Stellenbosch Vineyards Southern View Sauvignon Blanc 2020 has been announced as a Top 10 winner in the annual FNB Sauvignon Blanc 10 competition. This premier wine competition is the only one in South Africa exclusively devoted to Sauvignon Blanc. “To have your Sauvignon Blanc recognised at this prestigious competition is nothing short of spectacular. From the first tasting, I knew this wine had the potential to be special and, I feel honored to receive this award”, smiles winemaker Bernard Claassen.

Stellenbosch Vineyards is privileged to produce wine in the prestigious grape-growing region of Stellenbosch. The grapes for the awarded Southern View Sauvignon Blanc are sourced from three Southern facing vineyard blocks, as the name suggests. The individual wines produced from the three vineyard blocks are then carefully blended to create the 2020 vintage.

The Southern View Sauvignon Blanc 2020 is a fresh, modern-styled, and, unwooded Sauvignon Blanc. The nose shows a cascade of gooseberries, lemongrass, and asparagus, complimented by juicy fruits. It promises a well-balanced and full palate with a rich lingering finish, to make for an uncomplicated, clean wine. The line of acidity in this wine makes it ideal for enjoying seafood, white meats, or goat’s cheese.

This year, the Top 10 were selected from a broad collection of entries, as 96 producers submitted just under 150 wines. According to Sauvignon Blanc SA, a good balance was accomplished with six winning wines from the 2019 vintages, three from the 2020 vintage, and one wine from 2018.

Our award-winning Sauvignon Blanc can be purchased via our online shop or at our cellar door.

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 customized smart solutions.

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

The post Stellenbosch Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc announced as Top 10 winner appeared first on Stellenbosch Vineyards.

Developed in the late 1950s, Therona is a hybrid of two grape varieties namely Crouchen Blanc (better known as Cape Riesling) and Chenin Blanc. Professor Christiaan Johannes Orffer of Stellenbosch University carefully crafted this varietal and named it in honour of his student mentor, wine pioneer, and professor, CJ Theron. The concept of crossing Crouchen Blanc with Chenin Blanc was to increase the standard of quality of locally produced Chenin Blanc. After almost 30 years after the initial crossing, Therona was introduced to the local wine industry and showed significant potential as a single cultivar, during the same time Pinotage was established.

Grape growers, however, remained skeptical about the future of Therona and continued to focus on their Chenin Blanc vines rather than experimenting with a new varietal. In 2015, a mere 61.81ha of land was home to the promising grape, and only 0.26ha was found within the Stellenbosch region. While the knowledge and interest of Therona continued to decline, there was someone who recognized its potential.

Stellenbosch Vineyards winemaker, Petri de Beer, needed no convincing when stumbling across this uncommon varietal. “It was not only the first sip that sold me but the history as well. I immediately knew the next step was to source Therona vineyards and start experimenting,” explains Petri. The Limited Release Therona grapes are handpicked from a single vineyard comprising of 100 vines at the foothills of Stellenbosch berg that are specifically managed by the Stellenbosch Vineyards winemaking trio.

 The Stellenbosch Vineyards Limited Release Therona

“This vegan-friendly wine delivers a floral bouquet complemented by flavours of green apple and peach, with a hint of vanilla on a well-rounded pallet. The wine is a perfect accompaniment to rich fish, poultry dishes, or if you are adventurous, a spicy vegan curry” says Petri.

Grown in the South African climate, Therona offers high-quality wine and performs well, even in dry and hot conditions. Since its first vintage in 2016, the Stellenbosch Vineyards Therona has received multiple awards from renowned wine competitions such as the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show, Top 100 at the National Wine Challenge (NWC) as well as the International Wine and Spirit Awards (IWSC).

“The Therona journey has been an exceedingly rewarding one, and it has most certainly been one of the highlights of my winemaking career. With every vintage, my knowledge, understanding, and intrigue continuous to grow and can’t wait Therona flourish even more in the future”, declares Petri.

For more information or to purchase the Stellenbosch Vineyards Limited Release Therona, please visit our website (www.stellenboschvineyards.co.za) or contact us via info@stellvine.co.za

The post Therona – One of South Africa’s most unique varietals appeared first on Stellenbosch Vineyards.

How many years have you been in the wine industry?

2020 represents my 8th year in the industry as a winemaker.

Why did you decide to become a winemaker?

It is one of the few industries that intertwines science and art to such a degree where you need both to flourish. For all the intricacies of the biological systems that we work with and chemical interactions you have to be aware of the final touch that makes a wine great, comes from the inspiration and talent of the winemaker.

Your proudest moment while being a winemaker?

Being able to launch the first Therona cultivar wine in South Africa (and the world). It represented the culmination of 3 years of hard work and research. Hopefully, it is only the start for the many undiscovered South African wine cultivars.

Most memorable harvest and why?

My first harvest, just the excitement of working in a cellar for the first time and doing what you love. I remember standing alone in the cellar well past midnight one evening and thinking ‘’Wow I am getting paid to make wine, this is awesome.’’

