Winemaker and viticulturist Eben Sadie starts as he means to go on. Having spent eight years “roaming the world in search of answers” the Sadie Family project kicked off in 1999 and, its first wine, the Syrah-based Columella 2000, was awarded 5 stars in the Platter Guide.
All the wines are made with grapes sourced from the Swartland whose expanse of wheat fields account for its traditional reputation as the Cape’s “bread basket.” However, Sadie has been at the forefront of a revolution which has seen the region develop a cult following for its Syrah and Mediterranean blends. At the heart of Sadie’s success is the identification of fine vineyards with a diversity of soil, aspect and meso-climate. The Sadie family fully control seven leased vineyard parcels spread across the Swartland district, mostly planted with Syrah, with a tiny parcel of Mourvèdre.
Future plans include moving towards biodynamic farming. Eben has bought a horse and is designing a plough suitable for both mule and man to allow him to work the soils more gently. As for the winemaking, a 50 tonne cellar is under construction at Paardeberg in Swartland.
