Are Old Vines a Scam?

As owner of some of the oldest Bukettraube vines in the universe, I have a pony in this race and skin aplenty in this game. But I can’t help but think that old vines are another Swartland Scam. Cyclists who get invited to tastings at Klein Constantia, the jewel in Constantia’s crown owned by a pair of foreign lycra-clad bicycle bru’s, rave about the 1986 vintage Savignon Blanc made from infant vines by the late, great, Ross Gower. So why would any sane sipper pay an extra R500 to hear former WOSA spin doctor and enforcer Andre Morgenthal panel discuss a strategic view of Old Vines at Friday’s Spotlight on Chenin in Rawsonville. After all, strategy was never a strong suit during his reign at the exporter’s mouthpiece. Starters, main courses and puddings were more his size.

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Spearking of which, lunch and the tasting at Die Eike is R250 while add in the morning to listen to the Stranded Bank sponsor and Andre will cost you R750. Which makes you wonder what kind of sponsorship this is. Stranded should pay people to listen to their vision for Chenin Blanc – which presumably involves the Platter wine label guide they own through their Diners Club subsidiary.

Are Old Vines another nice little earner for entrepreneurs who roam around the Swartland and other unfashionable appellations offering new formica dining room tables for those rickety old ones made from yellow wood in the farm worker’s cottages? I hear one brand fired its Old Vine consultant who was earning kickbacks from farmers whose grapes were sold to the upscale brand at top dollar. A case of being up to their old tricks rather than old vines, perhaps?