Constantia and Hout Bay wine producers are excited to be included in a new Wine of Origin district named after Cape Town.
The new district, which has been approved by the South African Wine and Spirit Board, is aimed at elevating the profile of South African wine through a direct association to Cape Town and will unite the wine wards of Constantia, Durbanville, Philadelphia and Hout Bay under the inclusive name Wine of Origin Cape Town.
A total of 30 wineries will join forces under Wine of Origin Cape Town, capitalising on the global recognition Cape Town has achieved as an international tourist destination and sought-after lifestyle brand.
According to Rico Basson, chief executive of South African wine producers’ organisation Vinpro, an official Cape Town wine district automatically links the local wine industry to one of the leading place names in international tourism, lifestyle and business.
“The collaboration between the various wards and wineries in coming together to form the new wine district is a huge step forward for the South African wine industry,” he said.
“It is an example of innovative co-operation in harnessing producers to market their respective regions under one name, the name Cape Town being much-needed for South African wine to present itself as a global player.
“As a wine region, Cape Town now encapsulates a wonderful set of dynamics in terms of heritage, culture and modern wine styles. South Africa is already well-known for our wine tourism offering and this new development will add to integrating our strategy of innovative marketing.”
Duimpie Bayly, chairman of the Wine and Spirit Board’s demarcation committee, said from a wine production side, the wards of Constantia, Durbanville, Philadelphia and Hout Bay were meant to be together.
“We considered the various wards in the new proposed district and found great similarity in terroir as well as clear boundaries in a district that at its furthest point is 36km from the Cape Town city centre,” he said.
“We looked at the marketing potential of the new district, but remained scientific in determining the physical similarities of the wards using the latest GIS technology available. After our findings and recommendation for this new wine district, the demarcation committee received no objections whatsoever and are now excited to add the new district to our Wine of Origin system.”
The Constantia wine producers include Steenberg Vineyards, Constantia Uitsig, Buitenverwachting, Klein Constantia, Groot Constantia, High Constantia, Eagles Nest, Constantia Glen, Beau Constantia, Silvermist and Nova Zonnestraal.
The Hout Bay producers are Ambeloui and Hout Bay Vineyards.
“It is fantastic to be involved,” said Cathy Roeloffze of Hout Bay Vineyards.
“It’s always nice to be included in a specific wine-producing region, and we will definitely be contributing to make it a success.”
Alexis Christodoulou, of Ambeloui, said: “We at Ambeloui are obviously very happy about the new designation and believe that the now globally recognised Cape Town brand can be attributed to the many fantastic wines from the area, not to mention that Hout Bay’s small but high quality production can be part of the designation as well.”
As one of South Africa’s most recognised wine regions, members of the Constantia Wine Route are equally upbeat about the new association with Cape Town.
“The linearity in terms of geographical aspects with regards to the growing of wine grapes in the different wards is complemented by an exciting diversity in culture, scenery and tourist offerings,” said John Loubser, chairman of the Constantia Wine Route.