What stood out for you in the 2020 harvest?

It started a bit earlier than expected and as a happy bonus was larger than expected! We also had no cloudy and cold days during harvest which I believe is a good sign for the 2020 red wines.

How do you relax in your off time?

I am either in the garden or in the kitchen trying new recipes.

What career would you have chosen, if not winemaking?

I would probably be a farmer, I just love nature and being outdoors.

What is your favorite dish and what SV wine would you be enjoying it?

Nothing goes better with a slow-roasted lamb rib on the braai than a glass of Stellenbosch Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon.

Do you prefer cork or screwcap?

I just love the sound of a cork being pulled out of a bottle of wine!

What is your winemaking goal for the future?

I want to promote the indigenous cultivars of South Africa and showcase our authentic South African wine styles and terroirs. We have so much more to offer than your ordinary Bordeaux or Burgundy clones!

The post Winemaker, Petri de Beer, chats to us! appeared first on Stellenbosch Vineyards.

How many years have you been in the wine industry?

My first harvest was in 2000 as a student, however, I have working permanently from 2005, thus a total of 15 years.

Why did you decide to become a winemaker?

I was hooked since my first sip of wine. It was so interesting, all unique smells and flavours that I picked up from that glass. I was curious about how it got there and I wanted to know more. I love nature and winemaking is one of a very few careers where you can take raw material (the grapes) and add your personality in the process to create a final product. It’s always a special experience to enjoy that final bottle with family and friends.

Your proudest moment while being a winemaker?

There have been so many, but the one that certainly stands out is when we received our first five star Platter rating.

Most memorable harvest and why?

The 2010 vintage for two reasons. It was my first vintage as senior winemaker at Stellenbosch Vineyards and the Chenin Blanc 2010 won a Double Gold at the Veritas awards!

What stood out for you in the 2020 harvest?

The harvest was larger than expected and the quality was very good. I am sure this will go down as one of the best quality vintages in South Africa over the past 20 years.

How do you relax in your off time?

I drive to the beach and spend time surfing or play a round of golf.

What career would you have chosen, if not winemaking?

A professional golfer, if I had the talent!

What is your favourite dish and what SV wine would you be enjoying with it?

Spicy Italian sausage, peppadews and avocado pizza with our Stellenbosch Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc. Simply delicious!

Do you prefer cork or screwcap?

Screwcap – it’s just easier.

What is your winemaking goal for the future?

To push the boundaries even more and in an unrelenting search to improve in my wines and ultimately one day create the perfect wine.

The post Bernard Claassen, winemaker, answers all our questions appeared first on Stellenbosch Vineyards.

How many years have you been in the wine industry?

I completed my Honours degree in winemaking in 2003 at Stellenbosch University and have been working in the wine industry since 2004.

Why did you decide to become a winemaker?

My grandfather owned a wine farm in Stellenbosch and my father is a viticulturist so I count myself lucky to have been brought up in a wine environment.  I still fondly remember the times we drove with my grandfather with a full load of grapes to the winery. To me, it was the ultimate experience and a memory I will always cherish dearly. The progression to becoming a winemaker was natural and something that I felt very passionate about.

Your proudest moment while being a winemaker?

In 2017, we won the ABSA Top Ten Pinotage award for our Stellenbosch Vineyards Bushvine Pinotage. It was something that we had worked really hard for and it was great to be rewarded for our all our time and efforts.

Most memorable harvest and why?

I remember the 2015 vintage for its quality wines and the 2014 vintage just for its sheer size. It felt as if the grapes didn’t stop coming in and pushed our winery to its limit.

What stood out for you in the 2020 harvest?

This is our first normal harvest after the three-year drought in the Western Cape.  The quality of the grapes looks very promising and the volumes are also back up to where it should be.

How do you relax in your off time?

I love spending time with my wife and three-year-old son, who I may add, is now at an age where he just loves everything his dad does.

What career would you have chosen, if not winemaking?

I have a keen interest in the business side of the wine industry so definitely something in that direction.

What is your favourite dish and what SV wine would you be enjoying with it?

One of my fondest memories is enjoying the Arniston Bay Sauvignon Blanc Semillon in Arniston on the beach with freshly caught crayfish on a perfect Autumn day. That was beyond sublime.

Do you prefer cork or screwcap?

I may be a little old fashioned so I prefer cork for my reds and screwcap for my whites.

What is your winemaking goal for the future?

The one great thing about winemaking is that you are always looking to the future knowing that the building blocks put in place now, will only be rewarded in the coming years.  Ultimately I would like to create more memorable wines and continue to build successful brands for our industry.

The post Get to know winemaker, Abraham de Villiers appeared first on Stellenbosch Vineyards.

The Stellenbosch Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2019

The Stellenbosch Vineyards winemakers are passionate when it comes to showing the versatility of Sauvignon Blanc. The new Credo Limited Release Sauvignon Blanc 2019 received a silver medal by the panel of 75 international experts in Brussels.

