriation into society.

This can only be good.

Postscript

The recovery center is in fact in South Africa and not in England as I thought.

For more about it visit http://worldoffairhills.wordpress.com/

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Tariro Masayiti

I recently sampled a range of his wines including the 2010 FIFA World Cup Sauvignon Blanc 2009 and found all of them to be of exceptional high quality.

This is an inspirational story that can motivate all of us.

Well done Tariro!

Read the article here.

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Franschhoek Bastille Festival

It was here that the French Huguenots sought freedom from European persecution. Close by is the Drakenstein Prison (formerly Victor Verster Prison) from which the iconic South African leader, Nelson Mandela, was released from prison exactly 20 years ago.

The Franschhoek Bastille Festival offers something for everyone and at the heart of the festival will be the Food and Wine Marquee. For R100.00 ($13) per person you will receive a tasting glass and a 5 coupon book for food and wine tasting. After that it is pay as you go. To be tasted and sipped at the Food and Wine Marquee are food and wines from -  Akkerdal Wine Estate; Allee Bleu Restauant; Allee Bleu wines; Angels Tears wines; Anthonij Rupert Wines; Bellingham wines; Boekenhoutskloof wines; Boschendal Cellar Door; Bread & Wine Restaurant; Cabriere wines; Chamonix spring water; Dieu Donne Restaurant; Dieu Donne Vineyards; Franschhoek Cellar; Franschhoek Pass Winery; French Connection Bistro & The Grill Room; Glenwood wines; Graham Beck Wines; Grande Provence Wines; The Restaurant at Grande Provence; Haute Cabriere Cellar Restaurant; Ci at La Quartier Francais; La Bri Estate; La Motte wines; L’Ermitage; Lynx wines; Monneaux Restaurant; Mont Rochelle Hotel, Mont Rochelle Vineyards; Moreson; Plaisir de Merle wines and Reubens Restaurant and bar.

This will be a sumptuous opportunity to experience all of these producers in one afternoon. The Food and Wine Marquee will open on both days from 12h00 – 17h00.

A Franschhoek Minstrel Parade, a barrel-rolling contest and a waiters’ race will keep us entertained. Alternately try your hand at a game of boules.

Also part of the festival will be a farmers market, childrens’ activities and a film festival where screenings will take place at La Quartier Francais.

Several accommodation establishments will be offering special deals and here are some of them:

Mont Rochelle Hotel and Mountain Vineyards

Rates start at R999.00 ($130) per person sharing per night for a luxury room as well as a day ticket for entry to the Food and Wine Marquee plus transfers from the hotel. A three-course gourmet dinner at Mange Tout Restaurant, full breakfast and in-room treats such as fresh fruit and Huguenot chocolates are included in the price.

To book phone 021-8762770 or email info@montrochelle.co.za

5* L’Ermitage Franschhoek Chateau and Villas

Rooms cost R1200.00 ($156) for a single room and R2000.00 ($260) per double room per night. This includes a ticket to the Food and Wine Marquee and shuttle transfer.

For bookings phone 021-8769200 or email ester@lermitage.co.uk.

Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa

From 12 – 18th July rooms will cost R2000.00 ($260) per night and include a 3 course dinner and breakfast.

To book phone 021-8768900

The festival programme is here:

Saturday 17 July

08h00 – 17h00: Pierre Jourdan SPCA Boules Tournament (Church Grounds)

10h00 – 17h00: The French Corner Market in the Town Hall

12h00 – 17h00: The Bastille Food and Wine Marquee

13h00: The Waiters’ Race (at the Food and Wine Marquee)

14h00: Porcupine Ridge Barrel Rolling Competition (at the Food and Wine Marquee)

18h30: Movies by MINI at the Screening Room at Le Quartier Francais

OFFICIAL AFTER PARTIES at Col’Cacchio and Elephant & Barrel.

Sunday 18 July

08h00 – 17h00: Pierre Jourdan SPCA Boules Tournament (Church Grounds)

09h30: Bastille Festival MTB Outride (meet at the Hugeunot Monument – R30)

10h00 – 17h00: The French Corner Market in the Town Hall

12h00 – 17h00: The Bastille Food and Wine Marquee

14h00: Porcupine Ridge Barrel Rolling Competition (at the Food and Wine Marquee)

18h30: Movies by MINI at the Screening Room at Le Quartier Francais

19h00: Queenie 2000 (the play) A story of 7 beggars and their struggle for survival. At the Town Hall. Cost: R15 per ticket.

