At Stellenbosch Vineyards, we have always believed that great wine is shaped by passion, curiosity, and the courage to keep pushing boundaries. This year, that belief was affirmed in the most inspiring way: our very own Marnich Aucamp has been awarded the 2025 Diners Club Young Winemaker of the Year, a prestigious honour that recognises South Africa’s brightest wine-making talent under the age of 30.

This achievement is not only a win for Marnich, it is a proud moment for our entire team, our cellar, and the legacy of excellence we continue to build.

A Recognition of Exceptional Talent

The Young Winemaker of the Year award stands as one of the country’s most respected accolades for emerging winemakers. It celebrates innovation, technical mastery, and the unique stories winemakers capture in each bottle.

This year, the competition focused on White Wine, and after a rigorous judging process by some of the most respected professionals in the industry, Marnich was recognised for his remarkable Credo Chenin Blanc 2024, a wine that reflects both his skill and our unwavering commitment to craftsmanship.

A Win That Reflects Our Values

At Stellenbosch Vineyards, we champion young voices and believe deeply in nurturing the next generation of winemaking visionaries. Marnich’s achievement reminds us why this matters. His curiosity, discipline, and humble pursuit of excellence have shaped him into one of the country’s most exciting young talents.

His award-winning Chenin Blanc shows his intuitive feel for balance, expression and terroir qualities that align perfectly with what the Credo range stands for: authenticity, purity of fruit, and wines made with intention.

A Team Victory

While this recognition highlights Marnich’s individual brilliance, it also shines a light on the collaborative spirit within our cellar. Every accomplishment is built on shared knowledge, mentorship, teamwork, and the culture of excellence that runs through Stellenbosch Vineyards.

This award reinforces what we stand for:

• Craftsmanship rooted in Stellenbosch heritage
• Investment in young talent and innovation
• A commitment to producing wines that compete proudly on the global stage

Looking Ahead

Winning Young Winemaker of the Year marks only the beginning of an exciting journey for Marnich and for us as a winery. As he continues to grow, experiment, and refine his craft, we look forward to seeing how his creative vision continues to influence our wines and inspire our team.

A Message From All of Us

To Marnich: Congratulations. We are incredibly proud of you, your work, and the passion you bring into every barrel and every bottle.

Your achievement represents not only your talent but also the bright and promising future of Stellenbosch Vineyards.

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In the heart of South Africa’s renowned wine region, Stellenbosch Vineyards has officially kicked off its harvest for the year 2024, marking the beginning of what promises to be a season of exceptional wines. However, this year brings more than just the anticipation of a bountiful harvest; it introduces a new tradition that adds a spiritual touch to the winemaking process.

This year, the Stellenbosch Vineyards team has decided to embrace a unique tradition by blessing the first grapes that enter the cellar. This symbolic gesture aims to infuse the entire winemaking process with positive energy, gratitude, and a sense of unity among the team. The idea is to honor the connection between nature, tradition, and craftsmanship, recognizing the importance of each step in creating the exquisite wines for which Stellenbosch is known.

The blessing ceremony took place on the first day of harvest, where the team gathered amidst the freight of grapes to express their gratitude for the upcoming bounty and to seek blessings for a successful winemaking season. The ceremony involved a brief reflection on the importance of the land, the vines, and the craftsmanship that goes into producing Stellenbosch’s world-class wines. As the first grapes were brought into the cellar, a collective blessing was bestowed upon them, setting the tone for the entire harvest season.

This new tradition not only serves as a symbolic act but also reflects Stellenbosch Vineyards’ commitment to sustainability and holistic winemaking. By recognizing the interconnectedness of the natural elements and the human touch, the winery aims to create a more mindful and conscious approach to winemaking.

In the spirit of camaraderie and goodwill, Stellenbosch Vineyards extends its heartfelt wishes to the entire wine industry for a blessed and fruitful harvest in 2024. The challenges of winemaking are shared across the industry, and the Stellenbosch Vineyards team hopes that this tradition of blessing the harvest will inspire a sense of unity and positivity among winemakers globally.

As we raise our glasses to toast the beginning of Harvest 2024, let us not only celebrate the fruits of the vine but also the collective passion, dedication, and spirit that make the world of winemaking truly exceptional. May the coming months bring forth a bountiful harvest, exquisite wines, and a sense of shared prosperity for all in the wine industry. Cheers to a blessed and fruitful harvest!

