28 Nov 2022 Franschhoek’s Wildeberg wins coveted ‘Winery of the Year’ in Winemag’s 2022 awards

Following a review of a total of 590 wines in its various Prescient reports over the course of 2022, Wine Magazine has found Wildeberg to be the most successful.

Despite serious competition, the estate’s Wildeberg White (Semillon) 2021 was rated best in its category, with a rating of 94.

Another five of their wines made the Top 10; the Wildeberg Red 2021 (96 points), Coterie by Wildeberg Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc 2020 (94 points), Coterie by Wildeberg Grenache/Syrah 2021 (94 points), Coterie by Wildeberg Chenin Blanc/Grenache Blanc 2021 (91 points) and the humble Tea Leaf 2021 (91 points).

About the report: Winemag uses the 100-point scale, which is in line with international convention when judging top-end blind category tastings. Each report is based on the outcome of a blind tasting of wines entered within the specific category.

“We are delighted by this fantastic recognition for our winemaking team, as well as all our amazing vineyard partners who make it happen each year. Without their hard work and attention to detail, we would be just another bottle at the table!” said JD Rossouw, winemaker at Wildeberg (left).

The Wildeberg brand belongs to Boutinot, a UK wine company. Needing a home for its SA operations, Boutinot acquired a 140ha lifestyle farm in Franschhoek in 2016 which was renamed Wildeberg.

Rossouw was appointed winemaker in 2017, harvesting just 50 tons of fruit in that first vintage. While 10ha of Chardonnay, Semillon, Petite Sirah and Syrah was planted the next year, it will be a while yet before the vineyards are old enough to give him and his team the purity and character that is the hallmark of Wildeberg wine.

For this reason and with a newly-minted, 350-ton cellar now operational, Rossouw has a mandate to identify great sites across the Western Cape in order to keep the space busy, a mandate he says he is relishing.

All six award-winning wines are currently available from the farm and at select retailers around the country.

The winery, manor house and farm cottage are all set up against the towering majesty of the Franschhoek mountain. Wine tastings ‘with a view’, and personalised tours, can be booked in advance.

See more at www.wildeberg.co.za.