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CWG Flagstone Love Handles 2004

Here’s the chance for Cape Town and Joberg wine aficionados to sample informally, the best that South Africa can offer as well as chat to the winemakers themselves.

The CWG consists of  only 41 South African winemakers who have to craft two wines a year which are peer reviewed and qualified to be sold on the CWG Auction. The guild funds from this auction, social development investment for school children in the wineland areas and further education through the Protege Programme.

The events also offer a chance to bid on a silent auction of rare signed bottles of CWG wines from previous auctions.

The details are here:

Cape Town Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Auction Showcase

Thursday, 12 August 2010

Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC)

18:00 – 21:00

R150 per person including a tasting glass

Johannesburg Nedbank Cape Winemakers Guild Auction Showcase

Thursday, 02 September 2010

The Atrium, Nedbank Sandton

18:30 – 21:30

R150 per person including a tasting glass

The auction itself takes place on Saturday, 02 October at 09h00 at Spier Conference Centre in the Stellenbosch Winelands and is open to the public. To purchase your tickets to the Auction Showcases or to find out how you can obtain these rare and exclusive wines visit: www.capewinemakersguild.com, email info@capewinemakersguild.com or call Tel: +27 +21 852 0408.

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La Capra wines

That evening we paired our La Capra Shiraz with barbecued ostrich sausage and sirloin steak with delicious results.

Having a chance to review the entire range of La Capra wines at the public launch was a huge bonus which I grabbed with both hands.  This gypsy carnival was staged complete with oompah band, gypsy caravan and beautiful fortune teller in the form of Bridget Back, daughter of the renowned wine maker Charles Back, owner of Fairview estate.

Bridget lured us into her caravan with the promise of delightful potions and disappointed we were not.

The Chenin Blanc 2009 is perky and delicious, as are the Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Rose 2009 from Pinotage, and the Chardonnay 2009. A real treat for consumers who want to be more adventurous is that the range includes a Viognier 2009.

My favourite amongst the red wines is the Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 which is amazingly smooth with almost imperceptible oak. This can happily be drunk as an aperitif for those of us who simply can’t get enough red wine. To my mind, the Pinotage 2009, Merlot 2009 and Shiraz 2009 will compliment food really well. Also in the range is Malbec 2009 another more unusual variety wine which I will be scouring the supermarket shelves for.

All of these wines are accessible and perfect for drinking straight away.

Sipping to the sound of the Oompah Band

“What about the name?” I asked the gypsy princess.  My Italian being somewhat rusty I had missed the word capra meaning goat, referring of course to the Fairview goat herd from which the very first goat’s milk cheese was produced in South Africa. La rhymes with Ra the Egyptian sun god and Capra also points to the Cape Cap, suggesting a Cape to Cairo connection.

These wines are available at Fairview Estate for the unbelievable price of R200.00 per mixed 6 bottle case. Alternately they can be bought at Pick and Pay supermarkets in the Western Cape for between R35 and R42 per bottle.

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Bongi-Sodladla and Cape Wine Academy's, Marilyn Cooper

Bongi Sodladla, South African Airways’ Senior Food and Beverage Manager, recently graduated as a Cape Sommelier through the Cape Wine Academy. Sodladla’s position at SAA requires her to specialise in menu design, food presentations, wine selection, food and wine pairing, food safety auditing, quality control, and conducting trials of new products.

Says Sodladla: “The Sommelier qualification gives immense credibility to our onboard wine lists. It also reflects the growing power of women and wine. My job is to select meals and beverages including wines to be consumed at 33,000 feet. I have to assess the ability of the food and the wine to fly against the harm done by pressurized cabins, which dull our taste buds by anything up to 30%. I also draw up menus and wine lists for our flights. “

Sodladla was employed by SAA in 2000 as a Food and Beverage Specialist. In 2006 she completed both the Certificate of Wines and Wines of the World Courses at the Cape Wine Academy and began as SAA’s Global Food and Beverage Manager.  More recently, she completed a course in Food and Wine Pairing in 2009 and on the 18th of March 2010 Sodladla was awarded the highly acclaimed Cape Sommelier qualification.

