Virtual Tasting on Zoom and Facebook LIVE
Waterkloof Wine Estate
Hermanuspietersfontein (HPF) Wines
Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate
Brew Cru
Wednesday, September 16, 2020
6:00pm CST / 7:00pm EST
RSVP at your local WineStyles and get a front row seat on Zoom!
Join us for this special Winery Spotlight tasting event online, featuring the four winemakers of our September Wine Club wines from South Africa. To find your nearest WineStyles, click here.
Nadia Langenegger, Winemaker of Waterkloof Wine Estate
Wilhelm Piennar, Winemaker of HPF Wines
Johann Fourie, Head Winemaker of Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate
Bertus Fourie, Winemaker of Brew Cru
These incredible winemakers will be tasting through the following wines during our zoom event:
- Waterkloof Astraeus, MCC Sparkling Rosé Pinot Noir
- HPF Posmeester Merlot
- Benguela Cove Vinography Cabernet Franc
- Benguela Cove Noble Late Harvest
- Brew Cru Chardonnay
- Brew Cru Pinot Noir
- Brew Cru Black Label Pinot Noir
ABOUT THE WINERIES AND THEIR WINEMAKERS:
Waterkloof Wine Estate:
In 1993 Paul Boutinot commenced his search for a vineyard site with the potential to produce truly fine wine with a defining sense of origin. The classic areas, capable of growing naturally balanced grapes such as the Cote d’Or, Chablis, Paulliac, Barolo, etc. were either unavailable or unattainable (rich men’s toys), so he had to find a new classic. It took ten years to narrow the search down to a small area on the south-facing slopes of the Schapenberg, overlooking False Bay in the Cape. As soon as he was led up a steep ravine opening out into a hidden amphitheater of potential, all his experience and intuition told him: THIS IS IT! Waterkloof was born, and the hard work began.
Winemaker Nadia Langenegger
Meet the Winemaker:
Nadia Langenegger grew up in Somerset West in the Western Cape of South Africa. After graduating with a degree in Viticulture and Oenology from the University of Stellenbosch, she completed her first student harvest at Flagstone in South Africa, then went on to harvest in Australia, France, and New Zealand. At the end of 2008, she joined the Waterkloof team as assistant wine maker to Werner Engelbrecht; in 2013 she was appointed as Winemaker, when Werner left Waterkloof.
Hermanuspietersfontein (HPF) Wines:
In the early 1800’s farmers imported a teacher named Hermanus Pieters to teach their children Dutch, the forerunner of Afrikaans. He would be paid in sheep which he grazed at a fountain under the Milkwood trees near the sea. The spot soon became known as Hermanus Pieter’s Fountein (HPF). In 1855, the village was named after him – Hermanuspietersfontein. Fast forward 100 years later, a wine cellar baring his name is the longest Afrikaans name for a cellar in the world and using Afrikaans-only wine names. Operationally, their 350-ton urban winery combines European mindset and gravity concept to minimize handling and intervention in the winemaking process. “Good earth makes better wine” is HPF’s winemaking philosophy, the expression and sense of place is the soul of Sondagskloof.
Wilhlem Pienaar, Head Winemaker
Meet the Winemaker:
Wilhelm Piennar, having 10 years of experience and traveled to more than 50 countries, has gained valuable knowledge and insights into the wine industry. With a double Masters degree in agriculture at Stellenbosch University and University of Montpellier, Wilhelm is the Managing Director and Head Winemaker of HPF wines. “Winemaking is not just a job, it is a passion and a lifestyle. And the essence of it, for me, is for the winemaker to remain true to his or her intuitions.” – Wilhelm Piennar
Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate:
Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate is a 200 hectare lifestyle farm and exclusive luxury estate situated in Walker Bay, Hermanus. Overlooking the Bot River Lagoon and Atlantic Ocean these unusual maritime conditions ensure that this unique terroir produces outstanding quality grapes.
Winemaker Johann Fourie
Meet the Winemaker:
Johann Fourie was introduced to the world of wine as a student during his studies at Elsenburg Agricultural College in Stellenbosch. After extensive wine estate visits and experiencing the passion winemakers have for their craft, he changed the direction of his studies to specialize in winemaking and set out to become one of South Africa’s leading winemakers. With an incredible list of awards, and stints in more than nine international countries, Johann is now the Head Winemaker for Benguela Cove Wine Estate, situated in Walker Bay, South Africa.
Brew Cru:
Brew Cru is dedicated to cool-climate wines from the Cape South Coast, sourcing wines from maritime wine wards such as Elim and Walker Bay. Both vineyards share hardened landscapes with constant gusts of Atlantic sea winds, which contributes to a cooler climate. This unique terroir provides extended ripening periods and extremely low yields resulting in small, intensely flavored berries with great potential.
Winemaker Bertus Fourie
Meet the Winemaker:
Bertus Fourie is a legend in the world of creating distinctive wines. Known, as ‘Starbucks’, for his creation of the now iconic Coffee Style Pinotage. This Swartlander, born in Malmesbury, always loved wine, but never thought of it as a career. When arriving at University to study medicine, he found that due to an ‘administrative error’ he had not been admitted. Having worked in a cousin’s vineyard, he enrolled to study Oenology at the University of Stellenbosch; and as they say, the rest is history.
WineStyles Tasting Station 