A gathering of vine nerds celebrated 5 decades of Chenel at Springfontein in Stanford (near Hermanus) in November 2024, the only producer bottling it as a single variety. The team at Springfontein has invested hugely in building up the vines and also focusing on South African varieties - also making an interesting Pinotage too. They hosted the 50th anniversary of Chenel at the farm on 21 November 2024 and invited a small group of interested parties to present and discuss.We also visited various vineyards and the never-ending spring which provides all the water for the farm. Dr Carl Orffer played a significant role in developing various South African varieties. Appreciation to the team at Springfontein for hosting the interesting day - and thanks to the speakers for filling in all the history and technical back-end. Speakers for the day included:: The passionate Springfontein team: Dr Johst Weber, Jeanne Vito and Emil Weber Darryl Jacobs, Deputy Director General & Head of the Mobility Department at Elsenburg College Etienne Terblanche & Gert Engelbrecht, Consultancy Managers at Vinpro André Van Wyk, CEO of Vititec Brenton Maarman, Viticulture & Oenology Lecturer at Elsenburg College Prof. Carlos Poblete-Echeverria, Digital agriculture Associate at Stellenbosch University