Fourie joins Val de Vie Wines
2008-04-03
KWV’s senior winemaker Bertus Fourie will be joining Val de Vie Wines as managing director from 1 May. Fourie, who is known for creating the hugely popular Coffeestyle Pinotage as a result of his postgraduate studies, is the elder brother of Val de Vie winemaker, Martin Fourie. The brothers have a very close relationship, and both are look- ing forward to fulfill their dream of working together. Martin Venter, developer of Val de Vie Lifestyle Estate, says: ‘We view the appointment of Bertus Fourie as managing director of Val de Vie Wines as an important part of the implementation of our marketing and branding strategy for Val de Vie Wines that coincides with the lifestyle brand of Val de Vie Lifestyle Estate. Val de Vie Lifestyle Estate is a residential development south of Paarl with a strong focus on wine and polo. Most of the existing vineyards have been replanted with Rhone varieties due to the conviction of the production team that these are the varieties best suited to the area. This has proven to be true by recent awards bestowed on this up and coming cellar. The historical cellar building dates from 1825 and this is where the 100-ton icon cellar solely focused on Rhone varieties, is housed. Expansion plans for a bigger Pinotageonly cellar facility is underway. Viewed by many as an ideal place to live, Val de Vie consists of 550 full title single residential erven, of which 85% have been sold and transferred. Engel & Volkers has been awarded the sole agency for the last phase that will be released shortly. The range of lifestyle activities and attractions include two polo fields (designed according to the Hurlingham International Cham- pionship Standard of Specifications), a world class equestrian centre, birdwatching, landscaped park-like avenues that can be explored on foot or on horseback; 10km of outride trails; and 1,8km of Berg River frontage. In addition, there are the five dams within the estate that will be stocked with seven species of fish, ideal for angling. The recently completed R20 million fully equipped gym with two tennis and two squash courts, a 25m heated indoor swimming pool, saunas and steam rooms, as well as in-house biokineticist, adds to the appeal of the development. Val de Vie is flanked by Boschenmeer and Pearl Valley, providing excellent golf courses in the proximity. Design of a five star hotel is in progress. A fine dining restaurant will be opening before the end of the year and appointment of a celebrity chef will be announced soon.
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