The Burning Vine Society – July Wine & Dine

Our Wine & Dine Wednesdays in July have gone indie.

We have three young talented winemakers who have dedicated themselves to crafting
exceptional wines. Chris Kruger of Viento Wine. Brandon Wightman from Wightman & Sons. And Selma Willemse.
We'll be tasting Viento Chenin Blanc and Cinsault, Lord Agama Chenin Blanc Pet Nat, Irreverence Mourvèdre and Crate Work Pinotage.
Coupled with a wintery three course meal from Harry's and a complimentary glass of wine of your choice, it'll cost you R275.

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The Burning Vine Society

Three young talented winemakers who have dedicated themselves to crafting exceptional wines. Chris Kruger, of Viento Wine, channels his South African heritage and family roots in Patagonia to create wines that reflect his journey and origins. Brandon Wightman, from Wightman & Sons, found his passion for winemaking in the vineyard-laden Paardeberg, producing wines that challenge the norm. Selma Willemse, a Swartlander with a deep love for agriculture, brings her energy and craftsmanship to AA Badenhorst Family Wines, delighting guests with her stories and sharing her carefully crafted wines. These three winemakers exemplify dedication, creativity, and a profound connection to their craft, resulting in wines that captivate the senses and tell unique stories.

Chris Kruger (Viento Wine):
Chris Kruger is a young winemaker from Paarl, South Africa. His passion for winemaking began at the age of 15 when he started making small batches of wine with his father. Inspired by his studies in viticulture and oenology, Chris dreamt of starting his own wine brand. His journey led him to South America, where he found inspiration in Patagonia, the birthplace of his grandfather. Returning to South Africa, Chris established Viento Wine, aiming to represent his roots through his wines. Dedicated to his family, the last remaining Afrikaners in Patagonia, Chris creates wines that reflect the essence of the land.

Brandon Wightman (Wightman & Sons):
Brandon Wightman's wine journey began when his family moved to the Paardeberg in 2011. Surrounded by vineyards, Brandon developed a keen interest in winemaking. After completing high school, he took a gap year, working at neighboring farms in the Swartland and gaining valuable experience in the wine industry. His passion for winemaking grew stronger, and he pursued formal education at Elsenburg Agricultural College. In 2019, Brandon started making wine under his own label, establishing himself in the winemaking scene.

Selma Willemse

Selma Willemse, a Swartlander by birth, always aspired to work in agriculture while growing up on a farm. After attending Elsenburg Agricultural College, specializing in Cellar Technology, Oenology, and Viticulture, Selma embarked on her wine journey. She gained experience by joining AA Badenhorst Family Wines and did a harvest in Lebanon. Selma's love for winemaking is evident as she gets her hands dirty in the cellar, while also enjoying sharing her wines and stories with guests

Chris Kruger (Viento Wine)

Viento Chenin blanc 2022
- A Chenin Blanc from Wellington, crafted from 1979 bushvines in Koffieklip soil. Whole bunch pressed, naturally fermented, and aged for 10 months in a concrete egg. This Chenin Blanc showcases freshness, white stone fruit, and fresh melon with a well-integrated acidity. A true reflection of old vine Chenin blanc.

Viento Cinsault 2022
- a Cinsaut from Wellington, crafted from young bushvines in Koffieklip soil. Fermented naturally with delicate extraction, aged in French oak barrels for 11 months. Delicate and light with vibrant red fruit, floral fynbos character, and a hint of sweet spice. An alluring wine that embodies essence of its origin.
Brandon Wightman (Wightman & Sons)
Lord Agama Chenin blanc Pet Nat 2022
- The Chenin Pet Nat is under our family brand , Wightman & Sons, but was a project that I was responsible for. The grapes come from our family farm, which we farm as organically as possible. This was the first time I attempted making a Pet Nat, but also had an immense amount of help from Tremayne (from The Blacksmith Wines) as he has been making exceptional Pet Nat for many years. The wine has a fruity flavour with a striking acidity and a slightly drier finish, an easy drinking sparkling wine. At 12% Alc. the Pet Nat is a tasty, fruity sparkling wine with fine bubbles that add to the enjoyment of the wine.

Irreverence Mouvedre 2021
- The Mourvèdre was an experiment which came out of my interest in the grape. This is a lighter style red wine, with a fruity nose & body and soft juicy tannins. The grapes come from Tulbagh, from a farm which Tremayne (The Blacksmith Wines) was managing at the time. This wine was made with the intention to express the fruit as much as possible in a lighter bodied style. At 12% Alc. it’s an easy drinking red wine that could be paired with food or be enjoyed on its own.

Selma Willemse
Crate Work Pinotage 2021
- On a farm in the heart of the Swartland, called Jakkalsfontein grows a lekker Pinotage vineyard on Koffieklip soil. The fruit was harvested ripe and went through a quick fermentation on the skins. Crate Work 2021 is fruit driven, light and elegant . Primary dark fruits and soft tannins. This Pinotage strays from the traditional way South Africa knows the cultivar, but it’s a proper representation of what it could be.

Chris Kruger

Instagram - @vientowine & @christophersonn_
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092344249588

Brandon Wightman
Instagram - @moreligvineyards_

Selma Willemse
Instagram - @selma_ini_swartland

Book now – Bookings@harringtonstreet.co.za
The Burning Vine Society

The wine evening of Supper & tastings includes a full dinner option as well as the tapas and tastings option and add on wine tasting.

So come for Dinner or just stop by for an afterwork tasting with colleagues or friends in our luxurious booths.
Or join in for the wine tasting for R80 only.
Open 4pm.
Happy Hours, 4:00 – 6:00 pm and tapas HALF PRICE 4-6:00pm

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