Hazendal celebrates women and wine
The wines of Hazendal caused a stir in London last month, when the judges of the SA Wine Awards 2022 awarded three Hazendal wines with the highest ranking; a Double Gold award. The SA Wine Awards are focused exclusively on wines produced in South Africa, and are judged by an expert tasting panel that this year included four Masters of Wine (MWs) and a Master Sommelier. Hazendal was the only Stellenbosch estate to claim three Double Gold Awards, earning the medals for the Hazendal Roussanne 2018, Hazendal Semillon Sauvignon Blanc 2018, and the Hazendal Syrah 2017.
Clarise Langeveldt, Hazendal’s winemaker and viticulturist, originally planned a career in nature conservation, until a lifelong family passion for wine and vineyards steered her towards the cellar. Enrolling at the respected Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute outside Stellenbosch, in 2006 she graduated with a B.Agric in Cellar Technology. Eager to add real-world experience to her academic training, Langeveldt set out to expand her horizons, travelling across three continents to complete six harvests in just two years. Clarise joined Hazendal Wine Estate as a winemaker and viticulturist in 2016 to oversee the production of Hazendal’s elegant, terroir and fruit driven wine ranges.
What inspired you to become a winemaker?
My love for nature, food and family… Wine brings all of this together.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Winemaking isn’t instant, it takes time to see the inputs and work pay off. The wait for a product you are proud of is both humbling, rewarding and gratifying at the same time.
Which female within or outside your industry has inspired you in your career?
Heidi Barrett, she is truly inspirational.
Do women make wine differently to men?
The difference is in the personality not the gender.
What would you recommend other women who aspire to become winemakers?
Keep your head down, learn as much as you can from your peers and always be humble.
Which one is your favorite wine from the Hazendal wine range and why?
At the moment I am enjoying the Chardonnay, it is really showing well. Elegant concentrated yellow and orange citrus with citrus blossom, elderflower, buttered brioche a refreshing acidity and a creamy finish. Perfect white wine for hearty winter dishes.
To truly get under the skin of these award-winning releases, wine lovers can now book the bespoke Sensory Experience on the estate. After a tour of the production cellar, and a discussion of our extensive vineyard regeneration programme, the experience moves into the underground Wine Library. Here skilled wine ambassadors lead guests through an in-depth tasting of our current releases, including the Double Gold winners. Each wine is paired with a micro-plate specifically created by Chef Michelle Theron to enhance the wine.
The Sensory Experience (R680pp) is offered daily (Tues-Sun) at 12h30.
Reservations are essential.
We don’t think you need any extra reasons to buy our award-winning wines, but we do love to reward our loyal customers! When you purchase any 6 bottles of Hazendal wines during the month of August you’ll stand a chance to win a mid-week, overnight stay at The Homestead, Hazendal’s luxurious exclusive-use villa. The prize is valued at R31 500, and includes accommodation for up to 10 guests as well as a lavish includes breakfast.
