My Last 2 years in South Africa were spent running the gorgeous Rust en Vrede Estate. It means Rest and Peace – not rust and anger as translated in Danish. The farm is 316 years old. Not bad for a “New World” wine region. The soils are perfect for growing red wine. A winemakers dream. Jean Engelbrecht, the dynamic and larger than life proprieter surrounds himself with top people. Winemaker Coenie Snyman is a perfectionist and puts so much love and passion into his wine and his ethos filters down to the rest of the team. Its is a beautiful piece of wine growing soil, the gardens are so well tended and the feeling of tranquility and perfection fit the wines perfectly. My favorite wine comes from these soils – the Rust en rede Shiraz leaves me breathless with every mouthful. Even the Danish queen could not resist the allure, having an official lunch with Jean and his family in 1996.

Milestones:
2010 – Chef David Higgs took the restaurant to a trilogy of awards – Restaurant, chef and Service award – of the year.
2009 winemaker Coenie Snyman won the winemaker of the year award for his 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon.
2009 – Top wine tourist destination in the world.
2000, Rust en Vrede became the first South African winery to be named in the prestigious, “Top 100 Wines of the World” by US wine magazine; Wine Spectator. This was followed up in 2001, 2002 and 2003 where the estate again made appearances on the esteemed list,  making it four years in succession that this milestone was achieved.
1998 Rust en Vrede Estate Wine was named the best blended red wine at the World Wine Championships in the United StateThe 1998 Rust en Vrede Estate Wine was named the best blended red wine at the World Wine Championships in the United States.
President Nelson Mandela selected Rust en Vrede to be served at the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize dinner in Oslo, where he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
1996, Rust en Vrede hosted the Queen of Denmark at an official lunch in the manor house on the estate.
1994, Rust en Vrede received the South African Export Achievement award from President Mandela.

I had the huge privelage of running the vineyards at Thelema for eight beautiful years. I planted over 60% of the current vineyards and had a hand in some memorable vintages, mountain fires, celebrations and the infamous parties at my house that will go down in history. How I didnt get fired after a few of them amazes me.

It is where I really leaned about wine growing. I had the best local and international mentors available and the owner Gyles Webb would spare nothing to get the best results in the vineyards.

If ever you are in South Africa you have to go and see this amazing property high up the slopes of the Simonsberg, that looks all the way over to Cape Town. The vineyards are pristine and the scenery is unmatched.

Shiraz is one of those wines that brings the party spirit out. This awesome South African Shiraz has a typical spicyness with lots of fruit and full bodied colour. It is well balanced, rich, solid and really tasty. You can drink it alone or with food. Perfect for summer barbecues. Tuck it under your arm and head out for some fun!

Mathew Castle

MATS VINEYARD brings you this delightful Chenin Blanc, South Africa´s biggest cultivar. This Chenin Blanc is fruity, dry, well balanced, full of flavour and very good value. Its an all day drinking wine – with an urban strength. Whether you are on the beach, in the park, at a concert or deep in the city it will keep you company all year round. Two bottles of wine in a new cool size – to be enjoyed alone or with food.

Mathew Castle