This concept has been a dream of mine for at least the past
eight years. I have had many discussions with industry colleagues, local trade,
agents around the world about this. It stems from working for a family estate
for seven years, knowing how tough it is to sustain and grow a family business.
That passion and drive is shared with my friends who either started their own
business or took over their family estate.
After multiple meetings and talks a couple of us came
together and decided that Cape Wine could be and should be the launch of
something. Cape Site Specific was born with Wilhelm Pienaar
(Hermanuspietersfontein), Johann Fourie (Benguela Cove Estate) and myself. I am the only NON-Winemaker, so therefore I am the manager/convenor to drive the project and share information amongst the group.
So why, who and what exactly is Cape Site Specific? In short
from our website www.capesitespecific.co.za
:
“A collaboration of like-minded producers who share a common
vision of creating wines from specific vineyard sites across the Cape
Winelands. The focus is on crafting wines which reveal the typicity of each
site, rather than the simple manufacturing of commercial styles. The wines are
produced exclusively from:
• Single Vineyards –
Max 6 hectares
• Estates
• Ward specific
sites”
We are NOT another forum, board, association or group
trying to swim upstream. In fact it is the total opposite as we see CSS as a
platform for like-minded producers to work together.
The group consist of a really good mix of producers ranging
from new & small to family estates spanning multiple generations. This also
allows us to have a very diverse offering in CSS.
A few of us do not have an active operational
Cellar Door or own their own vineyards, but their focus and philosophy aligns
with all of us.
Quality is non-negotiable, but we embrace different styles
rather than conform to it. We believe that the producer next to me has
to present their wines with their integrity & honesty intact. The end goal
is to showcase the differences and diversity of our wines rather than a style.
CAN MORE PRODUCERS
JOIN?
Absolutely! Cape Wine will only be the launch of the
platform. There are many producers who will definitely add value and speaks the
same language as we do. We will take stock after Cape Wine and plan the next
steps from there. Unfortunately the stand size doesn’t allow for more producers
at Cape Wine, but we are definitely keen to grow. Our statement is clear:
"If you want to
go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together” - African Proverb
WHO CARES?
I have been asked this question so many times in the past
fifteen odd years. My simple answer is:
If you don’t think your consumer cares, well then I think
you are targeting the wrong market. The industry have been hiding behind this
‘who cares’ tag for too long. It is time that we start educating the right market
about who and what South African Wine is.
The term “lack-of-confidence” have been mentioned for years.
Individual confidence can be seen as arrogance, collective confidence is
BELIEF.
A big goal for CSS is educating, informing and changing
perceptions without competing with one another. Finding synergy in the whole
value chain of your product i.e who is your importer, who is their market, how
are they perceived as supplier in their market. Who are the other producers in their portfolio, not just from South Africa but from other countries. Are we all complimenting each other or competing directly? You should ask that same
question about our local market. We want to grow our business’ collectively
through sharing information, contacts and markets. An agent with a group of
like-minded producers in his portfolio has a lot more content and tools to sell
South African Wines than a mix match of various brands. We want to change this
and go around the world together!
Regionality in South Africa is very important and we need
more regional identity growth & confirmation. You can read more here: http://thelegofwine.blogspot.com/2017/10/are-site-specific-wines-best-in-world.html
We all have our own USP’s but together the stories just get
better and better!
CSS - CAPE WINE 2018 SCHEDULE:
12 – 14 September: Cape
Wine @ Cape Town International Convention Centre
Book
your tasting slot with any of our producers during this time
13 September: Cape
Site Specific Wines in the Speakers Corner @ 11h00
15 September: Luncheon
@ Overgaauw Estate, Stellenbosch 11h00 – 15h00
30
Pax - please send booking request to info@capesitespecific.co.za
The luncheon at Overgaauw Estate on Saturday 15 September is
open to the Trade & Media who would like to meet, interact and enjoy our
wines in a relaxed yet typical South African style. It is important for us to
build relationships on a personal level whilst tasting the wines and learning
more about each other. Hopefully after a busy formal week of meetings and
tasting you would be keen to enjoy a fun relaxed day with a ‘home cooked’ meal
and some epic wines and conversation!
Please visit our website www.capesitespecific.co.za and
follow our social media platforms to learn more about us and staying in touch. If you are planning to attend Cape Wine, be sure to set up a meeting
with the producers of interest to you or just pop in.
It would be wonderful if you can join us on Saturday 15 September as well!
We are excited and look forward to take the first steps at Cape Wine 2018!
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