Winemakers On Fire, Issue #100

Greetings from Cape Town, South Africa!

Imagine conquering a world-class mountain biking singletrack that climbs 1,000 meters above sea level, then toasting your victory with its namesake organic wine. Welcome to Canetsfontein Estate, where the legendary "Cliffhanger" trail attracts international MTB enthusiasts to Wellington's breathtaking Bainskloof Pass.

Winemaker Frank Meaker has ingeniously captured this adventurous spirit in Cliffhanger Organic Red—a sulphur-free wine naturally preserved with indigenous rooibos and honeybush. This destination perfectly blends adrenaline and relaxation, offering visitors the rare chance to experience both heart-pumping trails and innovative viticulture in one unforgettable South African setting.

Come for the world-class trails, stay for the revolutionary wines—Canetsfontein delivers thrills in both glass and gravity.

Let’s dive in.

From Steep Trails to Smooth Wines: Canetsfontein's Adventurous Viticulture.

Where Mountain Biking Meets World-Class Wine

Nestled at the foot of the iconic Bainskloof Pass outside Wellington, Canetsfontein Organic Wine Estate is blazing trails—quite literally. The estate has carved its niche in international mountain biking circles with the unveiling of "Cliffhanger," a world-class singletrack that challenges riders to a breathtaking climb of 1,000 meters above sea level.

But Cliffhanger isn't just for thrill-seekers on two wheels. It's also the name of Canetsfontein's latest wine release—a bold, sulphur-free organic red that perfectly embodies the estate's philosophy of adventure, health, and harmony with nature.

Behind this innovative fusion of extreme sports and winemaking excellence stands Frank Meaker, Canetsfontein's visionary winemaker. With a deep understanding of the Wellington terroir and a passion for sustainable farming, Frank has been instrumental in crafting exceptional wines that reflect the unique character of this spectacular corner of the Western Cape.

The Seeds of Organic Winemaking

Frank's journey into organic winemaking began unexpectedly around 2006, when Alexander Falk, who had purchased Canetsfontein in 1996, expressed interest in transitioning to organic farming practices.

"Alexander's vision served as a wake-up call," Frank recalls with animated enthusiasm. "It ignited a passion for organic farming philosophy within me and set me on a transformative path in my winemaking journey."

Before this awakening, Frank had already developed a deep appreciation for Canetsfontein's exceptional grapes. From 2003 to 2013, while serving as winemaker at Bovlei Co-op, he selected and managed Canetsfontein's harvest according to quality estate concepts. These grapes, primarily Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, consistently contributed to Bovlei's finest award-winning Star wines.

Breaking New Ground with Sulphur-Free Winemaking

In 2013, Frank embraced a new challenge at Org De Rac Organic Wine Estate, where he tackled the perception that organic wines were somehow inferior to conventional ones. It was an uphill battle, "much like having a lost cousin in jail," he quips with characteristic humour.

The turning point came when the European Union changed its terminology from "Organic Vineyard Produced Grapes" to "Organic Wine" in 2012, which resonated more with consumers. The growing concern about climate change also contributed to increasing demand for environmentally friendly products.

Drawing inspiration from Audacia Estate's sulphur-free wines, Frank began crafting wines without sulphur in 2018. At Canetsfontein, he combined these valuable lessons with innovative ideas to fulfil Alexander Falk's vision of producing top-quality organic wines with zero sulphur content.

The Birth of Cliffhanger: Where Adventure Meets Viticulture

In 2022, facing severe viral infestations in the vineyards, Canetsfontein made the bold decision to remove all existing vines and allow the land to lie fallow. Simultaneously, they began planting four hectares of new vineyards in a former vegetable area.

To jumpstart their organic wine branding efforts while waiting for the new vineyards to mature, Frank sourced certified organic grapes from across the Western Cape. The result was a unique, leisure-inspired red wine with a fruity, light-bodied character.

When it came to naming this new creation, inspiration struck from the estate's mountainous terrain and the owner's passion for mountain biking.

"With a significant race fast approaching, we were pressed for time, but then it hit me—Cliffhanger," Frank explains with a gleam in his eye. "The name not only captured the essence of the thrilling trails but also evoked the sense of adventure and excitement that we wanted our wine to embody."

Nature's Own Preservative: The Rooibos Revolution

What makes Cliffhanger truly revolutionary is its preservation method. Instead of sulphur, Canetsfontein uses a unique combination of Rooibos and Honeybush extracts as natural preservatives—indigenous plants from the Cape Floral Kingdom.

