Riebeek Cellars Collection Launches New Packaging That Pays Respect To The Courageous Spirit In Every South African

Riebeek Cellars Collection launches its new packaging and pays respect to the courageous spirit in every South African.

Proudly produced by the Riebeek Valley Wine Co. in the heart of the Swartland wine region of South Africa, Riebeek Cellars Collection celebrates courage and determination in the face adversity – Tenacity Against the Odds.

Nestled in the picturesque Riebeek Valley, in the heart of the Swartland region, you’ll find rolling slopes of vineyards that thrive in untamed beauty. These vineyards are the legacy of generations that have nurtured these vines against the odds, through tough, dry-land conditions, to produce a distinctive collection of wines, the Riebeek Cellars Collection.

The Swartland is not the easiest place to make wine. The conditions are dry and tough. Despite these tough conditions, or probably because of these challenges, the wines produced here have depth of character (much like the people who live here).  Because we know that pushing the boundaries and persevering through difficult conditions can produce great wines, we salute these qualities in every south African who overcome adversity against the odds. Our Riebeek Cellars Collection pays homage to the courageous, tenacious spirt that drives us all to overcome challenging circumstances. 

There are so many stories that demonstrate this tenacity against the odds. 

One such story from the Riebeek Valley is the incredible story of Willie Gagiano, a resident of Riebeek Kasteel. Willie was diagnosed with cancer in 2016 but couldn’t get the necessary treatment he needed until he significantly reduced weight of 215 kg. Over the past two and a half years, Willie has transformed his life, has lost 80 kg’s and has beat cancer. He has done 20 and 30 km marathons and continues to train for the comrades. He is a true inspiration and we salute him for his tenacity against these difficult odds.

Another story is the inspirational story of Thembile Ntloko, who paved the way for himself from seasonal worker to fully qualified winemaker. Thembile joined the Riebeek Cellars Collection wine team 17 years ago as a seasonal worker over harvest with only a grade 9 qualification. He took full advantage of the opportunities and through immensely hard work and dedication, he is proof that you can truly achieve anything you set your mind to. We are very proud to call him a member of our expert wine team!

Another great source of pride for the Riebeek Valley is our vineyards and there are a few living legends. One such living legend is a 40-year, old bush-vine Chenin Blanc vineyard that has risen above the trials of droughts, diseases, encroaching agriculture and very low yields. Due to its age, this vineyard produces very few grape bunches but the flavour profile, complexity and concentration of these grapes are exceptional. Although completely surrounded by wheat fields, this tenacious bush-vine vineyard stands strong and produces a Chenin Blanc that adds depth, texture and balance to our Riebeek Cellars Collection Chenin Blanc. 

There are many great stories, so watch this space. We also continue to encourage everyone to share their own stories because we believe every triumph should be celebrated. 

Riebeek Cellars Collection is not only about vineyards, heritage, status and winemaking expertise. 

It is also about hope, determination and triumph in the face of ever-changing adversity. 

It is about taking time to reflect and appreciate what you’ve achieved. 

It’s about rewarding yourself for every triumph and celebrating how far you’ve come with family and friends who’ve supported you along the way.

That’s what Riebeek Cellars Collection is all about.  Against the odds of dry, rugged conditions, our vineyards thrive, our community of families stand together, our wine-team hand-craft delicious, premium wines and we raise a glass with you!

Riebeek Cellars Collection is the sum of the land and its people. It is here, in the heart of the Swartland where only the toughest vines and people thrive. The Riebeek Cellars Collection celebrates this tenacious spirit in all of us. It is the reward for overcoming adversity against all odds.   

In every glass, expect multi-layered, fruit-forward character with balance and velvety smooth tannins – taste pure Swartland! For more information or queries, please call 022 448 1213 or email [email protected] www.riebeekvalleywineco.com.