Zonnebloem is defined by
the value it places on time, working to the belief that quality takes time but
excellence a little longer. The team works with suppliers of longstanding –
some of them over three and four generations. They have a deep understanding of
their land and what it is capable of producing, a knowledge evolved over
decades, not just seasons or years. They work closely with Zonnebloem's
viticulturists, who bring a modern mindset in profiling every block in such
precise detail that they can micro-manage the timing of every harvest delivery
and how it should be handled.
With access to over 330
blocks across the very best of Stellenbosch, Darling, Malmesbury and the
Perdeberg, they can choose the best-of-best fruit for Zonnebloem. No grape is
rushed. Every berry is hand-picked when the time is right and delivered to the
cellars in Stellenbosch. Grapes are
vinified by individual block, so each can express its special characters and
give the winemaking team the scope to create vibrant wines of beautiful balance
for lasting enjoyment.
When Zonnebloem wines,
50 years and older, are auctioned as rare collectors’ items for thousands of
rands, it is testimony to their ability to express time with dexterity and
grace.