Swartland - new viticulturist, new wine

Swartland Winery's new viticulturist, Claude Uren.

"Viticulture is in my blood," says Uren. "Growing up in the vineyards of the Swartland region I knew that I wanted to pursue this as a career. Since childhood this has been my dream and I am back working with my favourite challenge - bush vines." After teaching viticulture at Elsenburg and four years at La Bri in Franschhoek, he returns to take up this invigorating post alongside renowned cellarmaster Andries Blake.

Optimistic about the 2011 harvest, he reinforces the potential of the various cultivars with special emphasis on the Pinotage, Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc - all of which have achieved high recognition this year.