The Celebration of Chardonnay began 14 years ago as a modest ode to what Danie de Wet from De Wetshof has been doing so very well and what has consumed him for the better part of his life: the Chardonnay grape; the wines it makes; the people who make it; and the legacy it has left. And, too, the bridges of greatness it shall still cross.Today, the Celebration of Chardonnay – held every two years at De Wetshof in Robertson – has become one of the key premier events on the South African wine calendar. What began as a short-and-sweet presentation of a number of wines in the confines of the De Wetshof barrel-cellar and followed by a swank lunch, is now an internationally recognised event.Some members of the international wine royalty have in the past been called on to address the event and set the scene. There has been Jean de la Moriniere from Burgundy Corton icon Bonneau du Martray who spoke in 2010 while he was still the owner of that revered domaine. Andrew Jefford, the prince of wine-writing, came to Robertson in 2014 and delivered a speech on the importance of terroir and site-specific Chardonnay expression.This year none other than the great Steven Spurrier jetted in to experience the event and to present a snapshot of his love of and passion for Chardonnay.Photos by: Elana van Zyl Photography