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Stellenbosch Vineyards Unveils Expanded Operations and Logistics Hub, Inaugurated by AdVini President

Stellenbosch, South Africa – November 30, 2023 – Stellenbosch Vineyards, a leading player in the wine industry, celebrated a significant milestone today with the official opening of its expanded Operations and Logistics Hub. The grand inauguration was presided over by Mr. Antoine Leccia, President of AdVini, marking a new chapter in the company’s commitment to excellence and innovation.

The expansion of Stellenbosch Vineyards’ Operations and Logistics Hub is a momentous celebration, symbolizing the seamless integration of AdVini South Africa farms. This includes the harmonious collaboration of Stellenbosch Vineyards, L’Avenir, Le Bonheur, Ken Forrester, and Kleine Zalze. The shared commitment to operational excellence, sustainability, and crafting exceptional wines is embodied in this unified expansion. Together, these distinguished farms form a collective force dedicated to delivering unparalleled quality and showcasing the distinctive terroirs that define each vineyard’s character. This expansion marks a significant milestone in the shared journey towards continued growth, innovation, and a lasting impact on the global wine industry.

( left to right: Quinton van Rooyen – Warehouse Manager, Stellenbosch Vineyards, Bernard Claassen- Senior Winemaker, Stellenbosch Vineyards, Abraham de Villiers- General manager, Stellenbosch Vineyards, Ken Forrester- Managing Director, Ken Forrester wines, Naretha Ricome- Managing director, AdVini South Africa, Antione Leccia- President, AdVini, Delana Green- Operations Manager, Stellenbosch Vineyards.)

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Leccia expressed his enthusiasm for the expansion and its potential impact on the industry, emphasizing the growth and evolution of Stellenbosch Vineyards. The expanded Operations and Logistics Hub is a testament to the company’s commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability.

The newly expanded hub encompasses increased warehousing capacity, advanced inventory management systems, and streamlined logistics processes. These enhancements will enable Stellenbosch Vineyards to better meet the growing demand for its world-class wines while ensuring that quality and freshness are maintained throughout the supply chain.

General Manager Abraham de Villiers, commented on the expansion, stating, “This marks a pivotal moment for our company. The expanded hub will not only enable us to scale our operations efficiently but also to continue delivering exceptional products and services to our customers worldwide. We are grateful for the support of our partners, stakeholders, and the community as we embark on this exciting journey of growth.”

As Stellenbosch Vineyards looks ahead, this expansion signifies a significant step forward in its mission to be a trailblazer in the wine industry, creating a positive impact on the local economy and community.

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For media inquiries, please contact:

Chantelle van Heerden

Marketing Coordinator

Chantellevh@stellvine.co.za

About Stellenbosch Vineyards: Stellenbosch Vineyards is a renowned wine producer based in Stellenbosch, South Africa. With a rich heritage and a commitment to quality, the company is dedicated to crafting exceptional wines that capture the essence of the region. For more information, visit www.stellenboschvineyards.co.za.

About AdVini: AdVini is a global wine group that brings together exceptional vineyards and wineries from around the world. With a focus on sustainable practices and innovation, AdVini is committed to producing high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroirs of each region. For more information, visit www.advini.com.

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With unmatched access to diverse vineyards across the Stellenbosch region, Stellenbosch Vineyards received abundant recognition at the 2023 Veritas Awards.

The vibrant and increasingly revered Stellenbosch Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2023 has secured the coveted Double Gold status in one of the most competitive categories at the awards. In addition to the Sauvignon Blanc, Stellenbosch Vineyards Flagship Cabernet Franc 2018, a collector’s gem, has also achieved Double Gold recognition and Stellenbosch Vineyards Chenin Blanc 2022 has secured a Gold medal.

Stellenbosch Vineyards leverages its enduring partnerships with top grape growers in the Stellenbosch region.  These relationships grant talented winemaker, Bernard Claassen, access to the cream of the crop, ensuring the selection of the very best grapes for their wines.

The Stellenbosch Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2023 is a remarkable illustration of this partnership, crafted from two exceptional vineyard blocks. One of these sites is in close proximity to the ocean, benefiting from refreshing sea breezes that impart crisp acidity and invigorating freshness to the wines. The other vineyard, boasting the highest altitude among all our sourced vineyards. The harmonious blending of these two vineyards gives birth to a truly exceptional Sauvignon Blanc.

