Arco Laarman was a well-known, well-liked and much respected winemaker who died recently
We were invited to his wake which was held at Kaapzicht wine estate in Bottelary
This was not a sad occasion, more a celebration of a life well lived and a fine career very sadly cut short
We were invited to his wake which was held at Kaapzicht wine estate in Bottelary
This was not a sad occasion, more a celebration of a life well lived and a fine career very sadly cut short
It was attended by many of his family and friends, so many of us associated with the wine industry
Arco Laarman was only 49 and at the peak of his career, making great wine under his own label,
having spent many years working at Glen Carlou before going out on his own and succeeding so well. A sad loss
Arco Laarman was only 49 and at the peak of his career, making great wine under his own label,
having spent many years working at Glen Carlou before going out on his own and succeeding so well. A sad loss
Arco at Glen Carlou's celebration of his 20th Anniversary as a winemaker, 2018
With Jordan's Marsha Cooke whilst showing his own wines at Wine Concepts' Chardonnay, Pinot noir Celebration 2019
At Cape Wine 2022
We gathered on the lawn
The wine served was Arco's lovely Focal Point Chardonnay, so enjoyable, so well made. As was his Focal Point Shiraz
We were sustained by a great variety of good crisp pizzas that came from this Pizza oven
Avo and bacon was one of the many varieties. Always available at Kaapzicht's Tasting Room
Barry Nieuwoudt, Arco's oldest and best friend, had flown in from Australia to be there
and spoke very well about Arco and their friendship
The many family and friends listening to the speeches
Mrs Laarman, Arco's mother, lighting a candle
Kaapzicht owners Danie and Yngvild Steytler
Mrs Laarman with her son Dan. She told us that Arco had decided he wanted to be a winemaker at the tender age of 12
and she had made sure that path was possible for him
Autumn vine leaves
Danie Steytler spoke about how young Arco had come to stay with them to learn about wine
and became almost a member of the family before he went off to his first job
after he had completed his studies at Stellenbosch
Danie quoted some readings from the Bible
Samara Stern, a good friend of Arco's, spoke of their friendship
Johnathan Grieve of Avondale, Sofie Kruger of Kruger Family Wines and Jill Finlayson
Dan Laarman, Arco's brother, made a very special speech about him
Sofie Kruger, Jill and Walter Finlayson
Arco worked for Walter at Glen Carlou
and continued there as cellarmaster under after Walter sold to Hess Family Wine Estates
Jill Finlayson, Danie Steytler, David Finlayson, Walter Finlayson
Arco's favourite cast iron pan and knives, left to his friend Barry Nieuwoudt
Yngvild Steytler, Danie Steytler, Danie Steytler junior, Carin Steytler
Will Laarman, Arco's father
We were all encouraged to light a candle and to sign the memory book
Mrs Laarman snr with Madeleine, Arco's wife
Madeleine Laarman
Purple Mexican sage, Salvia leacantha in full bloom at the entrance as we left
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