Andy’s insights into the development of Sadie Family Wines
The beginning of an important partnership
In 1999 I met Eben Sadie in the Swartland on the Spice Route, during my time in Cape Town. Eben had started his career at Spice Route in 1997, under the management of Charles Back, a versatile entrepreneur who also owns Fairview. Together they designed the new wine cellar on the Klein Amoskuil farm and discovered the enormous potential of the old bush vines. I imported the first wines from Spice Route, vintage 1998, to Switzerland four years after the founding of KapWeine.
The founding of Sadie Family Wines
When Eben Sadie, together with his brother and sister, bottled the first vintage of Columella 2000 under the Sadie Family label in 1999, I was there from the start. With a modest starting capital of ZAR 9,000 (around CHF 2,700 at the time), they produced 14 barrels, which equated to around 4,000 bottles. I still have some of these bottles from the year 2000 stored in my matured wine treasure cellar at KapWeine, where I also keep other rare vintages so that I can offer them matured at a later date.
Wine collection
With the 2002 vintage, the wine range was expanded to include the white Palladius, and the Signature Series with the two wines was born. Ten years after the first Columella, Eben created the Old Vine Series in 2009, which now comprises nine further wines. Eben Sadie has been an outstanding figure in South African viticulture for over 25 years. The large number of awards and positive reviews speak for themselves – every bottle is a masterpiece.
Sadie Family wines are highly sought-after worldwide and usually sell out shortly after release. We only receive limited quantities of these exclusive wines and are offering you the new vintages at a special en primeur price for a limited time. The wines are expected to be available for delivery in mid-November 2024.
Significant changes at Sadie Family Wines
For more than 10 years, Paul Jordaan shaped the vinification of the wines, while Eben focussed more and more on the work in the vineyards. Now a change is about to take place: Paul Jordaan is leaving the winery to devote himself entirely to his own project, the Paulus & Co. label. This label, which Paul founded together with Pauline Roux, stands for the new generation of Swartland wines, with elegant Chenin Blancs made from old bush vines.
Eben Sadie, Paul Jordaan and Markus Sadie.
The sons follow in the footsteps
But as Paul takes on new challenges, attention returns to what really defines Sadie Family Wines: the family. Sadie’s sons, Markus and Xander, are ready to follow in their father’s footsteps. Both have gained valuable experience in leading wine cellars around the world and are now returning to Paardeberg Farm full of enthusiasm. Markus already feels at home in the new, state-of-the-art cellar, which celebrated its premiere this year, and worked on the 2024 harvest. Xander, who is currently still working at the very creative wine producer Blank Bottle, will also soon be joining the family.
The new wine cellar: an architectural masterpiece
The new cellar at Rotsvas Farm is an architectural masterpiece and reflects the dedication and pioneering spirit of the Sadie family. The production area is modern and functional, while warm wooden elements and thoughtful design create a welcoming atmosphere in the rest of the building. Sustainability is a top priority for the Sadie Family in all areas: A modern water treatment plant and a solar system ensure environmentally friendly production. The new cellar is a place that harmonises nature, tradition and innovation, perfect for the next generation of Sadie Family Wines.
A glimpse into the future
Eben Sadie has always emphasised that building a great winery is a task that will take more than one generation. Now that his sons are ready to make their contribution, he can look to the future with confidence. His focus will increasingly be on the people on the farm and their development, while he continues to tend the vineyards and oversee the transition to the next generation. The story of Sadie Family Wines will not only continue, but will be enriched by another chapter characterised by family ties, passion and the pursuit of excellence.
It is an honour for me to have walked this path together with such a special person as Eben Sadie and to be able to continue to accompany him!
Your Andy Zimmermann
