Relationships are key to discovering which wine is best

It’s not uncommon for a wine-lover to be stumped about which wine is best. The myriad of labels available to shoppers is of little help. But, as a recent example demonstrates, trustworthy relationships can be the most useful guide to anyone seeking to buy a good wine.

On this occasion, not one but two experienced wine-lovers purchased wine based simply on recommendation. The story begins with a winery executive’s off-duty meal in Groot Brak.

“It was just before we received our liquor license, so customers brought their own wine,” says Laurette Swanepoel, owner of Twin Trees Waffle House and Wine Boutique. “I was doing my rounds and the guest asked me if I knew wines from Bonnievale. I didn’t, so he offered to send me some. Sure enough, it arrived, and I liked it.

“Once we had our license for the wine boutique, I made sure wines from Bonnievale were represented. Customers love them for the good price and outstanding quality.”

Some time later, she happened to be in Robertson and thought she’d pay the winery a visit. At reception, she asked to see “the person in charge”. Great was her surprise when the man who came down the stairs was the very guest who’d made that first recommendation. She told John Barnardt, Bonnievale Winery CEO, how thrilled she and her customers were with the wines. She’d discovered which wine is best.

“If you want to buy a good wine, then you have to try this,” he responded, handing her a bottle of Elethu Skalie Cabernet Sauvignon. “The same winemaker who made the Bonnievale wine that won a 2022 FNB Sauvignon Blanc Top 10 Award made this.”

He proceeded to tell me the story – how Elethu was established in 2007 under the mentorship of Bonnievale Winery; that it comprised 33 community members and beneficiaries, including cellar and permanent farm personnel; and, that it comprises today of black-owned land, black-owned and managed vineyards; and, black-managed winemaking. Elethu is a Xhosa word, meaning “It is ours”.

“It was the link between the prestigious Sauvignon Blanc award and Elethu that sealed the deal. I told John, I’ll take a case.

“Back at the wine boutique, I was still unpacking when a customer – a major customer, and specialist himself – arrived looking to buy a good wine for a dinner with friends. It was February 14 – Valentine’s Day. I suggested the Elethu I’d just bought from the winery. Without having tasted it, I knew from John’s recommendation and the wine’s pedigree, that it was a winner,” says Laurette.

Sure enough, later that evening, the customer messaged her with congratulations and an extra order.“It made all the difference in the world to have a recommendation of which wine is best, the evidence of its link with other quality wine and the prompt service I’ve received,” says Laurette.

“Bonnievale and Elethu feel like my wine, and I’m sure that Elethu Skalie Cabernet Sauvignon will go on to win medals just like the Sauvignon Blanc. I tell everyone, if you want to buy a good wine and which wine is best, then you can’t go wrong with Elethu.”