THE VINEYARD PARTY
"Jolette Steyn is a winemaker to watch. Mark my words" Tamlyn Currin, Jancisrobinson.com
With 15 harvests under her belt across four continents, and an MSC in Viticulture and Oenology, Jolette Steyn launched her own label of wines in 2021 with the release of two unique small-production Semillons from the 2018 vintage. At the end of 2021, she was named Platter Guide's Newcomer of the Year 2022. And boy are we excited for her future!
Jolette's wines draw on a number of influences, from the surrealist movement, to her keen interest in dadism, and a fascination with dragons and cartographers too. But perhaps most of all, from many hours spent on the road stumbling on vineyards across the Western Cape. Disappointed seeing these sites devoid of life other than the manicured vines, Jolette seeks out sustainably farmed parcels that prioritise biodiversity and soil health, whilst applying avant-garde and low intervention winemaking techniques. Most of all, the idea is to have a bit of fun whilst making honest, respectful, elegant and hopefully thought-provoking wines. Both images (from an artist in Madrid) on the labels have a bit of movement and energy, and completely open to interpretation - thus a party.