We were invited to an exciting event held at Jordan Wine Estate,
the Launch of the Chardonnay Association of South Africa
This has been a while coming and we are pleased to tell you that it has set off with many exciting members,
including some of our premier Chardonnay producers
And, as of yesterday, they had attracted 58 producers and more are joining
The event began with a Welcome by Andre Morgenthal, Manager & Communications
Many of the members were there to showcase their Chardonnays at the event
and we had a great deal of enjoyment tasting them
This noble grape produces such beautiful wines and deserves the focus
Jordan, generously, hosted the venue and Chef Martinus Ferreira of The Jordan Restaurant supplied excellent food
to pair with the different styles of Chardonnay
The focus is on positioning South African Chardonnay to ensure it is recognised alongside the world's leading white wines,
elevating its status and influence globally. They want to highlight the unique expressions of South African Chardonnay
at both local and international events, bringing attention to the rich terroirs and craftsmanship
that set these wines apart
They support research and innovation in viticulture, winemaking techniques and marketing trends
relating to this mutable grape, enhancing climate resilience, production methods
and consumer engagement to further strengthen the industry
You can contact them on
#chardonnayassociationsouthafrica
Jordan Restaurant Chef Marthinus Ferreira at the pass
We had a Walk-Around Tasting in the Jordan Restaurant followed by canapés and a Bowl Food Dinner
A relaxed dining experience with plenty of time for informal discussions and mingling
A humorous and pointed Address by Jordan's cellarmaster Sjaak Nelson,
Chairman of the Chardonnay Association
Winemakers and their wines for tasting ringed the back of the room
We sat and listened while the speeches were made
Doekie and Rejeanne Vlietman of Den Anker
Winemakers, wine and media
Intent audience
A Keynote speech by Michael Fridjhon, esteemed wine expert, critic, writer, importer and educator
He highlighted the complex history of Chardonnay in South Africa and gave a validation speech
which certainly highlighted the motivation and the need for the Association
"This is a game changer for the SA Wine Industry", he said. "[Chardonnay] has finally come of age"
Specs on, Chardonnay at the ready were listeners from Delaire Graff, Oldenburg and Thelema
The kitchen busy doing the prep
Rapt attention
Craig Wessels of Restless River and Maryna Calow of WOSA
Johannes Richter of Wineland Magazine with Hannes Storm
Johann de Wet of Dewetshof with Paul Cluver winemaker Chelsea Corney
Nic van Aarde, Oldenburg winemaker and Thomas Webb of Thelema
Monet Janse van Rensburg of Cavalli with Jan-Nico Coetzee, Head of Wine Sales at Delaire Graff Estate
Gottfried Mocke, Cap Maritime winemaker, Boekenhoutkloof's new brand from the Hemel and Aarde
Samantha O'Keefe, owner-winemaker of Lismore in Greyton
She is also the current Chair of the Cape Winemakers Guild
pouring for Marthinus Ferreira
Happy chef, happy life
Thea van der Merwe and Stephanie van Oppell, Journey's End
Glenwood cellarmaster DP Burger and LRJ
Two wines from Haute Cabriere
presented by the winemaker, Tim Hoek
Welma and Martin Smith, Paserene
David Finlayson, Edgebaston owner-winemaker and his sister Carolyn Martin, Creation co-owner
Carsten Migliarina and Rejeanne Vlietman
Chantelle van Heerden, Quoin Rock brand manager
Higgo Jacobs and Christine Rudman with Johnnie Calitz, Glen Carlou winemaker
Some food for the photographer, who often forgets to eat
Capensis Chardonnay
Rogge Kloof from the Sutherland Karroo region, the highest wine growing region in South Africa
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