Notably, Allée Bleue has over that past three years enjoyed growth of between 10% and 15% in sales - a trajectory most producers dream of. Du Toit joined Allée Bleue as winemaker in July 2009 and has seen the estate and its winemaking activities flourish since then. For one, the cellar will process 600 tons of grapes this year - up considerably from the 180 tons it handled during his first harvest in 2010. At the same time, the focus on quality has remained steadfast. “Our loyal customers have come to appreciate this direction,” says Du Toit, “and, that our wines are not only made to a higher standard, but are also more consistent. This has allowed us to retain our share of the market and ensured consistent growth too.” Allée Bleue has been a top performer in esteemed local wine competitions and again collected a string of awards at a number of recent international competitions. These include gold medals for its Pinotage 2012, Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2013, Chenin Blanc 2014 and L’Amour Toujours 2011 at the Mundus Vini International Wine Awards in Germany; and, Top Gold for its Isabeau 2013 and gold for its Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Pinotage 2011 and Chenin Blanc 2014 at the Par Wine Awards (South Africa). Later this year will also see the addition of an ultra-premium product amongst its new offerings. “We work with many more cultivars than is generally known,” says Du Toit. “In 2012 we decided to keep some of these special wines - never more than one barrel - aside, to bottle them”. “This ultra-premium wine is special; rare; only available as a magnum; and, truly a fingerprint of that cultivar from a specific area in that season. We already have the name, are busy with the design and soon, when it is launched, will turn your world upside down!” Du Toit plays down his influence in Allée Bleue’s growth. “The potential has always been here. With the support of the owners, a good production and sales team, and a close-knit working relationship with grape producers, the battle was virtually already won. The drastic improvement in quality flows from all these factors,” he says. “My wine background saw me raised in a cellar where the pursuit for better and better wine was an everyday mission. I take the job of making wine very personally. It takes a lot of time and effort to make wine of this standard. It’s therefore natural that I employ my experience, my knowledge and all the season can deliver. “It’s also great to have good wine to drink,” he adds. Du Toit, the son of a winemaker, hails from Riebeek Kasteel in the Cape's Swartland region. His own winemaking career saw him acquire skills and experience at wineries in South Africa and overseas. He has 19 harvests under his belt. In addition to getting married and becoming father of two sons, Du Toit’s tenure at Allée Bleue has brought numerous highlights, among them the repackaging of its Platinum Range and its MCC’s. “My most memorable harvests at Allée Bleue are the first and the last. Upon my arrival, I got to know the cellar, vineyards and people. Like most new experiences in one’s life, it was a challenge, exciting and pleasant. I could follow my own head and live out my passion completely. Fortunately, the 2010 season played along, giving us exceptional fruit that really turned the Allée Bleue ship around.” This past season sticks in his mind, simply because it’s fresh. “Compared to my first, the 2015 harvest was just as big a challenge. Not only was it very early, but new equipment was employed; there’s a new press that’s bigger and technologically more advanced; and, new tanks and an additional cooling module.” These extensions flow from the growth that the trademark has experienced, he says. “This means we’re doing something right because demand for our wines continues to rise.” The demand for Allée Bleue wines necessitated the expansion of the cellar and the acquisition of 14ha of vineyards on a neighbouring farm. Elaborating on the changes, Allée Bleue General Manager Ansgar Flaatten says the double-digit growth in sales is linked directly to the expansion. “We have reached a point where we have outgrown the cellar and its original capacity. The growth is largely due to the consistency of the wines’ quality as well as the growth in consumer recognition for the brand locally and the opening of some new export markets, such as the USA. “Having said this, over 50% of our sales remain in the South African market which is obviously key for us,” Flaatten says. The portfolio of wines on offer at Allée Bleue has become widely known as one with something for everyone, from its upper echelon Premium wines to the easy drinking Starlette range. “The wine team has received top commendations, but for me it has been about seeing the popularity of our wines grow across all ranges; the over-delivery on quality no matter the price of the wine,” says Du Toit. Allée Bleue estate lies at the end of a tree-lined avenue, its vineyards and orchards radiating out from its historic manor buildings. The estate is owned by the Dauphin family and they remain committed to growing the Allée Bleue brand locally and internationally. Open to the public for tours, conferences and events, it is a year-round destination in the Cape winelands. Allée Bleue is situated at the intersection of the R45 and R310. More information about the farm is available on its website www.alleebleue.co.za. Allée Bleue can also be found on Twitter @AlleeBleue, and Facebook. For more details, phone +27.218741021.