Winemakers Adi Badenhorst (AA Badenhorst Family Wines), Peter-Allan Finlayson (Crystallum Wines) and Donovan Rall (Rall Wines) have been invited to join the Cape Winemakers Guild (CWG).
Adi Badenhorst
Mr Badenhorst is the co-owner of AA Badenhorst Family Wines, which was established 12 years ago.
He was a member of the guild from 2007 to 2018 but took a hiatus due to scheduling conflicts. Now able to dedicate more time to the guild, he was nominated for membership again this year.
“It’s nice to be the second Badenhorst nominated to the CWG,” says Mr Badenhorst, referring to his becoming a member for the second time.
Peter-Allan Finlayson
Mr Finlayson is a co-owner and winemaker at Crystallum Wines and the winemaker at Gabrielskloof. He has been making wine for 12 years at Crystallum and five years at Gabrielskloof. His 2007 Crystallum Pinot Noir, was the first ever pinot noir to be rated 5-stars and featured on the front cover of Wine Magazine.
“It is an honour to be recognised by my peers. I am particularly excited about the guild’s focus on innovation and the development programmes in place to make the industry more inclusive and representative,” says Mr Finlayson.
Donovan Rall
Mr Rall is the owner and winemaker of Rall Wines, which he founded 11 years ago. “I’m looking forward to being part of this group of winemakers, many of whom have helped me along the way, and I’ve been looking up to for the last 10 years while establishing my brand,” says Mr Rall.
Andrea Mullineux, chair of the Cape Winemakers Guild says: “Mr Badenhorst goes beyond the bounds and has been instrumental in the success of the Swartland; Mr Finlayson’s ability to produce classically styled wines wows the international wine world; and Mr Rall plays an important role in projecting a high-end quality message and perception of not only his own brand, but that of the industry.
“These winemakers will be excellent additions to the guild, and we look forward to witnessing their next great achievements.”
Established in 1982, the guild is made up of more than 40 winemakers who have been recognised as excelling at their craft by their peers within the guild.
Membership is by invitation only and is extended to winemakers who have been responsible for the production of outstanding wines for a minimum of five years and who show promise of not only consistently exceeding industry standards, but also promoting the values of the guild.