Latest news with #Pinotage
eNCA
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- eNCA
Pinotage turns 100 and strikes gold
JOHANNESBURG - Pinotage turns 100 this year and what better way to celebrate than with a little gold to go with that glass of red? To honour the wine's rich history in South Africa, a limited-edition gold medallion has been crafted. With the image of the man who created Pinotage and a special stamp from legendary winemaker Lady May, this coin is more than just bling, it's a piece of South African history you can hold in your hand. Natanya van Niekerk, Managing Director of The Cape Mint, discussed the legacy of this truly South African wine with eNCA.
Daily Maverick
26-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Maverick
South Africa's resilient wine industry learns to adapt and survive in tougher environment
Wine producers and affiliated businesses are using new strategies to stay relevant and thrive. South Africa's wine industry is a national asset that stretches far beyond the picturesque Winelands, says Rico Basson, chief executive of South Africa Wine, an umbrella body for the sector. The industry's leaders know that its survival lies in reimagining every step of the value chain, from how wine is packaged, to where and how it is sold and consumed. 'It's a sector that employs 270,000 people,' Basson says. 'Wine goes back to farming from Agulhas in the south to Upington in the north.' It's an industry that's staring down the reality of shrinking production, younger generations that are drinking less and beer still ruling South Africans' booze budget. Trends and innovation South Africa's wine producers are throwing out the old playbook. Lighter bottles, lower-alcohol-content wines and even cans are becoming tools in the fight for relevance, affordability and sustainability. 'Alternative packaging like cans is becoming a huge trend,' Basson says. 'It's not about the volume; it's about meeting consumer needs and accessing new channels.' The planet is also part of the equation. A typical wine bottle weighs 450g when empty. Exporters are moving to 360g bottles, says Basson, cutting both costs and carbon. South Africa can't beat the French on climate, but Basson believes the country has a competitive edge in the ways it is able to adapt. 'In France you can't produce Cabernet and Pinotage side by side. In Stellenbosch you can.' Behind every sip of wine lies one of the country's most complex value chains. According to Basson, it maps no fewer than 127 career pathways. 'We've got 86,000ha of vineyards, 2,000 growers and 80,000 workers just on the primary side,' he says. 'For every one job you create on a farm, the chain creates 10 others.' Victor dos Reis, head of Investec Private Capital, reckons the sector has much to offer investors. 'We've got fantastic resources, fantastic people and fantastic technology. So to me it makes good sense for an investor to look here.' Dos Reis says there are several value-adding opportunities in processing and canning, and in the tech-driven solutions emerging from the Western Cape's growing digital economy. Infographic by Kara le Roux Expansion and challenges The subsector of wine tourism is also growing at an exponential rate. The biggest misconception is that all wine tourists are foreigners, says Basson, who notes that about 66% of them are South Africans. The challenge is to spread the tourist wallet to more destinations and experiences. 'We can't take more people up Table Mountain, but we can take more people to Darling,' he says. Dos Reis says the industry must keep innovating the wine tourism experience. 'Wine tourism has quite a few factors. There are countless opportunities. You've just got to be creative around it.' The alcohol industry is also navigating a regulatory and operational environment that is becoming increasingly strict. 'Our biggest threat right now is [excessive] taxation,' Basson says. 'We don't have a problem with regulation; we have a problem with enforcement.' According to National Treasury figures, 14% to 22% of all alcohol trade in South Africa is illicit, adding nothing to the country's coffers. 'If you're Treasury and you can enforce [taxation], you can get back a lot of your excise,' Basson says. At the same time, the industry is wrestling with sustainability expectations. There is much chatter about environmental, social and corporate governance issues, but Basson cautions against it being 'window dressing'. The sector is working on formal baseline standards to set tangible goals and move to greener systems, he adds. DM This story first appeared in our weekly Daily Maverick 168 newspaper, which is available countrywide for R35.
