Four years into his tenure at family-owned Avontuur Wine Estate, situated in the prime winegrowing area of the Helderberg between Stellenbosch and Somerset West, winemaker Jan van Rooyen looks back at his time on the farm with mixed emotions, pride in the many achievements by the team, and many plans for the future.
With the 2014 harvest coming up it will be challenge to match and beat the quality of the 2013 vintage, especially for the Sauvignon Blanc, but Jan is looking forward to bringing in the first grapes from the recently planted Viognier varietal which will be used as blending partners for both red and white.
The harvest is probably starting about two weeks later than 2013 at end-January or even in the first week of February.
“Judging by what I saw in the vineyards, we’re looking at a very adequate crop with healthy vineyards and no fungal diseases. I’m really looking forward to the next three months which is always exciting for all personnel from the vineyards right through to the cellar’” he says.
