Wine launch 2018

by Lorraine Geldenhuys, lorraineg@elsenburg.com

TThe annual wine launch of the Elsenburg Wine Cellar took place on 18 October 2018 and celebrations of the new wines kicked off with a “sabrage” at the Manor House on campus. “Sabrage” is when a sword is used to open a bottle of sparkling wine, and this was expertly done by one of the final-year students, Inge Bruwer.

The event was attended by key industry role players and partners who collaborate with the Department of Agriculture. This well-established partnership facilitates the practical experience the students gain by doing the course in Cellar Technology. The day is about creating a platform for young winemakers to network and meet others within the wine industry. It is also a way of giving back to the industry by acknowledging the vital contribution it makes to the education of the Elsenburg students.

The menu consisted of a food and wine pairing with the wine produced by the students. Each student got a chance to present a wine and gained valuable experience in public speaking. The wines produced by the students were also available to taste. “The wines are of a remarkable quality, considering that it is produced by students at their first attempts”, said Don Miller from Imvusa Stainless, “We are proud to be working with the team of the Elsenburg Wine Cellar”.

During the event, Ms Joyene Isaacs (Head of Department) announced that the wines could be for sale in the near future. “We would like to look at ways that we can make the wines commercially available. By next year’s wine launch we would like to have a plan in place.”

Elsenburg Agriculture Training Institute also celebrated its hundred-and-twentieth anniversary in 2018, although a specific course for winemakers was only introduced in 1976.