Local wine estate features in TV series
2007-03-29
A NEW TV series, “The Grape Escape” launches on Sunday at 14:00 on SABC3 and features the owner of a new winery, Eaglevlei, near Klapmuts.
Just over a year ago, Tony Hindhaugh left his job in Newcastle, England, and risked everything to follow his dream of owning a wine estate in South Africa and producing a world-beating wine.
Trouble was, he knew nothing about living and working in South Africa and even less about making wine! Trials-a-plenty ensue. His new Jeep blows up with him in it before he even drives it off the forecourt.
The series begins with a cellar full of bottled wine that he has inherited from the previous owner. A lack of care and attention means that over half has gone off - a loss of R721,499 to his business.
The grape harvest is imminent, and unless the stock is quickly moved, Tony won’t be able to start producing his wine at Eaglevlei.
Bad weather delays the harvest and unscheduled, prolonged power cuts mean that none of the harvest machinery works.
How on earth will this novice survive his first harvest let alone clinch those all-important supermarket deals? Watch The Grape Escape on SABC3 from 1 April at 2pm to find out!
By the end of the series, Tony has created a variety of affordable yet premium red, white and rosé wines that will truly transport his customers into the dream that is Eaglevlei.
Produced from a variety of grapes, the Eaglevlei portfolio now includes Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinotage.
Tony has big plans to turn the Eaglevlei estate into a thriving tourist destination taking in a top class restaurant, wine tasting room and art gallery devoted to art created by township children from some of the poorest townships in South Africa.
Tony’s Arts Foundation pledges to give 100 per cent of the money raised from sales of the artwork back to children’s education in the
townships.
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