The Chronicle
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videoPinotage 100 Celebration with Etienne Louw | Creating New Legacy
From the roots that shaped it, to the heart that carried it forward, Pinotage now steps into the future. What does the next century of Pinotage look like? In this third episode of our Pinotage 100 Celebration series, Etienne Louw – winemaker and co-owner of Orpheus & The Raven – shares his vision for the future of South Africa’s signature grape. From exploring new terroirs and microclimates to bold innovation in the cellar and avant-garde labels, Etienne shows how Pinotage is being reimagined fo
videoPinotage 100 Celebration with Rüdiger Gretschel | The Art of Pinotage
Pinotage is more than a grape; it’s an art. In the fourth and final episode of our Pinotage 100 Celebration series, Rüdiger Gretschel, winemaker and owner of Swartberg Wines, shares his visionary approach to South Africa’s signature grape variety. From thoughtful terroir expression to blending craft with creativity, Rüdiger shows us how Pinotage can be elevated into something truly artful. This is the art of Pinotage. Join us as we celebrate 100 years of South Africa’s very own variety, a legacy of heritage, heart, future, and artistry. #Pinotage100 #SouthAfricanWine #LegacyEvolves #Vinimark #ArtOfPinotage
videoPinotage 100 Celebration with Etienne Louw | Creating New Legacy
From the roots that shaped it, to the heart that carried it forward, Pinotage now steps into the future. What does the next century of Pinotage look like? In this third episode of our Pinotage 100 Celebration series, Etienne Louw – winemaker and co-owner of Orpheus & The Raven – shares his vision for the future of South Africa’s signature grape. From exploring new terroirs and microclimates to bold innovation in the cellar and avant-garde labels, Etienne shows how Pinotage is being reimagined for a new generation. This is the future of Pinotage: rooted in heritage, driven by discovery, and ready to redefine what’s possible. Join us as we continue to celebrate 100 years of Pinotage. #Pinotage100 #SouthAfricanWine #LegacyEvolves #Vinimark #NewLegacy
videoPinotage 100 Celebration with Beyers Truter | The Heart of Pinotage
They call him the Pope of Pinotage. In this second episode of our Pinotage 100 Celebration series, Beyers Truter shares his lifelong devotion to South Africa’s very own grape variety. From the early challenges to the triumphs that put Pinotage on the world stage, Beyers reflects with passion, humour, and deep conviction on what it means to dedicate a life to this grape. This is the heart of Pinotage. Join us in celebrating 100 years of a variety that is as bold, resilient, and creative as the people who nurture it. Subscribe to catch the next chapter in the story of Pinotage: A Legacy in Motion. #Pinotage100 #SouthAfricanWine #LegacyEvolves #Vinimark #PinotagePioneer
videoTEASER The Roots of a Legacy | Michael Roets | Lanzerac
The Roots of a Legacy Pinotage didn’t just happen. It was dreamed, planted, and nurtured into being. In the first episode of our Pinotage 100 Celebration series, Michael Roets of Lanzerac reflects on the courage of South Africa’s early vineyard pioneers and the responsibility of carrying their legacy forward. Because Pinotage is more than a grape, it’s a story of heritage, vision, and vines that have stood the test of time. This is just the beginning. Join us as we honour where it all started and follow the journey as icons and innovators reveal how Pinotage continues to evolve. Follow us and be part of the celebration as each new chapter unfolds. #Pinotage100 #Lanzerac #SouthAfricanWine #LegacyInABottle #Vinimark
videoThe Roots of a Legacy Michael Roets • Lanzerac #lanzerac #legacyinabottle #southafricanwine Pinotage
The Roots of a Legacy Pinotage didn’t just happen. It was dreamed, planted, and nurtured into being. In the first episode of our Pinotage 100 Celebration series, Michael Roets of Lanzerac reflects on the courage of South Africa’s early vineyard pioneers and the responsibility of carrying their legacy forward. Because Pinotage is more than a grape, it’s a story of heritage, vision, and vines that have stood the test of time. This is just the beginning. Join us as we honour where it all started and follow the journey as icons and innovators reveal how Pinotage continues to evolve. Follow us and be part of the celebration as each new chapter unfolds. #Pinotage100 #Lanzerac #SouthAfricanWine #LegacyInABottle #Vinimark
videoA Century of Pinotage – From Perold to the Present
This episode marks 100 years since the birth of Pinotage, South Africa's most iconic and debated red grape. We're joined by wine writer and historian Emile Joubert for a fascinating exploration of Pinotage's origin story, from Professor Abraham Perold's groundbreaking cross to the cultivar's early identity struggles and eventual global recognition. Emile sheds light on forgotten pioneers, unconventional early wines, and the social and stylistic turning points that shaped Pinotage's reputation. As we look ahead, he also shares his bold take on what it will take for Pinotage to thrive in its next century.
