For our holiday episode, we invited our South African and French winemakers to reflect on the unprecedented circumstances of 2020, silver linings, and reasons to look forward to the upcoming new year. Joining us in conversation is Cape Classics CEO, Robert Bradshaw. Music credit: This episode uses three songs by Poddington Bear ("Steps Light", "Touch", "Window Shopping"), sourced from Free Music Archive (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Podington_Bear) under a CC BY-NC 3.0 license.

Behind the Bottle

Holiday Special 2020: Why Great Wine Still Matters

Peter de Wet, the 5th generation of Excelsior Wine Estate in Robertson, South Africa chats history, winemaking, sustainability and community in this episode which was recorded at the winery. Excelsior crafts South Africa's biggest selling Cabernet Sauvignon meticulously as they work to improve the soil for future generations and make a difference in the lives of their workers.

From Family to Community: Peter de Wet on Excelsior's Journey

Nicolas Bureau, Glenelly's Export Director and Proprietor May-Eliane de Lencquesaing's grandson, shares the background on his family and the farm, which is situated in Stellenbosch, South Africa, but whose story begins over 200 years ago in France.

Nicolas Bureau on Glenelly: 200 Years in the Making

This episode features a rare chat with one of the most acclaimed winemakers in the Loire Valley, Vincent Carême, along with his wife and partner, Tania. Leaders in organic farming, the Carêmes produce wine at Domaine Vincent Carême in Vouvray and at Terre Brûlée in Swartland South Africa.

Vincent & Tania Carême: From Vouvray to Swartland

Robert Bradshaw, Cape Classics President & COO, shares his journey and rationale behind the importer’s largest launch ever, which comprises two of regions, the Rhône & Languedoc.

The Road to the Rhône & Languedoc with Robert Bradshaw

Winemaker Carl Van der Merwe tells DeMorgenzon’s story, sharing his winemaking philosophy and revealing why music is played to the vines.

Behind the Music at DeMorgenzon with Carl Van der Merwe

Winemaker Gavin Bruwer Slabbert works with Bruwer Raats to craft Raats Family Wines, Mvemve Raats and B Vintners from South Africa. In this episode, he dives deep into B Vintners and why South Africa’s soils are unique. B Vintners was created with a mission of celebrating two things: heritage and terroir. Using the building blocks of site, vine pedigree and future, Gavin and Bruwer have combined youthful energy and sage experience to create an innovative approach to winemaking.

Gavin Bruwer on History, Heritage & Vine Exploration with B Vintners

Lars Maack chats Bayten and the region of Constantia, South Africa.

Bayten, Constantia & Beyond with Lars Maack

Philippe Chainier discusses growing up in Touraine, France, Domaine Paul Buisse and Clos du Gaimont.

The Magic of the Loire Valley with Philippe Chainier

Behind every farm, winemaker, bottle and grape lies an untold story. This is Behind the Bottle, a monthly podcast by Cape Classics, a South African and French wine importer founded in 1992. We are committed to discovering and sharing these tales.

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Behind the Bottle

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