Wine talk and tasting – via Skype – with winemaker Kosie Van Der Merwe, Elgin Ridge Wines, Elgin, South Africa
Kosie spoke to the 12-week certificate students about organic and biodynamic work in the vineyard and making wine with minimal intervention in the winery. The students also enjoyed the tasting of Elgin Ridge Sauvignon Blanc.
Irish owner Marion Smith (Marion’s family are originally from Co.Cavan, and Marion lived in Dublin before moving to London), explains why she wanted to farm organically: “Having sold our successful IT business in London we decided it was time to pursue a dream we had always nurtured: to make outstanding wines in small quantities that reflected our passion. We searched most of the wine growing regions in Europe, but eventually concluded the Elgin Valley in South Africa was the ideal place to realise this dreamâ€Elgin Ridge also has Dexter cattle, the miniature cattle breed native to Ireland, along with Dorper sheep, Peking ducks and chickens.