videoThe state of barrel use in wine making
In this latest episode, our host Jono le Feuvre talks to Mark Goldsworthy, Sales Manager at Chene South Africa, about the changing face of barrel use in wine making. Mark has both rich experience and a broad overview of the history and future of wood use in wine, and discusses the status quo as it is around the world, as well as the ingenious innovations that are changing the way people make wine - specifically in South Africa.
videoTrends and Predictions for South Africa’s On-Consumption Wine Trade
In this episode of the Vinimark Webinar Series, we zoom in on what it really takes to succeed in South Africa’s on-consumption wine trade today. The landscape is shifting—and the one-size-fits-all approach no longer cuts it. Our panel unpacked how producers can better align with the unique DNA of each venue, bringing strategic focus to storytelling, partnerships, pricing, and positioning. One of the standout insights? While premium wines over R300 make up just 8% of listings, they’re responsible for a whopping 40% of revenue. It’s a clear reminder that celebration and quality still sell—when they’re well placed. But tighter margins mean wine lists are becoming leaner and more curated, so standing out takes more than just good juice. It takes clarity, consistency, and connection—especially through the teams who sell your wine.
videoVinimark Webinar - Into Africa: Challenges and Opportunities in Emerging Wine Markets
This episode of the Vinimark Webinar Series tackles the challenges and highlights the opportunities in the diverse wine markets across the African continent. Africa is rapidly emerging as a key frontier for wine exports, offering opportunities that differ significantly from traditional European markets. In this panel discussion, we break down the challenges and strategies for success in these dynamic regions. From the importance of long-term engagement and on-the-ground presence to navigating high taxes and infrastructure gaps, our expert panel explores what it takes to build strong, lasting wine brands across Africa. As consumer bases grow and evolve, understanding market education, pricing strategies, and local preferences is more critical than ever. Join us as we uncover insights from top industry voices on how to get your wine into glasses—both literally and figuratively—across the continent.
videoTara Southey on the future of viticulture and wine in South Africa
In this episode, Jono chats to Tara Southey, the CEO of Terraclim, a company that provides some veritable space-age insights into the future of viticulture and winemaking in the Cape Winelands. Spoiler - the future is nothing like you imagine!
videoArtificial Intelligence in Wine: ethics, opportunities and applications
In this latest episode of the Vinimark Webinar, we bring together a panel of experts to explore both the applications and implications of artificial intelligence (AI) in viticulture, winemaking, and marketing. The discussion begins with an introduction to the fundamentals of AI, where our panel clarifies the distinctions between human and artificial intelligence. They then delve into what these differences mean for how AI is applied across the various disciplines within the broader wine industry.
videoWild and Wonderful Wine Yeasts with Neil Jolly
In this episode, Jono dives into the wild world of wine yeast, along wit the microscopic revolution that's underway! Our guest is Neil Jolly, a senior microbiologist at Infruitec-Nietvoorbij research station. Neil has spent his life working in the field of wine microbiology, but more specifically in the field of non-Saccharomyces yeasts, and their role in the improvement of wine quality.
videoThe 2024 Tim Atkin SA Wine Review
Tim Atkin has just completed his 12th South African Wine Report, including notes on more than 2200 wines. Jono sat down with Tim to mine out some of the most important themes in the report, including his discovery of exciting new winemakers and positive winemaking trends. Conversely, Tim also shares a few notes where he feels that South African wine could do better.
videoIS THERE VALUE IN WINE COMPETITIONS?
