In a momentous celebration of South Africa's rich winemaking heritage, the First 14 registered wine estates, representing pioneers of the country's esteemed wine industry, have come together to commemorate 50 years since the introduction of the Wine of Origin
scheme in 1973.
A celebratory event was held on the 1st of June at Groot Constantia Estate with all 14 wine estates present!
This landmark initiative established the legal protection of South African wine-producing areas along with the regulation of wines made from a specific cultivar or vintage. The W.O Scheme is internationally recognized as one of the best of its kind.
A panel discussion was held, with select representatives from the estates as well André Matthee from the Wine and Spirit Board and Cape Wine Master and wine marketer Christine Rudman. The panel explored, amongst other topics, the importance of the Wine of Origin Scheme and wine estate concept and the way forward for the estate concept in South Africa. The panel discussion was followed by a walkaround tasting, with many rare vintages - including some from 1973 - and limited-edition wines being showcased by all First 14 wine estates.
During the panel discussion, André Matthee commented that the establishment of the Wine
of Origin scheme was pivotal in preserving the identity of South African wines and improving
their quality and noted that,
“Without the First 14 wine estates, the South African wine industry would not be where it is today.”
The Wine of Origin certification scheme (W.O.), which has been administered by the Wine
and Spirit Board since its creation, was officially instituted in 1973 and promulgated in
accordance with the Wine, Other Fermented Beverages and Spirit Act of 1957. Among the
trailblazers of the South African wine industry, the First 14 wine estates were subsequently
granted Wine Estate Status on September 1, 1973, as documented in the Government
Gazette nr 1388 0n 10 August 1973.
These esteemed estates, which have all played a significant role in shaping the South
African wine landscape, include:
Alto
Asara (Verdun)
Backsberg
De Waal Wines (Uiterwyk)
Groot Constantia,
Meerendal
Middelvlei
Montpellier
Muratie
Neethlingshof
Overgaauw
Simonsig
Theuniskraal
Twee Jonge Gezellen
Recognizing the significance of the 50th anniversary of estate wines in South Africa, the
estates convened last year to discuss how best to honour this milestone and unanimously
decided to form a collective to celebrate this momentous occasion. As part of the commemorative efforts, a specially designed logo was developed by Bravo Design studio, which has received approval from the Wine & Spirit Board for use on all wines designated as estate wines.
This emblem will be proudly displayed on labels, marketing materials, and websites, signifying the collective commitment to quality, heritage, and the enduring spirit of the First 14 wine estates.
Christine Rudman expressed during the panel discussion that, “The wine estate concept is in
many ways a badge of honour.” She also added that the concept is still very much valid till
this day as, “It is a way for the people, and in some cases even families, behind these estates to truly make a statement about what they produce.”
As South Africa prepares to raise a glass to 50 years of the Wine and Spirit Board and the
Wine of Origin scheme, the First 14 wine estates stand united, proud of their legacy, and
committed to continuing their contribution to the nation's esteemed winemaking traditions
whilst looking forward to the future of the success of all the Estate Wines and the South
African wine industry.
Each of the First Fourteen estates will have the opportunity to continue these celebrations on the weekend of September 1 - September 3.
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