Winemakers On Fire, Issue #29

Good day, and a warm welcome!

As we come to the end of another year, I want to express my gratitude to all of my loyal readers who have supported me throughout this journey. Your loyalty and engagement have been invaluable, and I am truly grateful for your continued support.

My experience as a solopreneur and content creator in the wine industry has been incredibly rewarding, and I have come to appreciate the unique and special community that surrounds this industry. The relationships and connections that I have made have been the highlight of this journey, and I am committed to continuing to nurture and value these relationships in the future.

My vision is to be recognised not for my success but for the value that I bring to others. I strive to use my talents and skills to make a positive impact on those around me and to be a source of inspiration and support for others in the wine community. As Albert Einstein once said, "Try not to become a person of success, but rather try to become a person of value." This is the guiding principle that I will carry with me into the new year and beyond.

Thank you again for your support, and I look forward to continuing to share my passion for wine and the wine industry with all of you in the future.

Get ready to be swept away by our most captivating feature article of 2023, showcasing the enchanting world of Vrede en Lust Wine Estate. Discover the dynamic power duo behind its success - Karlin Nel and Annette Human - and be enchanted by their story of passion, dedication, and innovation.

But that's not all! We also shine a spotlight on the brilliant minds at Graft Branding Studio, the creative force behind the winery's stunning flagship Napoleonsberg label. Uncover the secrets of their design process and witness how they brought the estate's rich history and bold vision to life through their artistry.

At a Glance

• Introducing Karlin Nel, Cellar Master at Vrede en …

• Meet Annette Human, Viticulturist, Vrede en Lust.

• Aesthetics and Tradition: Graft Branding Studio Sh …

  • Stand Out with Artful Messaging

Double Gold for Vrede en Lust Kogelberg Chenin Blanc

Vrede en Lust winery has triumphed again, securing a coveted Double Gold medal at the prestigious Global Fine Wine Challenge for their sublime Kogelberg Chenin Blanc! This accomplishment marks two consecutive years that this refined Chenin Blanc single vineyard wine, hailing from the biodiversity haven Kogelberg's UNESCO biosphere, has wowed the judges with its wonderfully complex bouquet of citrus and orange peel, culminating in a richly textured palate experience laced with honeyed fruit.

This family-owned winery nestled in South Africa's acclaimed Franschhoek Valley has showcased its dedication to wine excellence on the global stage once more with their show-stopping Kogelberg Chenin Blanc. Its back-to-back Double Gold victories are a testament to Vrede en Lust's winemaking passion and vision!

Introducing Karlin Nel and Annette Human: The Dynamic Power Duo at Vrede en Lust Wine Estate

Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of the Cape Winelands, Vrede en Lust Wine Estate stands as a distinguished icon of South African viticulture. With a rich history dating back to the late 17th century, this estate has evolved into a premier destination for wine enthusiasts, history aficionados, and those seeking a serene escape.

Situated in the Franschhoek Valley, known for its lush vineyards and breathtaking scenery, Vrede en Lust embodies the essence of winemaking excellence. The estate's name, which translates to "Peace and Joy" in English, perfectly encapsulates the experience it offers visitors.

Vrede en Lust's vineyards span over rolling hills, benefiting from the region's unique terroir and a climate that's conducive to producing exceptional wines. The estate prides itself on its commitment to sustainable and innovative winemaking practises, resulting in a diverse range of wines that capture the true character of the land.

Beyond its viticultural prowess, Vrede en Lust holds historical significance as one of the oldest wine farms in the Cape. The beautifully preserved Cape Dutch architecture adds an air of nostalgia, while the modern facilities and amenities ensure a seamless blend of past and present.

Introducing Karlin Nel, Cellar Master at Vrede en Lust.

Please tell us about your background and what inspired you to pursue a career in winemaking.

My journey into the world of winemaking was sparked at the age of 8. I grew up in the beautiful town of Stellenbosch, between rolling hills and serene landscapes, where we cycled through the vineyards on Saturdays. From a young age, I knew that this was the industry for me.

As I matured, my fascination with science and the intricate processes drew me deeper into the world of winemaking. It was the realisation that winemaking is an exquisite blend of tradition and innovation, rooted in history yet open to experimentation, that truly ignited my passion. The ability to take a hands-on approach to shaping the flavours, textures, and stories that each bottle of wine tells resonated with my desire to create something tangible and enduring.

In the end, it was the combination of nature's beauty, the scientific marvels, the artistic expression, and the close-knit community that drew me towards a career in winemaking. It's a journey where every vintage is a new chapter, and every glass is a connection and celebration of life.