SAA has realised the importance of highly trained and knowledgeable staff in managing the thousands of tourists who will descend upon South Africa, from different corners of the world, all with different tastes and needs.

The Cape Sommelier programme, implemented in South Africa through the Cape Wine Academy, was introduced as a response to a huge demand and support from the hospitality industry for a suitable professional qualification.

Marilyn Cooper, Cape Wine Master and Managing Director of the Cape Wine Academy, says “We are very proud of Bongi and her achievement in gaining Cape Sommelier status. It is recognised worldwide and certainly puts a new dimension to SAA dining in First Class, Business Class and Economy.”

A Sommelier is known to be a highly trained and knowledgeable wine professional, working in fine restaurants, specialising in all aspects of wine service.

Sodladla is the fifth graduate of the renowned Cape Sommelier qualification. Previous graduates of the Cape Sommelier qualification include Nicci Pain, based in Kenya, Kerry Guibert at the Raj in Cape Town, Milton Makhaza at the Mount Grace Country House and Spa Hotel in Magaliesburg, and Mike Buthelezi at Auberge Michel in Sandton.

There are great expectations in the local wine industry for the new generation of wine servers and we wish them every success.

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Kick-about in the vineyard

A change in format will see 50 different wine farms hosting festival events with visitors having the option of leaving their cars at any of 6 Park and Ride stops in Stellenbosch and travelling via a shuttle service to farms. This is included in the price of the ticket. Socceroos will also have the chance to hop on board a shuttle in Cape Town for a ride to Stellenbosch. Or spoil yourself and take the Stellenbosch Wine Festival Heli-Hopper Extravaganza to visit Blaauwklippen, Skilpadvlei & Zorgvliet for tastings.

A host of fun and wine activities will be offered such as potjiekos at Middlevlei; a de-gorging and landrover 4 x 4 experience at Simonsig; a game drive at Villeria and even 5 a side football kick around in the vineyards at Idiom.

Children will be entertained at Bellevue Wine Estate, Middelvlei and Delvera with pantomime productions; cart rides; feeding farmyard animals; horse rides and lots more.

Tickets for the Stellenbosch Wine Festival are available on-line at R150 per person per day which includes free shuttle service and five vouchers to exchange for special activities at the wine farms.

The Golden Pass, R500 is  valid for the entire duration of the festival and includes free shuttle service and twenty vouchers.

Kids under the age of 18 go free accompanied by an adult. For more information on the Stellenbosch Wine Festival, contact 021 886 4310.

The Park and Ride site and shuttle stops are open from 0900 to 17h00 daily.

Shuttle Transfer from Cape Town - On each of the festival days there will be a shuttle transfer departing from and returning to the V & A Waterfront, Clock Tower Center, (where the tour buses make their stops). The departure times are 09h30 and 11h30 and the return times from Doornbosch, in the center of Stellenbosch are 15h00 and 17h00. The shuttle ticket costs R300.00 per person which includes your festival pass for that day. To book you need to contact Norman Stevens on 082 5698299.

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Constellation Wines South Africa

The Lookout Village, situated above the Breakwater Parking Garage at the V&A Waterfront, is a rooftop-marquee venue with panoramic views of the Cape Town Stadium and Table Mountain. It is set to become the Mother City’s most sought-after venue for discerning fans of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Jennie Sawdon

The Lookout Village features three distinct venues: Eagle’s Nest, Lion’s Den and Nina’s Wine Bar. Nina’s Wine Bar, sponsored by Kumala, is where visitors can sample, sip and savour some of the country’s premium wines along with sushi and oysters. Flagstone Winery will have a tasting counter at Nina’s Wine Bar, where guests can sample wines and place orders for their favourite vintages.

Scheduled to perform at Nina’s Wine Bar is TJ Johnson, widely considered to be one of the UK’s finest jazz and blues singers. Sharing the stage with TJ is Jennie Sawdon, a trained opera singer and an excellent pianist.  She performs throughout the UK with her 6-piece soul-based cover band, the Rough Hill Band, and together they create a performance which is diverse and entertaining to audiences throughout the world.

The Lookout Village is open daily from 11am to 2am. Tickets can be bought at the door at R150 per person per day and entitles you to entry to the venue only. For more information, visit www.thelookoutvillage.com.

