Laibach Estate Becomes Ladybird Vineyards

Laibach, the Simonsberg estate that was purchased by neighbouring Kanonkop in January this year, will in future be known as Ladybird Vineyards. The new name of this 40ha property comes into immediate effect, with the current Laibach wine range to be phased out over the next 18 months, replaced by the Ladybird Vineyards brand of wines made from the property’s 36ha of vineyards.

Ladybird Vineyards comprises the original Laibach wine cellar and various other buildings including guest accommodation as well the organically farmed vineyards. The management team of Michael and Anél Malherbe remain on in their positions, as does winemaker Francois van Zyl.

According to Johann Krige, co-owner of Kanonkop Estate and Ladybird Vineyards, the acquisition of Laibach allowed for the creation of a new brand to herald in the next phase of this venerable Simonsberg property. “The previous owners introduced the estate’s range of Ladybird wines which became one of the farm’s best-known features,” says Krige. “As new proprietors the Kanonkop team thus already have an established brand to work with in Ladybird. This is a name strong enough to carry our new estate’s entire identity in a visible brand with which consumers can relate, especially as it carries the farm’s ethos of organic and sustainable farming.”

Ladybird Vineyards 36ha of organic vineyards include Chenin Blanc, Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Current vintages will still be offered under the Laibach identity, but from 2023 the range will fall entirely under the labels of Ladybird Vineyards. The farm’s signage has already been changed to include the new Ladybird Vineyards identity, with all digital, on-line and print communication displaying the new name.

Local distribution of Ladybird Vineyards’ range of wines will from new be undertaken by DGB which also distributes the wines of Kanonkop Estate.

Having overseen the first harvest since the sale of Laibach to Kanonkop, Krige says he and his team are extremely impressed by the quality of the fruit from Ladybird Vineyards and the efficiency of the cellar and the winemaking team. “They say a change is as good as holiday,” says Krige, “and although any harvest is always hard work, myself and the Kanonkop team really enjoy the association with a new property delivering such a variety of organically farmed grapes as well as getting to grips with creating the new brand of Ladybird Vineyards. While familiar wines such as the Ladybird White and Red, Sur Lie Chenin and Clay Pots Merlot still bear the Laibach association, we look forward to fully completing the changeover next year when all wines will be identified under Ladybird Vineyards.”