This year marks the year that South Africa received its highest number of medals since the competition began in 2009 with a remarkable 71 percent increase in medals from 2019. A total of 24 medals were brought home and the well-renowned panel raved about the standard and caliber of the South Africans wines.

“This is a big moment for Stellenbosch Vineyards winemaking team to receive two of the 24 medals awarded to South Africa. We knew from the beginning that the Stellenbosch Vineyards’ Sauvignon Blanc 2019 wine had enormous potential and are by humbled the recognition that it received,” explains winemakers Abraham de Villiers and Bernard Claassen.

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 customized smart solutions.

For more information contact Stellenbosch Vineyards Marketing Coordinator, Marcelle Laubscher via marcellel@stellvine.co.za

The post Stellenbosch Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc shines at International Wine Competition appeared first on Stellenbosch Vineyards.

Advini President, Antoine Leccia, Stellenbosch Vineyards shareholder, Doug Smollan and French ambassador to South Africa, Aurélien Lechevallier, officially opening the Stellenbosch Vineyards Logistics Hub.

Leading Stellenbosch wine producer, Stellenbosch Vineyards, suffered a major tragedy on 23 October 2018 when a fire broke out in the warehouse. This warehouse was built in 1992 and was consistently expanded until 1997 as the company showed significant growth. The original 5 000m² warehouse stored just over three million bottles of wine from various wineries in the Stellenbosch wine region.

During the deconstruction and recovery process, a decision was made to recycle and donate all possible debris. The steel, a total of 68 300 kilograms, was donated to and partially purchased by Cape Town Film Studios and a company in the steel industry. More than 95% of recoverable timber was transported to various churches in Khayelitsha and the super structure was treated, painted and reinstated as a warehouse in Namibia.

After thorough consultation and planning, the dream of a new logistics hub became reality and 28 August 2019 marked the day the new warehouse construction began. The internal managers and innovators of the warehouse Delana Green, Operations Manager, and Bernard Claassen, Senior Winemaker, who have been part of the Stellenbosch Vineyards team for a combined four decades, had a comprehensive understanding of the requirements of the wine industry. The facilities will serve as the logistics hub for Advini South Africa, as well as providing storage and services to the Stellenbosch wine industry.

The new Logistics Hub was designed with the newest technology and a remarkable feature is the 470 000L water tank connected to high-techsmoke detectors and water distributors. A special touch is the sprinkler system and steelworks that are red and blue in the form of the French flag as a representation of majority shareholder, Advini.

According to the French Ambassador to South Africa, Aurélien Lechevallier, the Stellenbosch Vineyards Logistics Hub represents the determination of South Africans to succeed and the value that French investment holds for Stellenbosch and it’s wine industry. “Advini South Africa has illustrated the value of collaboration and how the ties between France and South Africa can support a company and its people to bounce back, after what was indeed a tragedy,”  explained Lechevallier.

An aerial view of the Stellenbosch Vineyards Logistics hub.

About Stellenbosch Vineyards

Stellenbosch Vineyards is a French owned, leading wine producer and exporter located on one of the most popular wine routes in Stellenbosch. More than 80% of the wines are exported to over 40 countries worldwide. Stellenbosch Vineyards offers a diverse wine range of innovative and authentic products, including tactical and customized brands for international retail groups.

About Advini South Africa

Advini South Africa owns 200 hectares of prime properties in Stellenbosch. The portfolio comprises a complete offering of specialised, quality wines. L’Avenir Estate is a boutique Pinotage and Chenin Blanc specialist, with an exclusive Country Lodge and conferencing and wedding facilities. Ken Forrester is widely regarded as South Africa’s King of Chenin Blanc and represents one of South Africa’s most renowned wine brands. Situated on the slopes of Klapmutskop, Le Bonheur specialises in international varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Stellenbosch Vineyards is Advini South Africa’s logistics, smart solution and tactical brand hub.

About Advini

With more than 2 300 hectares of vineyards, in the heart of the most famous French wine regions, AdVini has become the leading actor in France for terroir wines. The extensive portfolio includes Ogier and its Clos de l’Oratoire des Papes in Châteauneuf-du-Pape; Antoine Moueix Propriétés with Château Capet-Guillier in Saint-Emilion and Château Patache d’Aux in Médoc; Domaine Laroche in Chablis, Maison Champy in Burgundy in Côte-de-Beaune ; Vignobles Jeanjean and the Mas La Chevalière in Languedoc ; Domaine Cazes and its estate Clos de Paulilles in Roussillon; Gassier with the Château Gassier and Château de Roquefeuille in the Provence Sainte-Victoire area; Rigal and Château de Chambert in Cahors. AdVini’s Wine estates are increasingly growing in notoriety and recognition and export to 106 countries.

For more information, please contact Marcelle Laubscher, Stellenbosch Vineyards Marketing Coordinator, via  marcellel@stellvine.co.za

The post Stellenbosch Vineyards Logistics Hub Inauguration appeared first on Stellenbosch Vineyards.