More information about Flagstone Winery and Kumala can be found on their respective websites at www.flagstonewines.co.za and www.kumala.co.za.

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Ilka Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

The Decanter World Wine Awards is the world’s biggest wine competition and it is thrilling to see Cape Town wines holding their own against fierce competition from traditional old world wine producers and emerging  countries alike.

Alluvia’s ilka Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 brought home a prestigious medal for the second year in a row. Named after co-owner Delarey Brugman’s twin daughters, Ilse and Karla, this wine scored 18.4/20 – very good to excellent. Andrew Harris, Alluvia’s Wine Business Manager, comments:

All of us at Alluvia are very proud of this achievement. The ilka Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 is an award winning wine with its richness of flavours and velvety elegance. Smart wine buyers and top restaurants will be pleased to know there are still a few cases available before we move on to the next vintage!

Hard to obtain, you may have to take a First or Business Class flight on China Eastern Airlines to sample this winning cab.

Sandy Straw Wine 2009, paying homage to Delarey’s wife,  and Ilke Sauvignon Blanc 2009 were commended by the judges.

In total, 9 South African wineries were awarded Regional Trophies and 13 achieved Gold Medals.

For all of the results visit Decanter , select See results here, then Search by location – South Africa.

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Nederburg and FIFA have signed an agreement entitling the famous Paarl winery to make and market a range of South African wines for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Cellarmaster Razvan Macici has developed a special edition collection of three South Africa wines for the tournament which are sold locally and internationally. The three limited-edition wines are a Cabernet Sauvignon, a dry rose and a Sauvignon Blanc.

Capitalising on the pre-tournament excitement, the wines have been released worldwide, according to Nederburg marketing manager Rudolph Du Toit. “We have prioritised those markets where there is a strong interest in football but it is possible that distribution could be extended to meet demand.”

The wines are now locally available from selected stockists nationally, as well as from Nederburg itself.

Sold in bottles made from partially recycled glass, they are being marketed until December 2010 and span the 2007 to 2010 vintages. The white and rose are sold under screwcap.

The three wines were selected for their broad appeal, says Macici, but are being made in smaller quantities than the winery’s popular Winemaster’s Reserve Range, as grapes have been sourced from very specific vineyards for this purpose.

“The three wines bearing the 2010 FIFA World Cup emblem carry Nederburg’s hallmark blend of fruit intensity and finesse. They are intense but graceful and are clearly South African in that they have a very clear expression  of fruit, but restrained classical styling, making them fresh, approachable and food-friendly. Given our association with such an important sporting initiative, we want them to serve as ambassadors for South African excellence.”

Each of the 2010 FIFA World Cup wines will feature a special facility on the back label that will enable consumers to instantly access information on Nederburg by clicking on an unique QR code with their cellphone cameras. The information will then appear on their cellphone screens.

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Fairview Shiraz 2008

Charles Back has developed exciting, new viticultural sites across the Western Cape and his wines are renowned for including lesser-known varieties such as Barbera, Tannat, Petit Syrah, Carignan and Grenache.

Fairview lifted a host of prizes at this year’s key international wine awards including gold medals for the Fairview Shiraz 2008 and Spice Route Malabar 2006 at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, as well as gold for the Cyril Back 2007 at the 2010 Decanter World Wine Awards. Fairview also gathered eleven silver medals from the two competitions, together with the recent International Wine Challenge, marking a remarkable success for the family-run business based in Paarl.

Anthony de Jager, winemaker of the Fairview label and Spice Route’s Charl du Plessis together with their teams can be well satisfied with the results of their hard work and maverick approach to brand building.

Charles Back had this to say about the recent accolades:

“We are selective about the small number of competitions we enter, as the opinions we most value are those of our consumers. However being judged as producing great wine by international experts makes me very proud of our wine making teams and their outstanding contribution to the company’s success.”

Happily for readers, of this blog Fairview wines are sold in 40 countries around the world.

Look out for a review soon of La Capra the latest range, on this blog.

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Wine waiters being trained

Thanks to an initiative undertaken by generic wine marketing body Wines of South Africa (WOSA) to train wine waiting staff nationwide in time for the games, people who might otherwise have found themselves struggling to find work, are not only employed for the soccer season but have been equipped with SETA-accredited certification to begin a career in the hospitality industry.