"These plant-derived tannins not only provide a distinctive liveliness to the wine's colour and fruit flavours but also enhance its aromatic profile," Frank explains. This innovation makes Cliffhanger appealing to health-conscious consumers, particularly younger generations like Millennials and Gen Z, who value vegan-friendly and organic products.

The 2024 Cliffhanger is a blend of 55% Merlot, along with Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. "This wine boasts a dark colour, ripe fruit notes, and hints of dark chocolate, culminating in a smooth finish," Frank describes with palpable pride.

Riding the Waves of Climate Change

Frank acknowledges the challenges posed by climate change, particularly the increasingly unpredictable weather patterns experienced over the past decade. "To adapt, we closely monitor shifting seasonal patterns, employ water and energy-saving techniques, and enrich the soil with organic matter to promote a thriving ecosystem," he notes.

For Frank, sustainable winemaking involves considering the environmental impact of their production practices and residues. "As responsible winemakers, we prioritise the health and well-being of our consumers, taking accountability for the entire production process."

Vision Realized: The Organic 1781 Bordeaux Blend

Frank's vision of emulating the renowned Bordeaux wine region has already become reality with the February 2025 release of Canetsfontein's flagship Organic 1781 Bordeaux Blend 2023. Named in honour of the estate's founding year, this premium blend showcases the diverse terroir and exceptional potential of the Wellington region.

"This wine represents everything we've been working toward," Frank says with unmistakable pride. "We've capitalised on our diverse vineyard sites and soil types to create a classic blend that truly highlights the unique characteristics of Canetsfontein."

The 1781 Bordeaux Blend exemplifies Frank's philosophy of maintaining a streamlined, focused portfolio that emphasises quality over quantity. Alongside this flagship offering, Canetsfontein continues to produce select varietal wines that showcase the individual strengths of their organically grown grapes.

Come for the Trails, Stay for the Wine

For visitors to the Western Cape seeking adventure and relaxation in equal measure, Canetsfontein offers an unparalleled experience. After conquering the Cliffhanger trail—or perhaps just watching the brave souls who do—guests can reward themselves with a glass of its namesake wine, savouring the fruits of both human ingenuity and nature's bounty.

Frank's philosophy perfectly encapsulates the Canetsfontein experience: "Approach our Cliffhanger wine with the same fearlessness as tackling a mountain bike trail. Aromas of dried fruit, ripe cherries, and mulberry will lure you down the slope, while hints of chocolate will quicken the pulse, and gentle spice and vanilla notes will reward you at the finish. Enjoy it chilled on an epic day!"

Whether you're an adventure junkie, a wine connoisseur, or simply someone who appreciates the harmonious connection between nature and sustainable agriculture, Canetsfontein beckons with open arms and raised glasses—preferably filled with Cliffhanger, of course.

Key Data Trends in Wine Tourism

Adventure Tourism + Wine: The Perfect Blend

• Recent South African tourism data shows wineries offering adventure activities like mountain biking and hiking attract significantly more visitors than traditional tasting-only estates

• Adventure tourists typically stay 20-40% longer at wine destinations that offer complementary outdoor activities

• According to UNWTO observations, food and beverage experiences rank as the most sought-after complements to adventure tourism activities

Organic/Sustainable Practices as Visitor Magnets

• Wine Estates with certified organic or biodynamic status are seeing measurable increases in direct-to-consumer sales through their tasting rooms

• Recent consumer surveys indicate that approximately 67% of wine tourists consider sustainable practices "important" or "very important" when choosing destinations

• Visitors demonstrate willingness to spend more at wineries that effectively communicate their sustainability practices and offerings

Here's what you missed last week...

Friends, our wine world is ablaze with beautiful contradictions! Last week, we celebrated the exhilarating dance between tradition and innovation that's transforming our industry.

From young mavericks like Mika Engelbrecht (2024 Diners Club Young Winemaker of the Year) embracing organic practices with fierce dedication to creative designers like Gaspar Costa who breathe life into wine labels that tell stories worth collecting.

We also raise a glass to Daniela Jansen, who's earned her spot on the Drinks Business Master Winemakers 2025 Top 100 list for the second consecutive year. Passion and authenticity flow as freely as a good Chenin Blanc!

"An artist is someone who uses bravery, insight, creativity, and boldness to challenge the status quo." - Seth Godin

Get ready to be inspired.

Until next Tuesday, keep your glass full and your taste buds curious.