According to Claassen, “The blend of these two vineyards results in a unique black current aroma, which sets this wine apart. Modern wine enthusiasts are increasingly seeking Sauvignon Blanc that transcends the overly green, pyrazine style. They desire wines with depth and classic character – precisely what we aim for with the Stellenbosch Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2023.”

The Stellenbosch Vineyards winemaking team prides itself on ahead of the curve innovation and winemaking expertise. “With access to an impressive array of vineyards from the Helderberg to Polkadraai Mountains, we are in a unique position to not only take the lead with competitive wine categories such as Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc, but also craft unique, niche single parcel wines such as the Flagship Cabernet Franc,” highlights Stellenbosch Vineyards’ General Manager, Abraham de Villiers.

The Veritas Wine Awards, renowned for their rigorous judging process, feature expert panels that evaluate thousands of wines to select only the finest. These awards are held in high esteem within the wine industry, symbolizing excellence and dedication to the craft of winemaking.

To experience the craftsmanship and artistry behind our award-winning wines, please visit https://stellenboschvineyards.co.za/ or explore your local wine retailers and savor the exceptional flavors that have earned the highest recognition in South Africa.

About Stellenbosch Vineyards

Stellenbosch Vineyards is the smart solutions and innovation hub of Advini South Africa, based on the historic Welmoed Farm on the slopes of the Vlaeberg mountains in Stellenbosch. With access to vineyards throughout Stellenbosch from 17 dedicated growers, this winery is also the house of brands for global commercial wine brands, including Welmoed and Arniston Bay, as well as specialised, single vineyard and niche crafted wines.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Chantelle van Heerden

Marketing Coordinator

Email: Chantellevh@stellvine.co.za

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A gold medal at the authoritative Veritas Wine Awards for the refreshingly crisp, cool climate Arniston Bay Sauvignon Blanc, confirmed Arniston Bay’s dedication to crafting exceptional, environmentally sustainable wines.

Arniston Bay’s range of Fairtrade certified, coastal wines, inspired by a historic fishing village on the southern point of Africa, embodies a commitment to quality winemaking, conservation, and community upliftment.

The winery’s partnership with the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) actively works to reverse the decline of endangered African Penguins, including rescue, rehabilitation, and release efforts.

Arniston Bay’s commitment extends to uplifting the local Arniston community through more than 50 tertiary education bursaries, creating opportunities that include the qualification of the first medical doctor supported by the Arniston Trust in 2022, with more aspirations to follow.

In addition to the Veritas Wine Awards, Arniston Bay received significant recognition at the 2023 Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards, with a double gold medal for the Arniston Bay Rosé 2023 and a gold medal for the Arniston Bay Shiraz 2022.

“This award is another important endorsement of the quality of our coastal, cool climate wines and reiterates the benefit of a wine that not only tastes great, but actively plays a role to benefit the local community and environment,” explains winemaker Abraham de Villiers.

For more information about Arniston Bay, its award-winning wines, and its sustainability initiatives, please visit www.arnistonbaysa.com.  Stay connected with Arniston Bay on social media [@ArnistonBayWines] for the latest updates on their exceptional wine offerings and impactful community endeavors.

About Arniston Bay:

Arniston Bay is celebrated for its dedication to crafting exceptional wines that reflect the beauty of their coastal home. Inspired by a historic fishing village, Arniston Bay is deeply committed to conservation and community upliftment, with a focus on supporting education and careers. The Gold Medal for Arniston Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2023 at the 2023 Veritas Wine Awards, along with accolades from the Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards, highlights their commitment to quality winemaking and holistic sustainability.

Media Contact:

Alisa Knoblauch

Trade Marketing Manager

Advini South Africa

Phone: 063 799 4963

Email: alisa.knobauch@advinisa.co.za

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Stellenbosch Vineyards has been awarded Carbon Hero status through the Confronting Climate Change Initiative, as part of Advini South Africa’s extensive sustainability drive.

The Confronting Climate Change (CCC) Initiative is a carbon footprinting project, developed to support the South African fruit and wine sectors through identifying and responding to the risks and opportunities associated with carbon emissions. The Carbon Heroes carbon footprint label and website were launched at the end of 2021 to recognise wineries for meticulously calculating their carbon footprint and responding to improve emissions.

