Monday, 19 June, 2017
Wines of South Africa, Fiona McDonald
In the past few weeks there have been some significant movements in the South African wine scene. Most recently, Steenberg GM John Loubser announced his resignation after nearly 17 years to focus solely on his Silverthorn range of sparkling wines. Similarly Tokara announced that cellarmaster Miles Mossop was vacating his position of the past 18 years – also to focus on his burgeoning own label. The sale of Stellenzicht to Ernie Els Wines co-owner, Baron Hans von Staff-Reitzenstein, for a sum rumoured to not leave much change from $10 million means that Guy Webber’s 19 year tenure at the Golden Triangle property has also come to an end. He will remain within the Schreiber family wine fold, making Hill & Dale wines out of the Neethlingshof cellar.
The full impact of their departures has yet to be felt.
Stellenzicht is going to be an interesting one to watch. There has been no announcement yet on what is planned but Webber, who has a deep love for the property and its wines said he genuinely hoped that it flourished under “the new broom effect”.
One thing is certain, there will be changes in the respective wineries.
To read more online, click here.