For the most recent installment of the Vinimark Webinar Series, the team tackled the question: “Do wine awards hold any value for wine producers in South Africa?” The topic was broken down into a series of shorter discussions that covered: 1. Definitions of intrinsic and extrinsic notions of quality 2. The rising power of social media and peer recommendations 3. Consumer behaviour and sales levels in relation to medal stickers 4. The quality and suitability of wine judges in South Africa 5. Strategic frameworks to assess which wine competitions (if any) are best suited to your brand
videoElleunorah Allsopp on Phylloxera
In this episode, Jono chats to the supremely eloquent Elleunorah Allsopp, the Senior Researcher at Nietvoorbij Research Farm. Elleunorah shares the fascinating history of how the vine parasite Phylloxera conquered the world, and why no one is safe just yet…!
videoVINIMARK'S ANNUAL RED WINE REPORT
Following our White Wine Report in December 2023, we recognized the importance of extending the same attention to our red cultivars. For Vinimark's latest webinar, we invited a few industry experts to share their insights on the momentum and direction of SA's most powerful red wine categories; to see what the future might hold for cultivars like Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Pinotage, and even cultivars like Ruby Cabernet.
videoBio-solutions in viticulture, with Johan Reyneke
In this episode, Jono chats to Johan Reyneke; owner of Reyneke Wines, and pioneer in biodynamic viticulture in South Africa. The episode is primarily concerned with the fascinating world of bio-solutions in viticulture, but as so often happens when Johan is involved, the topics spread both broader and deeper; touching on the philosophy of science, the economics of animals in viticulture, and the need to restore a holistic view of farming.
videoHAS THE WORLD FALLEN OUT OF LOVE WITH WINE?
Vinimark's latest webinar attracted a panel of data specialists, wine consultants and wine buyers to answer the question, "Has the world fallen out of love with wine?"
videoVINIMARK'S ANNUAL WHITE WINE REPORT
Watch our latest webinar, where we unpack South Africa's White Wines' global perception, growth and opportunities.
videoUnpacking the SOUTH AFRICA WINE NPC - How it will benefit our wine producers
Watch our latest webinar, where we talk to Rico Basson, CEO of the still quite fresh SOUTH AFRICA WINE NPC.
videoThe Old Vine Project Digital Wine Academy
In this episode of the Vinimark Podcast, we interview Nadia Hefer - the driving force behind the Old Vine Project's brand new digital education platform. Nadia discusses the history of the Old Vine Project, the keys to their success, and the incredible scientists and experts they've met along the way. She unpacks a little of the new course's curriculum and touches on the role of hard science in support of the Old Vine Initiative, silencing the critics.
videoWine's future unearthed: South African vineyards' soil revolution in a climate crisis
In this episode of the Vinimark Podcast, we explore the future of grape farming in the South African Winelands and discuss how vignerons can adapt to the challenges posed by climate change and drought. Our guest, viticulturist Jaco Engelbrecht, founder of Visual Viticulture and consultant to esteemed producers like Eben Sadie and Weltevreden, offers insights on strategies for future-proofing the wine industry. Jaco is also a key member of The Horsemen Wines team, a winemaking project that focuses on cultivating grape varietals that are better suited for the "apocalyptic times" brought on by climate change.
videoThe F.A.S.T. route from Marketing to Hard Profits
Watch our latest webinar on how to improve the profitability and enhance the creativity of your brand; a timeous message for us all, as we stare down the barrel of our annual sales targets. Our Brand Portfolio Director, Helen Kock, answers questions on the art of distilling a brand’s core values and how to focus production around that.