The decision to buy the Avontuur wine brand was a very considered one by DGB. The acclaimed Helderberg slopes provide an incredible tapestry and terroir, and the entire team at DGB have invested heavily in understanding the rich aspects, soil, weather patterns, sun and clones. Viticulturist Heinie Nel spoke about how decisions of changing the line of vine by 5% can make an enormous impact on the amount of exposure to sun a vine gets, so it really is a science to ensure the best juice is made in the vineyard. Many factors went into making a conscious decision to uproot all the vineyards on the farm and replant with the best possible outcome in a few years time. Farming is not for sissies. Premiumisation of South African wines is a major focus of DGB, and the Avontuur purchase plays into that. The first wines which they are releasing are made from grapes which are grown on neighbouring farms, so will be very close to the eventual wines made. The wines launched are the Avontuur Collection, consisting of 3 intense wines; a wooded Chardonnay - The Disa Gorge Chardonnay 2024, 14 months matured in French oak, The Stone Field Syrah 2023 - 14 months matured in Foudre, and of course a rich full-bodied and delicious Cab - The West Peak Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 - also aged but this time for 18 months in French Oak. The piece de resistance is their top end wine also being launched was The Taberer, honouring the family who have owned Avontuur for many decades. The Taberer is a big wine; a delicious Bordeaux blend which has only 100 cases made - being sold at R1200 a bottle, so raising the bar a fair bit. Winemaker Dominique Modena is very passionate about wine-making, being quite clear that great wines come from great grapes, but as Duimpie Bayly used to say (and which Emile Joubert quoted at the launch "Everyone says wine is made in the vineyard, but I have never seen a horse win at the Durban July without a jockey!" Hats off to the entire team at DGB and Avontuur for their foresight and confidence.