Crafting Excellence: The Inspiring Stories of Rianie & Louis Strydom

In the world of South African wine, passion and dedication are the hallmarks of true greatness. Meet Rianie and Louis Strydom, two visionaries whose unwavering commitment to their craft has shaped the landscape of winemaking in profound ways.

Rianie Strydom: A Trailblazing Visionary

Rianie Strydom’s journey into winemaking is a testament to her relentless pursuit of excellence. A graduate of the esteemed University of Stellenbosch, Rianie’s quest for knowledge led her to the revered wine regions of Burgundy and Bordeaux, France. It was there that she cultivated her skills, immersing herself in the rich traditions and terroirs that define the world’s finest vintages.

As the fourth woman to join the prestigious Cape Winemakers Guild, Rianie stands as a trailblazer, inspiring the next generation of winemaking talent. Her accolades as a wine show judge further solidify her reputation as a master of her craft.

Crafting Masterpieces from Cavalli Soil

With over 25 years of experience and a wealth of knowledge, Rianie is dedicated to creating masterpieces from the rich soils of Cavalli Estate. Each bottle bears the essence of the land and the care of her skilled hands, from delicate floral notes to rich, velvety textures. But beyond the awards and accolades, Rianie’s story is one of deep love and reverence for the art of winemaking, her legacy continues to grow, inspiring the next generation of vintners to follow in her footsteps and push the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of South African wine.

Louis Strydom: A Legend in the Making

Louis Strydom’s journey to winemaking legend status began at Elsenburg College in Stellenbosch, where he honed his skills before embarking on a global odyssey of wine exploration. From Switzerland to France, Italy to the USA, Louis immersed himself in diverse terroirs and winemaking techniques, honing his craft along the way.

His tenure at Rust en Vrede Estate Wine saw his wines earning top accolades, including a coveted Top 100 listing from Wine Spectator for four consecutive years. But it was his focus on the Bordeaux blend wine, Ernie Els, that truly set him apart. In 2004, Strydom’s focus shifted to the Bordeaux blend wine called Ernie Els, and his impact on the industry continued to reverberate. The Ernie Els Red, with its two 93/100 ratings in Wine Spectator and the distinction of being the first South African red wine to reach such a high score, further solidified Strydom’s reputation as a master of his craft.

Elevating Ernie Els Wines to New Heights

With over 27 years of experience, Louis Strydom’s impact on the wine industry is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Through his unwavering pursuit of perfection and innovative winemaking techniques, he has elevated Ernie Els Wines to new heights, earning acclaim and recognition on the global stage.

Through his hands-on approach and complete dedication to producing premium wines, Strydom’s blended red wines have become truly unique. The triumph of his 2017 Signature, receiving an astounding 95 points (gold) at the 2023 Decanter World Wine Awards, is a testament to his continued hard work and skilful craftsmanship.

A Commitment to Education and Mentorship

Louis’s dedication to the wine industry extends beyond crafting exceptional wines. As a member of the Cape Winemakers Guild and Chairman of the CWG Development Trust, he is committed to nurturing the next generation of winemaking talent. Through mentorship and education, he continues to shape the future of South African winemaking, ensuring that his legacy will endure for generations to come.

A Winemakers Dinner Like No Other

Date: Friday, July 26th

Time: Arrive at 6 PM

Price: R995 per person (Excl Gratuity)

SOLD OUT

Watch as Rianie & Louis fill in the blanks