IOL News
09-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
KWV 1930 Muscadel auctioned for R17,000 at historic KWV Auction
A rare bottle of KWV 1930 Muscadel achieved an impressive R 17 000 at the second KWV Auction, held on the evening of 7 May in the winery's historic Cathedral Cellar. This iconic lot, sealed before the Second World War and meticulously stored in KWV's cellars, underscored the evening's fervent bidding climate and included a total of 116 exceptional wine and brandy lots sourced from the revered producer's private cellar. With a total hammer price of R427 300 (pending audit), the auction not only highlighted KWV's commitment to excellence but solidified its status as one of South Africa's most esteemed creators of collectible fine wines and auction portfolio celebrated the winery's rich heritage and distinguished pedigree, igniting passionate bidding and enthusiastic participation from collectors and enthusiasts alike. KWV CEO John Loomes expressed pride in the successful auction, remarking, 'It is a privilege to witness another milestone in KWV's 107-year journey — and to honour a legacy built on crafting wines and brandies that people choose to include in their most cherished memories. This vision culminated in such a remarkable result tonight, one that will resonate far beyond our cellar walls and make a lasting impact in communities.' The evening's events were expertly moderated by Strauss & Co, who showcased bottles with impeccable provenance and fascinating narratives. Highlights included wines from KWV's premium ranges—The Mentors, Roodeberg, and Cathedral Cellar—as well as matured vertical collections and tribute lots dedicated to South Africa's iconic grape, Pinotage. Notably, collectors keenly competed for aged white wines, particularly the vertical collection of The Mentors Chardonnay (2011, 2013, and 2015 vintages), underscoring the allure of well-matured whites. Equally notable was the interest in The Mentors Limited Edition Malbec and Nebbiolo collection, alongside strong bidding for KWV's XO Pinotage Single Varietal Brandy and rare Pinotage lots. Commenting on the evening's star attractions, Cape Wine Master and Master of Ceremonies Bennie Howard noted, 'The Pinotage items were the stars of the evening - a shining example of how KWV continues to showcase the exceptional quality and diversity of South African wine and brandy, which we are so proud to celebrate.' Other unique lots included a historic array of Cape fortified wines from the 1940s to the 1970s, comprising vintage Ports, Muscadel, White Port, and Hanepoot Jerepigo. At the close of the auction, it was reiterated that all profits from the KWV Auction 2025 will be directed toward Nation Builder, a cause committed to enhancing nonprofit organisations throughout South Africa. The previous auction contributed to the development of over 100 registered NPOs, a legacy that this year's event aims to build upon. Nation Builder CEO Ivan Swartz expressed gratitude for KWV's unwavering support. 'We are incredibly grateful to KWV and its team for their generosity and for taking the call to make a real, lasting impact so seriously. It's a privilege to partner with a pioneering company of such stature.' As collectors and enthusiasts basked in the glow of a successful auction, the KWV event not only celebrated fine wines but also embodied a commitment to community development, further intertwining the legacy of the brand with a mission to uplift South African society.
IOL News
09-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Rare KWV 1930 muscadel sells for R17 000 at South African auction
A rare KWV 1930 muscadel, bottled before World War II, sold for R17 000 at the second annual KWV Auction in Paarl. Image: Supplied A rare bottle of KWV 1930 muscadel bottled before World War II and preserved in pristine condition was sold for R17 000 at the second annual KWV Auction, held on May 7 in the Cathedral Cellar in Paarl. The historic bottle was the evening's headline lot among 116 exclusive wines and brandies released from the producer's private cellar, reaffirming KWV's status as one of South Africa's most collectible wine and spirit producers. The auction concluded with a total hammer price of R427 300 (pending audit). The event once again pledged its profits to Nation Builder, an organisation supporting sustainable community development across South Africa. 'It is a privilege to witness another milestone in KWV's 107-year journey, and to honour a legacy built on crafting wines and brandies that people choose to include in their most cherished memories,' said KWV CEO John Loomes. 'It is even more meaningful that this vision culminated in such a remarkable result tonight, one that will resonate far beyond our cellar walls and make a lasting impact in communities.' Conducted by auctioneers, Strauss & Co, highlights included aged whites such as a vertical collection of The Mentors Chardonnay (2011, 2013, and 2015), which attracted enthusiastic bidding. Also in high demand were The Mentors Limited Edition Malbec and Nebbiolo collection, the acclaimed XO Pinotage Single Varietal Brandy, and various tribute Pinotage lots. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 'The Pinotage items were the stars of the evening,' said Cape Wine Master and Master of Ceremonies Bennie Howard. 