WeeklySA_AdminJOURNEY: ‘Cellar of The Year’ award marks distinct highlight for Paarl estate whose Chenin Blanc wines form the cornerstone of their craftsmanship…
By Len Maseko
At the foothills of one of the finest wine-growing areas of the Cape nestles winery which has been quietly earning its stripes in the art of winemaking without big-brand flourish.
Thanks to the foresight of a visionary wine farmer named Jan Rossouw who – back in 1941 – who planted a proverbial seed among the area’s farmers to begin producing their own wine. A suggestion which later gave birth to Perdeberg Cellar, whose name stemmed from the local curiosity over the scores of Cape Mountain zebras that once roamed the Paardeberg area.
Local folklore in this far-flung outpost has it that – back then – the zebras had been mistaken for wild horses by a farming community perched in the most Southern tip of the African continent, and understandably least exposed to the full extent of Southern Africa’s rich wildlife.
As part of Perdeberg Cellar’s rich history, the story is related today much to the amusement amid sips of a trove of the farm’s award-winning wines that attract scores of wine lovers daily to this neck of the woods – like bees to the pollen.
Undoubtedly, Perdeberg winery’s distinguishing signature remains its predominant use of unirrigated vineyards, termed dry land vines. Like a diamond in the rough, the dry-land vines overcome difficult growing conditions to yield small berries with concentrated flavour and colour which, in turn, create superlative Chenin Blanc wines in the cellar with impressive consistency.
For good measure, these elements have ultimately contrived to produce a dividend for Perdeberg Cellar’s winemaking with a singularly phenomenal 2024 wine calendar season, in which they scooped top honours from some of the industry’s most esteemed competitions and no less a renowned wine expert as Tim Atkin.
This development marks an apt reward for the brand for staying the course of the winding and long road to excellence. Last year, Perdeberg garnered accolades from Veritas, Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards, Tim Atkin’s SA Report, International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC), and the SA Young Wine Show.
Thanks to the unwavering dedication of its winemaking team and the unique terroir of its vineyards, whose indelible stamp on its iconic Chenin Blanc and innovative blends is unmistakable and a distinctive marker.
“Our success is a direct result of the team’s tireless efforts, passion, and commitment to producing exceptional wines,” says Perdeberg cellarmaster Albertus Louw. “The 2024 awards season was a resounding affirmation of our endeavours, and we’re eager to see what the future holds.”
The cellar’s highlights from the 2024 Awards, include bagging:
• Cellar of the Year: Tim Atkin SA Special Report;
• Old Vine Trophy: International Wine & Spirit Competition;
• Double Gold (95 points): Veritas Awards for the Endura Single Vineyard Chenin Blanc 2022;
• Southern Sun Cape Blend Trophy: Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards for the Endura Winemaker’s Selection Cape Blend 2021;
• Platinum Award: SAWI Grand Wine Collection for The Dry Land Collection Joseph’s Legacy (NV); and
• Double Gold: NWC National Wine Challenge Top 100 for The Vineyard Collection Cinsault 2022
Perdeberg’s commitment to sustainable wine production and innovative winemaking, including adherence to Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) and the Wine and Agricultural Ethical Trading Association (WIETA) standards for all 56 suppliers, demonstrates a strong dedication to responsible practices.
The cellar currently exports to Angola, Belgium, Botswana, China, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Korea, Mozambique, Namibia, Netherlands, Norway, Reunion, Singapore, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
With a vineyard span of over 3 000 hectares, mainly in the Paarl and Swartland regions, Perdeberg benefits from different microclimates and various soil types.
In the cellar, the winery prides itself on crafting their wines through “the synergy of art, intuition and science to reveal the best of what has been brought in from the vineyards”. Its flagship range is Endura wines, which are single-mindedly created to reflect the true character of the varietals and showcase the diversity and uniqueness of the terroir.
Situated nearly an hour’s drive from Cape Town, Perdeberg boasts a tasting room and restaurant overlooking scenic views of the Paardeberg Mountains. Guests revel in a selection of wine tasting options, to the accompaniment of sumptuous dishes and wine pairings under garden umbrellas in a countryside settling bristling with fresh air and sedative ambience.
