They say you should never meet your heroes!

But last week at @museumwines ‘s Old Vine South African tasting I did meet one of mine – @kruger_rosa ! And she exceeded my expectations!

SA wine writer John Platter, describes Rosa as “the warrior queen of South Africa’s modern wine makeover”.

Respected winemaker /viticulturalist, it was her founding of the Old Vine Project which formalised her work ethos & which has saved the Cape’s Old Vines since 2016. However what really resonated with me whilst listening to her Old Vine masterclass, was the emphasis on people.

Too often when I listen to conversations regarding sustainability, it is all about the plants with no regard to the people who work with them every day. We learnt about the latest developments in regenerative farming but Rosa was emphatic to highlight the importance & joy she gets from running the social impact projects. It is only by training local people & empowering them with practical skills that we can then transform the local landscape, physically and socially.

I always knew that Rosa would speak eloquently & with wisdom, but I had no idea it would be imbued with such heart. I have indeed met a hero.

Huge shout out to @museumwines for organising such a superb tasting full of delicious wines made by old & new friends (see pics) PLUS a huge testament to the tasting by wine writer @henrygjeffreys (see vid).

I wish I could write more in a post, but @brookdale_estate was an incredible discovery – from rhone red / white blends to Chenin – these wines blew everyone’s minds!
Similarly, so did @sakkie_mouton_family_wines ‘s. Scintillating Chenin & the most ethereally layered white blend.
And @naudewines was the best reunion. His Grenache & classic Chenin won my heart as always, but the Langpad (see pic) made me see Colombard in a whole new way. Assyrtiko fans take note!
All wines available @museumwines

Old vines are not always better wines, but to quote from another wine hero of mine @jancisrobinson, one can always find wonderful “texture, intensity and purity”.

Look for the ‘Old Vine’ label on SA wine & you will be rewarded!