WOSA CEO Su Birch said: “We wanted to find a way of improving wine service levels at a time when the spotlight would be on South Africa and many visitors would be exposed to local wines for the first time.  By introducing visitors to our wines via knowledgeable and efficient wine waiters, we are creating ambassadors for the country.  We also hope that newly trained wine waiters develop an appreciation for wine they can extend to the people in their communities.”

The mostly on-the-job training was made available at no cost to candidates who were first screened for suitability. The programme was helping to fill a shortage of much-needed skills in the hospitality industry, she added. Birch explained that the service training initiative was being funded mainly through the domestic and international sale of specialist red wines labelled Fundi, the isiZulu word for learner.  “Developed for this purpose, the wines are labelled with a bright sunflower, as a symbol of hope.  Each bottle carries a beaded neck tag, produced by informal roadside beaders. We have also received substantial contributions from the Cape Winelands District Municipality in support of the project, while several leading German wine writers have adopted the Fundi cause and are driving sales to consumers through a highly effective social media campaign. Public and private generosity like this will allow us to extend the training initiative till the end of the year.”

Fundi wine

In March 150 people were recruited for training in the Cape Town CBD, she said.  They underwent a five-week training course to equip them to sell South African wine at on-consumption establishments.  Of this group alone, over 90% have already been employed by some of the city’s top establishments, including fine dining restaurants The Roundhouse, Salt, Moyo at the V&A Waterfront and several hotels.

“When you consider that according to Statistics SA, 64% of the country’s 4,3 million unemployed have been out of work for a year, this is a remarkable uptake.”

Similar training projects were being run in Johannesburg, Durban, Port Elizabeth and the Winelands.

Birch said the training focused on introducing candidates to best-practice service skills in a dining environment, whether exclusive and formal or more casual and relaxed. To give candidates a basic understanding of wine, the course included a “bush logic wine course”, an analogy-driven way of teaching about the main wine grape varieties and their likeness to some African animals and birds.  A Cabernet Sauvignon, for example, was likened to the impressive African elephant, a long-lived and majestic animal of great stature.

“In many cases, when trainees embark on the course, they don’t know much about wine.  Using the characteristics and the personalities associated with certain examples of African wildlife to introduce them to similar qualities evident in specific wine varietals, makes the learning accessible, fun and easy to remember.  Now, when waiters use these analogies while serving diners, they can offer novel and entertaining help to their customers in deciding what to order.”

The training initiative is being run as WOSA Laduma (isiZulu for goal), a section 21 company.

The industry was invited to submit wines for possible inclusion in the Fundi range in an open tender.  Submissions were selected in a blind tasting by members of the Cape Winemakers’ Guild according to the same exacting standards applied when choosing wines for its annual auction. The wines of five producers were selected.  They are identified on the back label of each wine.

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Bruce Jack, Flagstone winemaker

Bruce Jack, cellar master of Flagstone Winery, crafted Word of Mouth Viognier 2008 from grapes grown in the cool ward of Elim and fermented 20% of the must in oak.  The result is an elegant, creamy wine that could stand shoulder to shoulder with a Condrieu, as we experienced at a recent tasting at Steenberg Vineyards.

Bruce, philosopher and writer, was on the path to becoming an academic when he recognised his passion and already extensive knowledge of South African wines and their producers. Happily for us local wine aficionados, he then worked several vintages offshore and completed a degree in oenology at the University of Adelaide in Australia before starting Flagstone Wines.

The first vintage was in 1999 and in 2008, Flagstone was bought by Constellation Wines, the world’s largest wine business, producing, marketing and selling a broad portfolio of wines. Bruce is the winemaker for the Flagstone, Fishhoek and Kumala labels. Kumula on its own produces 31.5 million bottles per year and is the biggest selling of all South African brands overseas.

Two Roads Chardonnay 2002, The Music Room Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, CWG Flagstone Love Handles 2004

His parents are an architect and a music teacher and their imprint on his life reflects in the lyrical, poetic descriptions of his wines and the thoughtful names he has given them. There is a story behind each one. The name Flagstone reflects the first broad-base tax levied by the French government after the revolution – a turning point for society. Word of Mouth is the only way to sell wine as apposed to adverts and award stickers on bottles, not that Flagstone wines are short of these.  This name underscores the power of social media marketing that more and more wine makers are embracing.  A favourite of mine is Two Roads Chardonnay 2002 named for Robert Frost’s thought provoking poem, The Road Not Taken.

