Garage Winemaking in South Africa Less is More - Cape Wine ...

through the red tape of the South African wine industry, managed to register 26
Topaz Street as a farm (yes, they do indeed have a farm number for their 400m 2 of
land) and as a producer of wine. As far as they know, they are the smallest
registered producer and bonded warehouse in South Africa. 11
In 2010 they made 4368 litres of wine, up from 684 litres when they started out.
These wines are all made from fruit bought in from the Stellenbosch region, mainly
from the Simonsberg and Bottelary areas. Topaz wines are handcrafted and made
totally naturally in their garage. No sprays or machines are used. Grapes are
handpicked, carefully hand sorted and bucketed into an open-top bin, where they
cold-soak for five days. Fermentation occurs spontaneously and colour is extracted
gently, with wooden plungers. After fermentation is complete, the skins are lightly
pressed in a basket press and run off into new French oak barrels. After 14 months,
the wines are bottled directly from the barrel, using gravity only. Topaz wines are
unfiltered, to retain maximum flavour, and therefore may need decanting. These
hand-crafted wines are made with love and passion to reflect the true essence of this
fine product. 12
With the inspiration and motivation of Torr and Beutler, many garagistes are now
producing their own wines. “Often these are professionals with a passion for wine. I
believe to make it as a garagiste it takes passion the first year and guts to do it a
second year! Every wine created is unique, special and individual. These wines are
made with the outmost care and attention to detail,” says Beutler. 13
The number of operations grew and a desperate need for technical guidance and
a structured marketing and sales plan emerged. Torr and Beutler spearheaded the
convergence and The Garagiste Movement was formed in July 2002. Tanja Beutler
explains, “We got together for an informal tasting one night and were simply stunned
by the awesome standard of product.” The movement supplies technical and moral
support to aspirant garagiste winemakers, as well as a network of grapes for sale,
dry goods and equipment. 14
Co-operation made sense. The sharing of resources amongst producers of these
boutique volumes is fundamental. A lot of the members have other full time jobs and
have let their hobby take over a little bit more than expected. Beutler elaborates,
“Logistics are a nightmare and the pooling of equipment and dry goods would
streamline operations for members. The Association also sees itself supporting
members in their accreditation applications to SAWIS and compliance with customs
and excise regulations. Ultimately, the coming together of like-minded producers is
about marketing. Plans include promoting the members and their products to the
local and international wine trade by gaining access to wine events such as Cape
Wines, The Johannesburg Wine Show, etc.” 15
Whilst never failing to appreciate the importance of commercial considerations,
Beutler adamantly maintains, “We have to carry the passion forward, extend the love
11