You worked a harvest in Italy and were accepted into a Burgundy exchange programme, where you studied the Burgundy region of France. What impact have these experiences had on your winemaking style?

Working a harvest in Italy and participating in a Burgundy exchange programme have had a profound impact on my winemaking style, infusing it with influences and techniques. The time I spent in Italy's vineyards provided me with an intimate understanding of traditional craftsmanship. I absorbed the importance of respecting the land's character and allowing it to guide the winemaking process. This experience ignited a passion for minimal intervention, enabling the terroir to take centre stage.

However, it was the Burgundy exchange programme that expanded my horizons. The meticulous attention to detail and the emphasis on subtlety in Burgundian winemaking showed me the transformative power of patience. Studying the Burgundy region's intricate classifications and terroir variations deepened my appreciation for how every facet of a vineyard influences the final outcome.

Combining the Italian appreciation for nature's gifts with the Burgundian dedication to precision, my winemaking style has evolved into a harmonious blend between tradition and innovation. I strive to create wines that reflect the authenticity of their origins.

You were appointed Cellar Master at Vrede en Lust in October 2017, at the age of 25, making you South Africa's youngest female winemaker at the time. What were some of the obstacles you had to overcome as a young Cellar Master?

Becoming a cellar master at a young age can be a remarkable achievement, but it also presents a unique set of challenges and obstacles. One of the primary challenges was earning the respect and trust of the cellar team, which may consist of individuals who are older and more experienced. Gaining their confidence and establishing yourself as a capable leader can require time and effort, as some team members might initially doubt your ability to make crucial decisions.

Navigating the dynamics of the wine industry and building relationships with suppliers, distributors, and other industry professionals was daunting as well. Being taken seriously and negotiating effectively was a bit more challenging due to my age.

Technical expertise is another key obstacle. Gaining the necessary hands-on experience and knowledge to make informed decisions about blending, oak treatment, and other critical processes took time and patience.

I overcame these obstacles with a strong work ethic and a commitment to continuous learning. Seeking mentorship from experienced cellar masters and industry professionals. The most important thing for me was emphasising teamwork, effective communication, and fostering a positive work environment.

Ultimately, my dedication, passion, and ability to adapt played a vital role in proving my capabilities and paving the way for a successful career as a cellar master.

How do you approach the winemaking process, and what do you believe differentiates your wines from others?

Our approach is as much about listening as it is about crafting. We believe that the most exceptional wines emerge when nature's voice is allowed to resonate through the vines and into every bottle. Our philosophy rests on a gentle intervention, where the vineyards themselves become the storytellers.

With a minimal touch, we guide this process, understanding that true elegance arises from a harmonious collaboration between the land and the elements. Our winemaking style is not just a technique; it's a passion.

Delicate nuances on the palate reveal layers of flavour that unfold like a story. Just as a woman's intuition is known for its depth, our wines reveal hidden dimensions, a testament to our attention to detail.

Karlin, thank you for sharing your inspiring story with us, and we wish you continued success.

Meet Annette Human, Viticulturist, Vrede en Lust.

What has surprised you most about your job as a viticulturist?

Multi-tasking is essential! I am a qualified viticulturist, and I was prepared to step into a world of luscious vines, caring for them and enhancing their true potential to the best of my abilities. However, this perfect picture was quickly shaped by my surprise that being a farm manager and being a viticulturist are two different things. A farmer's job is such an underrated one! Being one, I learned how to manage people from different backgrounds by understanding them and how they see things. You do not work with vines; you work with people, and the success of your farm/grapes is directly equivalent to the strength of your team.

Other than this, you also need to have a thorough understanding of weather patterns, implements, spray calibrations, soil preparation, irrigation structure, labour law—the list goes on and on! There are so many things that can go wrong on a farm, but you need to put your focus on the important things that you can control and execute them perfectly!

What is one of the most rewarding aspects of your job?

This one is so easy! My office is spectacular! Every day, I am so privileged to work with nature. It fills my soul. Managing a farm and growing grapes is a slow, long-term process and project, and one day suddenly realising how your farm improved along with the quality of grapes is priceless.

How are you adapting to climate change as a viticulturist, particularly at Vrede en Lust?

• Vrede en Lust has two properties in different regions: Simondium-Paarl and Elgin. The most important aspect for us is planting the best suited cultivars on the right property. Warm climate cultivars that can take heat and high amounts of sunlight and are more drought tolerant should be planted in warmer terroirs. While cool climate cultivars should be planted in cooler regions such as Elgin/Cape South Coast, by doing so, the effect of climate change can be handled because the grapes can handle it.