His father’s influence also shows in the present home of Flagstone Winery which is in the original dynamite factory in Strand, Western Cape. On the site is a house designed by Sir Herbert Baker.

One of only 41 South African winemakers to belong to the prestigious Cape Winemakers’ Guild, Bruce has to craft two wines a year which are peer reviewed and qualified to be sold on the CWG Auction. The guild funds from this auction, social development investment for school children in the wineland areas and further education through the Protege Programme.

For all of the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show results click here.

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Beating the Australians hands down, South Africa came sixth overall after Chili, earning 80 medals. The winning country was France, followed by Spain, Italy, Portugal and Chili. 7,000 Wines and spirits were judged.

Here are South Africas winners -

Concours Mondial de Bruxelles

Grand Gold Medals

Engelbrecht Els 2007

Spier Private Collection Chenin Blanc 2008

Gold Medals

Almenkerk Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Backsberg Pumphouse Shiraz 2007

Boschendal 1685 Chardonnay 2009

Boschendal Sauvignon Blanc Grand Cuvee 2009

Douglas Green Chenin Blanc 2009

Drostdy-Hof Chardonnay 2009

Ernie Els 2006

Douglas Green Chardonnay 2009

Drostdy-Hof Chardonnay 2009

Fairhills Cabernet Sauvignon Petit Verdot 2009

Fairview Primo Pinotage 2008

Grande Provence Chardonnay 2008

Grande Provence Shiraz 2007

Guardian Peak Lapa Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

Hartenberg Chardonnay 2008

Kaapzicht Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Kaapzicht Steytler Pinotage 2007

KWV 10 Year Old Potstill Brandy

KWV 20 Year Old Potstill Brandy

La Motte Pierneef Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Linton Park Proprietor’s Reserve Shiraz 2007

Mont Rochelle Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

Oude Meester Demant

Ridgeback Journey 2005

Riebeek Cellars Reserve Chenin Blanc 2009

Riebeek Cellars Reserve Shiraz 2007

Rust en Vrede Shiraz 2007

Saronsberg Shiraz 2007

Spice Route Chakalaka 2008

Spice Route Flagship Syrah 2007

Stormhoek Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Leopard Frog Vineyards Tantra 2005

KWV The Mentors Canvas 2008

KWV The Mentors Orchestra 2008

KWV The Mentors Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2009

Distell Three Ships Aged 5 Years

Distell Three Ships Bourbon Cask Finish

Distell Three Ships Select

Van Ryn’s 15 Year Old Fine Cask Reserve

Van Ryn’s 20 Year Old Collectors Reserve

Villiera Traditional Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc 2009

Fairview Shiraz 2008

Hartenberg Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2009

La Motte Chardonnay 2008

Lourensford Winemaker’s Selection Chardonnay 2009

Naledi Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

Nederburg Viognier Chardonnay 2009

Remhoogte Estate Wine 2006

Ridgeback Shiraz 2007

Rust en Vrede 1694

Rust en Vrede Single Vineyard Syrah  2007

Saronsberg Chardonnay 2008

Saronsberg Provenance Shiraz 2007

Spice Route Malabar 2006

Spier Creative Block 2009

Spier Private Collection Chardonnay 2008

Spier Private Collection Pinotage 2007

Spier Private Collection Syrah 2007

Stormhoek Pinotage 2009

KWV The Mentors Petit Verdot 2008

KWV The Mentors Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Silver Medals

Boland Cellar Reserve No 1 2007

Boland Cabernet Reserve 2007

Boschendal 1685 Shiraz 2008

Boschendal Grand Cuvee Brut 2006

Bouchard Finlayson Kaaimansgat Chardonnay 2008

Cederberg Sauvignon Blan c 2009

Cirrus  Ernie Els Wines 2007

Boland Cellar Reserve No 1 2007

Boland Cabernet Reserve 2007

Boschendal 1685 Shiraz 2008

Boschendal Grand Cuvee Brut 2006

Bouchard Finlayson Kaaimansgat Chardonnay 2008

Cederberg Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Cirrus  Ernie Els Wines 2007

