24 Jul Ban de Vendage in Sunny Cape Town
The end of March usually brings the first brush of fresh autumn air to the Cape Winelands, but not in 2017. This year’s summer was long, hot and dry and the South African chapitre of the Commanderie de Bordeaux held its Ban des Vendanges while wine makers were still in the midst of their red wine harvest.
For this auspicious occasion some 50 members turned out to the event held at Nitida Wine Estate, one of the prestigious wine farms in the cool region of Durbanville which is a stone’s throw from the Atlantic Ocean as well as being a 20 minute drive from the Cape Town city centre. The gorgeous farm is owned by Commandeur Bernard Veller.
The intronisation of three new members took place at sunset overlooking the Nitida lake and we were once again reminded of the spectacular beauty of the Cape Winelands and how honoured we are to be linked to Bordeaux through the Commanderie.
Maitre Winifred Bowman oversaw proceedings and it was a pleasure to welcome the following new Commandeurs:
- Lynne Botha is a lawyer who has made wine her life-long passion when she is not involved in legal work. She has successfully completed several courses of the Cape Wine Academy, collects Bordeaux and other wines and is committed to working a grape harvest in St Emilion – one day!
- Nicolò Stortiglione Pudel is a skilled designer who owns and manages Port2Port, a revolutionary new digital platform bringing international and local wines to South African consumers in web-based arena. Bordeaux wines form substantial component of Port2Port’s offerings, and Nicolò has been fortunate to have visited Bordeaux numerous times where he gained extensive experience of the wines.
- Dr Johan Nel is a medical specialist who also lectures at the University of Stellenbosch’s Medical Faculty. A love of food and wine has led to Johan also embarking on a freelance career as journalist where he writes for various South African publications. Bordeaux is the heartland of wine, he says, with Pauillac deserving a special place.
From Left: Commanderie Conseil (maroon cloaks) with the three new members. Duimpie Bayly, Winnie Bowman, Nicolò Stortiglione Pudel, Johan Nel, Emile Joubert, Lynne Botha and Caroline Rillema
After the intronisation, the new Commandeurs joined their colleagues to experience some Bordeaux red and white wines before sitting down to a delicious meal prepared by Nitida’s restaurant.
Afrique du Sud aime Bordeaux !