Turning doubters into believers

"Turning doubters into believers", Jurgen Klopp (manager of Liverpool FC) assured fans and neutrals during his first press conference. Jurgen might have taken a leaf out of Bruce Jack's team book, as it was the same rallying cry when they first started in 1999.

Bruce Jack, Entrepreneur 

It was a time of great transformation and opportunity, just after Apartheid ended.

The Drift started out in a humble manner as you might expect. In a location, where google and satellite imaging struggled to find. Under cold, misty conditions, the hard work started.

Morning mist descending upon the vineyards and homestead

Vineyards are labelled number 16

Great opportunities, meant room for rapid innovation and experimentation.
Varieties such as Touriga Franca, Barbera, Touriga National, Tinta Barocca were planted.
Not exactly, names which you would start your vineyards with.

Syrah and Malbec with Tannat, Touriga Nacional and Barbera

Next, a set of ground rules had to be set to align with the vision of the vineyard.
Out went pesticides, fertilizers and other chemical sprays; and in came Compost, earthworm water, and a basic trust and respect for the land. Numbers which are well below organic certified levels.

Gift Horse Barbera, made only in great years

Jason, Assistant Winemaker with resident guard dog SIMBA

The result are wines not produced annually, but only during great years.
A set of wines, that intrigues and captures peoples imagination with stories of Hemingway. All these would not be possible, if the cornerstones were not set right. Building quality wines, and finely crafted blends.

Today, into their 20th year.
They have not only survived, they thrive.
12 Vineyards
Drenched in accolades (https://thedrift.co.za/wineawards-2/)
They have expanded into numerous countries worldwide.

Turning doubters into believers

Wines available here:
https://www.stellezvine.com.sg/the-drift

Gerard Zhang
WSET, CSW