Raats Wines: Bruwer Raats, Owner/Winemaker

Why South Africa? We are supporting the wine producing country most hard hit by the lock down.

Wine producers in the Cape were left reeling after the South African government announced a ban on transporting alcohol that effectively shut down wine exports. The wine industry suffered a steep fall in income, as alcohol sales were prohibited during the lockdown.

“The industry employs up to 700,000 people directly on average and provides food and shelter to 2 to 3 million people.” — Michael Fridjhon. He is a leading wine writer and independent commentator. Michael is a well known international wine judge and chairman of the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show. As visiting Professor of Wine Business at the University of Cape Town, Michael has been an advisor to the Minister of Agriculture.

Rico Basson, CEO of Vinpro, which which represents 3 500 South African wine producers, cellars and other industry stakeholders, said wine tourism had suffered crippling losses between March and June – usually a busy time locally, he noted.

“A significant factor in the estimated loss is the strong domestic support that wine tourism in South Africa enjoys, especially over traditional school holidays and Easter weekend,” Basson said.

According to a report by Vinpro, South Africa’s wine tourism industry’s direct and indirect GDP contribution was R7.2 billion in 2019.

Included in your registration:

• 6 sample bottles (50ml ea, 1 sample bottle of 6 different wines)
• Online Masterclass with the winemaker
• Hosted by a Cork & Fork Logan Team Member
• 20% discount on all featured wines (minimum purchase of 3 bottles)
• Access to the online class, password protected (emailed after registration)

Details:

• Sample pack available for pick up after online event registration
• Sample pack available for delivery for $20 within a 10-mile radius
• Sample pack available for shipping within the USA for $30 via FedEx

– About the Guest Speaker: Bruwer Raats

Since 2000, founder Bruwer Raats has kept his focus on these two varieties, believing that specialising would lead to success. This belief was not unfounded, as today, Raats Family Wines is regarded as a leader of South Africa’s Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc, receiving consistent local and international accolades.

With Gavin Bruwer joining Raats’ side in 2010, the family affair has one shared mission: to consistently produce Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc of outstanding quality from South Africa and to establish these wines as international benchmarks.

As the Raats philosophy continues to flourish, new, curated additions have been introduced along the way. This includes the well-received, vineyard-driven B Vintners Vine Exploration Co. range, and the single wine, specialty bottling of MR De Compostella – an incredibly successful collaboration between Raats himself and fellow winemaker and long-time friend, Mzokona Mvemve.