EVENTS
JOBURG BUBBLY FEST
The highly popular Johannesburg Cap Classique, Champagne & Bubbles Festival 2025 returns for a two-day fiesta at Inanda Country Club, Sandton, on May 24 and 25.
Tickets cost R450 per person via Webtickets.
This exclusive event brings together lovers of sparkling wine to celebrate the finest bubbles from South Africa and France. The gathering offers an intimate setting to enjoy a variety of sparkling wines in a refined and festive atmosphere. Attendees can enjoy bubbly tastings, live music, and thoughtful details like welcome drinks, tasting coupons, and special gifts for select ticket holders.
TROPHY WINE SHOW
The annual Trophy Wine Show Great Tasting, which involves sampling a trove of award-winning wines, returns to Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on June 12.
Tickets to the event, which starts at 5pm and ends at 9pm, cost R350 via Webtickets. Expect around 150 award-winning wines (scoring 90 points and above) selected by international and local wine professionals.
Highlights at The Great Tasting include the Best White and Best Red Wines of Show, the International Judges’ trophy winner, Best Premium Wine, the Discovery of the Show (best value wine) and Investec Champion Winemaker of the Year. Tickets are limited and include the sampling of all wines, a delicious deli snack (value R120) and the tasting glass to take home. Investec cardholders receive 20 percent on their ticket purchase. Limited PnP Smart Shopper cardholder discounted tickets are available on a first-come-first-served basis (two tickets for the price of one).
GRAPE ESCAPE FEST
Wine Concepts will host their 5th annual Grape Escape Wine Festival at Moyo Restaurant, Kirstenbosch, Cape Town, on May 29. Following the success of previous festivals, this year’s event promises to be an exclusive evening of exceptional wine tasting. The festival will feature an exciting and diverse selection of wines from uncommon varieties and blends.
Attendees will have the opportunity to taste the best offerings of these varietals and blends from 40 of the country’s top wine producers – all to the accompaniment of snacks will be served throughout the evening to perfectly complement the tasting experience.The event starts at 6pm and ends at 9pm. Tickets cost R45O per person via Quicket (includes entrance, wine glass, tastings, and snacks).
MENLYN WINE MEANDER
A celebration of the art of wine takes place at Pretoria’s Central Square Menlyn Maine on May 24.
The organisers are planning a delightful afternoon filled with live music and over 15 exquisite wines to taste. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just looking for a fun day out with friends and family, this event is perfect for everyone.What visitors to the show can expect is music performances by local artists; sampling a diverse selection of wines from renowned vineyards. The event starts at 11am. Tickets, costing R150 per person, available via Webtickets. Central Square Menlyn Maine is situated on 180 Amarand Avenue, Waterkloof Glen, Pretoria.
SOUTH COAST WINE FEST
KwaZulu-Natal’s North Side Wine Festival will present a tasting adventure for local wine lovers on the south coast town of Port Shepstone on May 24. The event will be held at Umthunzi Hotel, Umtentweni in Port Shepstone. Tickets cost R350 per person via Quicket. The event starts at 12noon. Over 20 prestigious wine farms, each offering a unique expression of terroir and tradition, will be present.
The festival will be taking place at 4 distinct venues Jaxx Restaurant, Schooners Restaurant & Bar, Umthunzi Hotel and The Cellar at Honeywood. The event will be a celebration of wine, music, and culinary delights. Tickets include commemorative glass and access to all tastings and venues.
BEEREX AFRICA
BeerEx Africa, a conference and expo on beer, will take place in Cape Town from May 22 to 24. The event, which will be taking place at the Makers Landing at The Cruise Terminal, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, is expected to attract brewers from across the continent.
BeerEx Africa will encompass a conference and expo for brewers and beer enthusiasts from across the continent. The event is held in conjunction with the African Beer Cup, the biggest beer competition in Africa, attracting more than 250 entries from across the continent.. – Compiled by Len Maseko
