By country :: South Africa

South Africa is a very special place for me, not only because I have now visited several times but also because it is very different from any other New World wine producing country. Historically, the majority of the landowners were the descendents of 17th Century Dutch immigrants who settled in South Africa, bringing with them their 'Boer' culture and their own language. Due to religious persecution in their own country French protestant Hugenots followed, bringing their names and culture, as is evident in Franschhöek. The use of French disappeared over the centuries but names like Joubert or De Villiers are still very common.

South Africa, despite being a New World wine producing country, has a long winemaking heritage. Constantia was already famous for its Muscat as early as the beginning of the 19th century. The French and other European immigrants brought with them their know-how and their grape varieties and even created their own grape variety by crossing Cinsault with Pinot Noir to create Pinotage.

I am also delighted to introduce the Cannonberg Project. Our Cannonberg label was originally launched in partnership with the Fairtrade Organisation, which we hoped was going to benefit the local community by contributing to social projects in the Western Cape region. Although it worked well, we have now decided to both develop the concept and manage the project on a more personal level.

Philippe