 

The CCC audit evaluates carbon emissions, including electricity, processing inputs, packaging and waste. “Continuous improvement is a cornerstone of our sustainability programme and efficiently measuring carbon emissions is the first step in understanding where improvements can be made,” explains Stellenbosch Vineyards’ compliance manager, Mathilda Malan.

The CCC audit evaluates carbon emissions, including electricity, processing inputs, packaging and waste. “Continuous improvement is a cornerstone of our sustainability programme and efficiently measuring carbon emissions is the first step in understanding where improvements can be made,” explains Stellenbosch Vineyards’ compliance manager, Mathilda Malan.

Stellenbosch Vineyards’ carbon emission report revealed that glass and electricity account for the largest percentage of the winery’s carbon emissions. “We have already started the process of using locally-produced, light weight glass, as well as sustainable alternative packaging,” explains Stellenbosch Vineyards’ operations manager, Delana Green. “As Advini South Africa’s innovation and logistics hub, Stellenbosch Vineyards is well positioned to find innovative means of lowering our overall carbon footprint sustainably, through consolidated sourcing of recyclable packaging that is lighter and produced from recycled material,” explains Green, whose surname is indicative of her priorities.

Emissions through electricity generation will be addressed in 2023 through the installation of 950 solar panels on Stellenbosch Vineyards’ roof, with a maximum generation capacity of 523kWp. According to Stellenbosch Vineyards’ general manager, JG de Villiers, this investment will not only reduce the cellar’s carbon emission, but reduce risk caused by load shedding in South Africa.
“Shifting away from coal-dependent electricity generation in South Africa is vital. Our vineyards benefit from ample Stellenbosch sunlight – there’s no reason why that should not also be the case for our electricity generation!” explains De Villiers.

The CCC Carbon Heroes report provides winery consumption benchmarks, which show current industry norms and values, allowing individual wineries to compare their own consumption. “One of the areas in which Stellenbosch Vineyards’ winemaking team specifically excelled was reducing waste water to levels far lower than the industry standard. We have committed to wide-ranging targets for 2023, which will drive our operations and motivate the team, as part of Advini’s global commitment to environmental sustainability,” explains Malan.

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Stellenbosch Vineyards has access to vineyards throughout Stellenbosch through 15 dedicated grape growers. These vast sourcing capabilities and long-term relationships grant the winemakers access to some of the best Chenin Blanc vineyards in Stellenbosch, South Africa’s most revered appellation. This Bushvine Chenin Blanc is produced from a selection of Bushvine blocks, each contributing to its classic style and character. One of the older Chenin Blanc blocks, planted in 1967, adds enticing structure and texture to this wine.

Winemaker, Bernard Claassen, has been producing wines at Stellenbosch Vineyards for almost two decades and is known for his consistent and hands-on winemaking approach. “Chenin Blanc is South Africa’s most planted variety with some of the most admired wines coming from Stellenbosch, making this achievement an exceptional honour,” shares Bernard. This Chenin Blanc contains an oaked and unoaked component to ensure a balanced yet complex wine. The 2021 vintage boasts an aromatic nose with prominent notes of honey and spicy vanilla on the palate.

The Stellenbosch Vineyards winemaking team alongside their various growers have proven their ability to produce Chenin Blanc on a large scale, while maintaining excellent quality and a high standard. The Stellenbosch Vineyards Bushvine Chenin Blanc has grown exponentially over the last five years with 200 000 bottles sold in 2021, compared to only 370 in 2017, with the greatest volumes currently being sold in the Netherlands and Belgium.

Advini, owner of Stellenbosch Vineyards, is the biggest buyer of Chenin Blanc and Old Vine Chenin Blanc in Stellenbosch. This top 10 recognition continues to add to the excellence of the Chenin Blanc within the Advini South Africa portfolio.

http://www.chenin.co.za/challenge2022.html

About Stellenbosch Vineyards

Stellenbosch Vineyards is the smart solutions and innovation hub of Advini South Africa, based on the historic Welmoed Farm on the slopes of the Vlaeberg mountains in Stellenbosch. With access to vineyards throughout Stellenbosch from 15 dedicated growers, this winery is also the house of brands for global commercial wine brands, including Welmoed and Arniston Bay, as well as specialised, single vineyard and niche crafted wines.

