IWSC National Wine Producers of the Year(11)
DAVE HUGHES TROPHY FOR SOUTH AFRICAN PRODUCER OF THE YEAR: SPIER WINES
One of the first farms to be established in the Stellenbosch area in 1692, Spier has a rich cultural heritage, including a restored manor house, an impressive collection of Cape Dutch gables (21 in total), and the oldest dated wine cellar in the country (1767).
While rooted in this heritage, Spier has a vibrant and conscious energy and explores contemporary South Africa though food, wine and art – all to great acclaim. The wines are made under the skillful guidance of celebrated cellar master Frans Smit, who has been making wine at Spier since 1995 after graduating at the top of his class. He believes that top-quality grapes from prime vineyards are the essential building blocks for premium wine. His mantra is “to get the most out of each grape with as little interference as possible”.
As a result of his achievements in recent years, Smit was invited to join the esteemed Cape Winemakers Guild (CWG) – an association of the top winemakers in the country.
Spier’s wines are created within three primary ranges: Signature, its everyday premium range; 21 Gables, crafted for special occasions; Creative Block, offering interesting blends; and Spier’s flagship wine, Frans K. Smit.
The Spier cellar has ISO 22000 certification, is Fairtrade accredited, organically certified and follows the Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) criteria.
