Here's to the First Sighting of South Africa's southern-most produced & cool-climate wines in Australia

MEDIA RELEASE: 28 November 2013

Here’s to the First Sighting of South Africa’s southern-most

produced and cool-climate wines in Australia

While you shouldn’t back a Springbok over a Wallaby, the range of First Sighting wines, which has the support of South African rugby legend Tiaan Strauss, are a safe bet - due for imminent release in Australia this spring.

Officially South Africa’s southern-most winery, Strandveld Wines, the producer of First Sighting is located in the cool-climate Elim Wine Ward, only a few kilometers from Cape Agulhas, the country’s southern most point. Maps of 15^th century Portuguese mariners provided the inspiration for a group of friends to scour the continent in search of the ideal vineyard site – which was eventually found in July 2001 in the form of an 800ha run-down wheat farm, just kilometers from the tip of Africa.

Winemaker Conrad Vlok has made a consistent contribution to the growth of the winery where he and the team have adopted a strong commitment to sustainable wine production methods. His down-to-earth and approachable manner is also reflected in the styles of wines he crafts.

‘First Sighting’ is a reference to back in 1488 when explorer Bartholomeu Dias first sighted the African continent. The First Sighting wines fully express the terroir of the Elim ward, where varying soil types and winds off the Atlantic ensure slow ripening, modest yields and intense flavours.

The wines will be imported into Australia by Africape Wines, owned by Tiann Strauss and Stephen Schofield – the largest independent importer of South African wines, beers and ciders. Managing Director Stephen Schofield handles operations here in Australia across their Perth, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane offices.

The First Sighting range includes the First Sighting Sauvignon Blanc (RRP: $18), First Sighting Rose (RRP: $18), First Sighting Pinot Noir (RRP $22) and First Sighting Shiraz (RRP: $18).

ENDS