Winemakers make a pit stop in Boksburg

The 'Springboks' of the wine industry raised a glass in support of the boys in green and gold.

32 seconds ago

Jani de Beer 2 minutes read

Group of four men wearing Springbok jerseys hold glasses — ‘Hier sit die manne.’ JD Pretorius (Warwick Estate), Coenie Snyman (Rock of Eye), Piet Beyers (Kanonkop) and Jeremy Walker (Grangehurst). Photo: Jani de Beer

Clad in Springbok jerseys, trading their customary wine glasses for a glass of brandy and Coke, 40 members of the Cape Winemakers Guild made a leisurely pit stop at Jansen Park’s Afrique Boutique Hotel on August 22.

Boasting an extensive range of 700 locally produced prestige wines, the venue was well suited to accommodate the ‘Springboks’ of South Africa’s wine industry in their journey to 10Bet Ellis Park, as the national rugby team went head-to-head against the All Blacks in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour.

Man and woman wearing Springbok jerseys — Duncan Savage of Savage Wines with premium wine specialist at VINIMARK, Ashlynne Crawford. Photo: Jani de Beer

“We spend a lot of time in our cellars, fine-tuning our cultivars in our continued pursuit of delivering the highest quality products to the wine-loving community,” said guild member and owner of Savage Wines, Duncan Savage.

“This is the first time in the guild’s history that so many members have put a cork in their daily activities to attend a rugby match together, let our national pride wave in support of our boys and catch some ‘gees’.”

Two women wearing Springbok jersey's holding glasses with a man — Sharing a tipple with manager of the Afrique Boutique Hotel, in Jansen Park, Chris Goosen are (left), Samantha O’Keefe (Lismore Estate Vineyards) and Andrea Mullineux (Mullineux / Leeu Passant). Photo: Jani de Beer

In high spirits and eager to celebrate a win, the guild looked forward to be bunking in the same hotel as the boys in green and gold – hopes which may have been dashed due to the 33-16 defeat suffered during the opening match.

Of the visit, Afrique Boutique Hotel manager, Chris Goosen, said it was an honour to host the crème de la crème of the wine industry, treating them to another proudly South African beverage as well as boerewors rolls, a staple among avid rugby supporters.

Man wearing a Springbok jersey with his glass held up — Ready for another. Hannes Storm (Storm Wines). Photo: Jani de Beer

“This is an incredible sight. Hosting these men and women is a privilege,” said Goosen.

“Supporting the local wine industry is central to our operations and it was truly memorable to showcase our facility’s extensive range, which features their life’s work.”