Locals and tourists alike will now be able to enjoy the unique offering – from white wines to red, including rosé – of Seventeen87 in a small and intimate setting, the newly-opened wine cellar at Sugar Rush Park.
It took more than 10 years to accomplish and millions of Rands in investment, but North Coast residents and tourists will finally be able to sip on a locally-produced coastal fine wine of their choice in our very own wine cellar.
Produced from grapes grown at Ndwedwe and Maphumulo where vineyards were started in 2010, the Ballito-based winery supported by Enterprise iLembe opened its doors on Monday evening.
Locals and tourists alike will now be able to enjoy the unique offering – from white wines to red, including rosé – of Seventeen87 in a small and intimate setting, the newly-opened wine cellar at Sugar Rush Park.
The R19.5 million winery boasts the first wine of origin on the North Coast, and the name commemorates the birth-date of King Shaka Zulu.
Owing to the partnership between Seventeen87, Enterprise iLembe and the co-operative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta) department, the initiative has created dozens of jobs and is hoped will have a positive effect through tourism.
After receiving a round of applause for her election as first lady mayor of the municipality, KwaDukuza Mayor Dolly Govender said KwaDukuza now had unique bragging rights.
“We have wine right on our doorstep now, why go elsewhere?”
Nevin Davidson from Sugar Rush Park said they were excited about the partnership with Enterprise iLembe on the launch of the Seventeen87 Wine Cellar.
“The wine cellar adds another unique tourism experience to the many product offerings already on offer at the Park.”
Project viticulturist, Daniel Maerkl said he had started planting grapes in October 2010.
They have found a cultivar which is resistant to humidity, Villard Blanc, which was ideal for the coastal climate.
Since taking the plunge into Villard Blanc, more cultivars have been added to the range through outsourcing from Cathedral Peak Wine Estate.
The project, initially dubbed by those-in-the-know as a ‘set to fail’, has seen farms span three municipal areas and is able to produce 12 000 bottles per year.
Credit: North Coast Courier