langverwacht winery
Meet the Winemaker
Theunis Botha became infatuated with wine when he first tasted a Boland Cellar Chenin Blanc over 15 years ago. Since then, his favourite wine has been the Spier 21 Gables Chenin Blanc, which he describes as the best expression of a good South African Chenin Blanc.
Theunis, who was raised in the vineyards of a farm in the Paarl Valley, joined the Langverwacht family in 2005, after finishing his studies at Elsenburg.
While knowing that people love his wines is the biggest reward of his job, his favourite part of the winemaking process is harvest. “It’s wonderful to see the grapes turn into something unique,” he elaborates.
About the Winery
Established as Boesmansrivier Wine Cellar in 1954, the cellar received its first crop in 1956. The name, unfortunately, created some confusion, as the region also housed a Boesmansrivier Cheese Factory, and so the winery was named Langverwacht, for the farm on which the cellar was built.
With warm summers’ days and a south eastern ocean breeze that cools down the evenings, Langverwacht grows vines in sandy soil, rich lime soil, and red clay soil. The result is easy-drinking, fruit-driven wines that express the character of the cultivars.
Located near Bonnievale, Langverwacht has received Michelangelo and Veritas awards.