Cellar upgrading launched
2005-03-31
A WELCOME new destination has been added to the Wellington tourism region with the opening of the tasting room at the Napier Winery just outside of town.
Herman Bailey, executive mayor of Drakenstein, officially opened the winery and refurbished cellar last week, while owners Michael and Cathy Laubser, members of the local tourism industry and of the winemaking fraternity looked on.
Cape Wine Master Dick Davidson gave the keynote address.
The winery, one kilometre out of town, was named after Sir George Napier, governor of the Cape between 1839 and 1843 who named the town of Wellington in honour of the duke.
During the refurbishment, which is said to set a new standard for boutique wineries, the capacity of the cellar was doubled. It now incorporates automatic techniques to handle grapes more gently, and with maximum efficiency.
Well-known architect Johan Wessels designed the tasting room. It provides a view onto the new open fermenters and into the tank room of the winery.
The brandy pot still built by Laurent Desfarges, who has been responsible for many cellars in South Africa and America, can also be seen. The tasting room looks out on the Paardeberg, Drakenstein, Groenberg and Hawequa mountains.
Until now, Napier’s wines have mainly been exported. Thanks to the expanded production and new facilities, Napier will now aim to focus equally on the local market.
The first vintage brandy, “Sir George”, will be released this year.
The tasting room, where the public can sample the winery’s Red Medallion Bordeaux blend, Saint Catherine Chardonnay and Greenstone dry Chenin Blanc, is open week days and Saturday mornings, while visits on Sunday are by appointment only.
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