The year is drawing to a close so fast. As one gets older it really feels as if the momentum is gathering speed. But unlike Poor Silas in Robert Frost's poem "The Death of the Hired Man", we can look back with pride on 2024 and look forward with hope to 2025 – a milestone year for Muratie Wine Estate which will mark our 340th anniversary.
We reflect on a year that brought a stellar harvest and great recognition for our wines. We planted new vines, prepared soil, purchased some new French oak barrels, and continued to focus on looking after the pristine nature around us. Our biggest irritation over the last two months has been several leaks in our irrigation pipes – caused by porcupines searching for a sip of the Simonsberg’s precious water, coming out of a deep subsoil aquifer. As I told Hattingh, the porcupines were here long before us and hopefully they will stay, so they should have the freedom of the valley. We also enjoy magnificent birdlife on Muratie, even if our poultry regularly have to evade a laser-eyed African harrier hawk.
The wonderful rains we have had this winter (more than 1100 mm compared to our average of 750 mm) have given our vineyards some extra energy and regular tipping has been critical to balance growth. I guess this is a better problem than having struggling vines.
There was sad news in November with the loss of one of our most remarkable literary artists. I've always been fascinated by the movement of dissident writers who called themselves "Die Sestigers". It would have been a privilege for me to spend an evening in their company. Now one of their founding members, Breyten Breytenbach, is also gone.
His poem, "Instruksies", has been a wonderful source of inspiration:
wanneer ek die dag nie meer daar is nie
moet julle goed omsien na die son
en hemel om lig te gee op donker paaie
sorg dat die heuwels natgelei word
met mildelike reent
sodat valleie mag baat by die klammigheid van lewe
en die hange blink mag glinster
maak tog seker niks loop verkeerd nie:
sit sneeu opsy vir winter
sodat elke seisoen op sy tyd kan wit vir blom en akkedis en sidderende bergpieke,
moenie skrik vir die rou fluite van spookvoels
helder oordag in die melkhout wanneer hul roep na mater
wie se vlerke aan kruismaste gespyker is as roulinte nie
vertroetel verder die mensdom aan die bors
en onthou om vir Maandag na die Dinsdag
van die vorige week te laat kom
sodat ritmes erken en eerbiedig mag word,
onthou ook om die kinders aan die lag te kry
veral net voor slapenstyd
ek het my kant gebring
en wil net die versekering hê, kamerade,
dat neem en gee veilig sal gedy
in julle hande.
If we can follow these "instructions", we'll no doubt make the world a much better place. And if we can toast a glass of Muratie to Breyten's ideals, all the better.
Remember to save the date for our popular Muratie Harvest Festival, which will take place slightly earlier next year on 1-2 February. We also hope to see you on 22 December for the Big Christmas Africa Concert at Muratie. It promises to be a memorable evening full of beautiful music and festive cheer. Tickets are available via Quicket.
We wish all our friends a wonderful holiday season. May it be a time of health, togetherness and peace.
Cheers!
Rijk and the Muratie team