For more information, contact Stellenbosch Vineyards Marketing Coordinator – Marcelle Laubscher via marcellel@stellvine.co.za or visit www.stellenboschvineyards.co.za

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Stellenbosch Vineyards has access to vineyards throughout Stellenbosch, through 15 dedicated grape growers. These vast sourcing capabilities grants the winemakers access to some of the best vineyards in South Africa’s most revered appellation. “Our Credo Chenin Blanc is produced from a single vineyard planted in 1967. This 55-year-old block produces grapes that create a wine with structured texture, character and ageability” explains winemaker Bernard Claassen.

After spending 18 months in French oak barrels, the Credo Chenin Blanc stands out with mesmerizing aromas of honeysuckle, sweet oranges, and a touch of almond. The palate is generous and well-balanced with soft honey and spicy vanilla flavours. The Credo range, was launched with its maiden vintage in 2010, and showcases the winemakers’ expression of the best wines that Stellenbosch has to offer.

About Stellenbosch Vineyards
Stellenbosch Vineyards is the smart solutions and innovation hub of Advini South Africa, based on the historic Welmoed Farm on the slopes of the Vlaeberg mountains in Stellenbosch. With access to vineyards throughout Stellenbosch from 15 dedicated growers, this winery is also the house of brands for global commercial wine brands including Welmoed and Arniston Bay, as well as specialised, single vineyard and niche crafted wines.

For more information, contact Stellenbosch Vineyards Marketing Coordinator – Marcelle Laubscher via marcellel@stellvine.co.za or visit www.stellenboschvineyards.co.za

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Arniston Bay is proud to uphold the highest social and environmental responsibility standards through globally recognised certifications and community upliftment. Since the relaunch in 2021, Arniston Bay has partnered with SANCCOB (South African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds) to assist in their fight towards the conservation of coastal seabirds, with a particular focus on our beloved African penguin.

Arniston Bay happily introduces Frosty and Wobbles (Deepcatch Holdings), Paavo (VCT Finland), Dory & Voyager (John Dory’s), Arnie (Arniston Spa Hotel), Oreo (Slug & Lettuce Restaurant Paarl) and Percy (Stellenbosch Vineyards).

For more information, contact Stellenbosch Vineyards Marketing Coordinator – Marcelle Laubscher via marcellel@stellvine.co.za or visit
www.stellenboschvineyards.co.za

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This achievement highlights the extraordinary vineyards that Stellenbosch Vineyards has access to in Stellenbosch and beyond. Known as the Advini South Africa innovation hub, Stellenbosch Vineyards is specifically known to produce a diverse portfolio comprising a broad spectrum of wine styles, at different price points – from global commercial brands like Arniston Bay to crafted nice products, like the Credo range. The golden thread of quality is reflected by the team’s accomplishment of also receiving nine 4.5 star and five 4 star ratings.

Abraham de Villiers and Bernard Claassen, Stellenbosch Vineyard’s winemaking duo for more than 15 years, launched the maiden 2010 vintage of the Flagship Petit Verdot six years ago. “The Petit Verdot vineyard is distinguished by its slow ripening, low yields and extraordinary flavour concentration. The wine spends just less than two years on oak which results in a rich and robust wine, with intense dark cherry and blackcurrant notes with excellent fruit purity”, explains Bernard.

The Stellenbosch Vineyards Credo Darling Sauvignon Blanc 2019 was produced from a vineyard planted in Darling, only seven kilometres from the Atlantic Ocean. This wine was produced as a highly exclusive, once-off offering with only 700 bottles available. After it was recently lauded with a Double Gold at the Veritas Wine Awards, as well as a five-star Platter’s rating, it quickly became a collector’s item. “Sauvignon Blanc is certainly a strength of Stellenbosch Vineyards. With access to an array of coastal vineyards we are able to produce crisp and fresh Sauvignon Blancs, with zesty natural acidity and distinct minerality. The Credo Sauvignon Blanc crowns our pursuit to be a South African leader with this varietal,” notes Bernard.

About Stellenbosch Vineyards

Stellenbosch Vineyards is a leading Stellenbosch wine producer and is the smart solutions and innovation hub of Advini South Africa. More than 80% of Stellenbosch Vineyards’ wines are exported to over 40 countries, while the winery’s local and African footprint is growing rapidly. Stellenbosch Vineyards offers a diverse wine range, including unique varietals, limited release parcels, international commercial brands, and customised smart solutions.

For more information, contact Stellenbosch Vineyards Marketing Coordinator – Marcelle Laubscher via marcellel@stellvine.co.za or visit www.stellenboschvineyards.co.za

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