'A shining example of how KWV continues to showcase the exceptional quality and diversity of South African wine and brandy, which we are so proud to celebrate.' In addition to flagship ranges like The Mentors, Roodeberg, and Cathedral Cellar, the auction also featured a distinguished collection of Cape fortified wines, with vintage Ports, White Port, Hanepoot Jerepigo, and Muscadel dating from the 1940s to the 1970s, offering collectors a rare opportunity to acquire pieces of South African wine history. The inaugural 2024 auction helped build capacity for more than 100 NPOs, a legacy this year's event aims to grow. 'We are incredibly grateful to KWV and its team for their generosity and for taking the call to make a real, lasting impact so seriously,' said Nation Builder CEO Ivan Swartz. 'It's a privilege to partner with a pioneering company of such stature.' IOL Lifestyle
Forbes
20-03-2025
- Business
- Forbes
New Releases From California - Fort Ross And Lewis Cellars
Tasting room of Fort Ross Vineyard on the Sonoma Coast Fort Ross (Jenner, Sonoma Coast) - Fort Ross Winery is located on the Sonoma Coast; in this case, the coast is so close, you can smell the sea and almost touch it. This is a great site for growing cool climate varieties, especially Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and their versions of these wines are excellent, but what is most interesting about the portfolio of Fort Ross is the fact that they also produce a vibrant Chenin Blanc, somewhat of a rarity in California, as well as a beautifully textured and harmonious Pinotage, a wine that is at home in South Africa, but one you rarely see in California. Fort Ross is definitely a winery to keep an eye on in the future. Chenin Blanc 2023 (Fort Ross-Seaview, Sonoma Coast) Aromas of yellow peach, lime and hints of papaya and yellow pansy. Medium-bodied, this offers excellent ripeness and freshness along with lively acidity and very good persistence. True to its type, this is of impressive quality and very refreshing; enjoy over the next 3-4 years. (92) Pinotage 2019 (Fort Ross-Seaview, Sonoma Coast) - 100% Pinotage; aged in French oak, 20% new.) Bright, medium-deep garnet. Aromas of cola, bing cherry, blackberry and amaryllis. Medium-bodied this has excellent ripeness, very good acidity, subdued wood notes, medium-weight tannins and very good persistence. Very well made with notable harmony, enjoy this with roast chicken, duck, and seafood such as tuna or salmon (just like Pinot Noir) over the next 3-5 years. (92) Pinot Noir Fort Ross Vineyards 2021 (Fort Ross-Seaview, Sonoma Coast) - Aromas of bing cherry, subtle wood notes (furniture polish) and black orchid. Medium-full, with lively acidity, well-integrated oak, medium-full tannins and very good persistence. The fruit is quite ripe and high tone. Another year should round out the tannins. Peak in 6-8 years. (93) Vineyard of Lewis Cellars, Napa Valley Lewis Cellars (Napa) - Established in 1992 by Randy Lewis, a former Indy-car race driver and his wife Debbie, Lewis Cellars has enjoyed a distinguished history over its three-decades existence; to wit, the Lewis Cellars 2013 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon was named the #1 Wine of the Year by the famed Wine Spectator magazine in 2016. In 2021, Lewis sold the winery to a group that represents two other California wineries (Justin Vineyards of Paso Robles, Landmark Vineyards of Sonoma County). Randy Lewis has been joined by Dennis Bell as vice-president, and the company continues crafting richly flavored Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, along with a few other wines, including Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah and a special offering called The Big Blend. Here are my notes on three of their wines: Sauvignon Blanc 2023 (Napa Valley) -Bright, medium yellow; delicate varietal aromas of freshly cut hay, pear, grass and a hint of basil. Medium-bodied, there is good acidity and varietal character. The finish is a bit short, but otherwise, this is a well-made wine; enjoy over the next 2-3 years. (91) Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 (Napa Valley) - 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 19 months in 65% new French oak. Bright, deep purple; aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, clove and evident wood notes. Full-bodied with impressive ripeness, balanced acidity, strong wood notes and impressive persistence. A powerful Cabernet Sauvignon that lacks proper balance and finesse. Give this time, but will it age gracefully? Peak in 12-15 years. (91) The Big Blend 2022 (Napa Valley) - This was my favorite of the new releases from Lewis Cellars. Primarily Syrah (48%), the wine also contains smaller percentages of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petite Sirah. Bright, deep purple with luscious aromas of blackberry, black currant, mocha and purple iris, this is a wine of impressive ripeness and texture, backed by round, medium-full tannins and good balancing acidity. As young and as rich as this wine is, there is an appealing charm to the wine, making it enjoyable for dinner tonight; it would be especially good paired with veal chop, pork roast or duck breast. Or if you prefer, enjoy it sometime over the next 5-7 years. (93)