Distell Collison’s White Gold

Douglas Green Chardonnay 2009

Fairhills Cabernet Sauvignon – Petit Verdot 2009

Fairview Primo Pinotage 2008

Grande Provence Chardonnay 2008

Grande Provence Shiraz 2007

Guardian Peak Lapa Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

Hartenberg Chardonnay 2008

Kaapzicht Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Kaapzicht Steytler Pinotage 2007

KWV 10 Year old Potstill Brandy

KWV 20 Year old Potstill Brandy

La Motte Pierneef Sauvignon Blanc 2009

La Motte Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Linton Park Proprietor’s Reserve Shiraz 2007

Mont Rochelle Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

Distell Nachtmusik

Oude Meester Demant

Ridgeback Journey 2005

Riebeek Cellars Reserve Chenin Blanc 2009

Riebeek Cellars Reserve Shiraz 2007

Rust en Vrede Shiraz 2007

Saronsberg Shiraz 2007

Spice Route Chakalaka 2008

Spice Route Flagship Syrah 2007

Stormhoek Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Leopard Frog Vineyards Tantra 2005

KWV The Mentors Canvas 2008

KWV The Mentors Orchestra 2008

KWV The Mentors Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2009

Distell Three Ships Aged 5 Years

Distell Three Ships Bourbon Cask Finish

Distell Three Ships Select

Van Ryn’s 15 Year Old Fine Cask Reserve

Van Ryn’s 20 Year Old Collectors Reserve

Villiera Traditional Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc 2009

For the complete list of all the winners  click here.

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Jancis Robinson, OBE, MW

Jancis Robinson, OBE, Master of Wine and leading wine authority concurs with the poll findings, pointing out that many of the wineries correspond to wines which have been praised in reviews on her website. Also of note is the fact that many of the these producers are new to the South African wine scene. Some of them barely qualified  in terms of the entry condition set by Tim James that the wineries should have marketed at least three vintages to be considered in the rankings.

Jancis also reveals the questions posed on the poll.

What I particularly enjoyed about her article are the comments posted. There is a great deal of positive sentiment amongst the writers towards our local wine industry. Also of benefit to readers in the UK, are pointers as to where the winning wines might be obtained at the moment.

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Riebeek Valley Olive Festival 2010

Plenty of excellent quality old-vine shiraz and Chenin blanc wines; Bar Bar Black Sheep; Ginger Baker formally drummer of the band Cream and the Riebeek Valley Olive Festival.

Ace drummer Ginger Baker who has a stud-farm in close-by Tulbagh and who performed at the Riebeek West Cricket Club open day two years ago, you will find if you are really lucky but beautiful wines; a plethera of olives and olive products; live music; olive tours; art; a kiddies’ playground and loads more  simply by being in the Riebeek Valley this coming weekend.

For a detailed program go to www.riebeekvalley.info

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This well loved wine and food festival is the only event of its kind that takes place in this unique, utterly beautiful setting at the waters edge and will be hosted at the Waterfront Lookout above the Breakwater Parking Garage.

A new element to the show this year will be Wine@Sea food and wine pairing experiences on board the Sea Princess. These experiences will be available on Wednesday 5th May and Thursday 6th May at 15h300. Tickets cost R300.00 per person and include entry to the festival.

Cape Wine Academy will present a Tasting Theatre with two themed tastings per night. Be sure to book for these as seating is limited.

Annemie Liebenberg, the V & A Waterfront’s manager of Tourism, Communication and Customer Service says,

A supporter of all things local, the V & A Waterfront Wine Affair is an opportunity for cosmopolitan food enthusiasts and wine lovers to mingle with some of Cape Town’s most established wine makers and chefs right in the hub of the city bowl. This popular event ear-marks the beginning of must-go Autumn gatherings and celebrates South Africa’s heritage, and cuisine. This year there is even a traditional South African braai for visitors to enjoy fresh seafood in the heart of Cape Town’s iconic working harbour.

Tickets are available from Computicket.

The early bird price tickets will be R75.00 until Sunday 25th April otherwise tickets will be R90.oo to attend on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and R110.00 to attend on Friday.

Ticket prices include wine delicacy tastings, a glass and a brochure. Speciality food items and wine for post-festival delivery will be on sale.

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