• Optimally using water is also a key element. We use drip irrigation, soil probes, weather data, and visual grapevine signs to determine when to irrigate and for how long. Therefore, we do not irrigate unnecessarily.

• Different canopy management techniques are applied each year as the seasons differ. We do not have a recipe regarding this and adapt each action for each variety according to the weather.

• More focus is placed on cover crops. Cover crops have an enormous effect on decreasing evapotranspiration from the soil as well as erosion.

What are some of the most exciting developments or trends you are seeing in the world of viticulture, and how do you think they will shape the wine industry's future?

I think viticulture is becoming more and more of a science, and farmers are applying experiments to their vineyards to determine what works and to understand their plants. Site specific precision farming is developing - where how you farm depends on what your terroir requires of you.

Our microclimates in the Western Cape are so diverse, and it is amazing to see how viticulturists recognise the strength of their terroirs and elevate them with precision. The excellent grapes produced from this precision terroir farming are recognised by the wine industry. The wine industry is becoming aware that receiving good-quality grapes will evidently not be the cheapest grapes.

Annette, thank you for sharing your insights and knowledge with us, and congratulations on receiving your Masters Degree in Viticulture.

Aesthetics and Tradition: Graft Branding Studio Shapes Napoleonsberg Cabernet Sauvignon

Graft, a boutique branding agency founded by three partners with a shared passion for branding, has quickly established itself as a leader in the industry with a focus on strategic and intentional brand development. With a diverse portfolio of clients and a commitment to collaboration with production-side experts, Graft has become a go-to agency for brands seeking to drive their success through innovative and engaging branding solutions.

Vicki Clark, Project Manager at Graft Branding Studio, shares the story of the flagship Napoleonsberg Cabernet Sauvignon label with us.

Please describe the process used to create the flagship Napoleonsberg Cabernet Sauvignon label.

At Graft, our approach revolves around research-driven methodologies when embarking on a new project, and Napoleonsberg was no exception. Our process begins with research into the overarching brand involved, in this instance, Vrede en Lust. This initial step is followed by an exploration of the varietals and the wines designated tier within the brand’s wine portfolio.

When designing the Napoleonsberg label, how did you strike a balance between creativity and practicality?

Our primary goal was to grasp the distinctive elements that position this particular wine as Vrede en Lust’s top tier, and the insights gained from our first meeting with the winemaker, Karlin Nel, significantly contributed to our understanding. Ensuring that our research findings are distilled into a cohesive and concise message is a pivotal aspect; we refer to this as the design concept. In the case of Napoleonsberg, the name itself and the mountain beneath which the grapes flourish served as the foundation of our ideation.

The simplicity of this concept presented us with the challenge of crafting a design that exudes opulence and historical resonance, all while harmonising seamlessly with the established brand identity of Vrede en Lust. Ultimately, we recognised that a backdrop of deep black, the black closure, and the refined choice of bottle offered the ideal canvas for a label dieline that artistically echoes the outline of the mountain. Throughout this process, we were reminded that in design, less often holds more power. The mountain, adorned with a golden rim, proved to require nothing more than simple yet regal typography to convey the wine’s name, varietal, vintage, and Vrede en Lust logo.

From the project’s inception, our vision extended beyond the label to the outer packaging. Every detail was weighed with care, be it the shade of gold for the foil, the precise thickness of the mountain’s outline, the optimal placement of the label itself on the bottle, or elements such as the envelope, including additional collateral included in the outer packaging.

The delicate balance between practical and artistic considerations in wine design is second nature to us at Graft, owing to our experience working on wine brands. This balance is ingrained in our design ethos from the outset to the production decisions that conclude the process. Furthermore, maintaining an ongoing dialogue with our clients throughout the design journey is of utmost importance. We ensure their preferences are considered while also sharing our expertise and insights from experience.

Thank you for sharing the Napoleonsberg story with us, Vicki, and we wish you and the team at Graft Branding Studio continued success.

Stand Out with Artful Messaging

I’m Mike Carter, The Wine Wordsmith, and the mastermind behind Winemakers On Fire. I'm deeply committed to delivering insightful content that informs and engages readers. My passion for the wine industry extends beyond this publication, and I leverage my expertise with wine professionals seeking to strengthen their brands through compelling content.

Whether you're in need of newsletter copy, blog posts, or case studies, let's connect and discuss how I can help you reach your audience in meaningful ways. To learn more, please feel free to get in touch with me via email.

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• Winemakers On Fire is written by Mike Carter and published every Tuesday. My vision is to be recognised for giving more than taking and to use my talents and skills to positively impact others. Albert Einstein put it succinctly: "Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value."