A block of Pinotage farmed by Philip du Toit on Deetlefs Estate was rated the best in the Worcester Breedekloof wine regions. The second and third rated blocks were also from the Breedekloof - second placed Gert Trollip of Skoonuitsig and third placed Anton Roos of Silkbush both supply Waboomsrivier Cellar. “What makes this achievement more special is the fact that this vineyard was farmed according to our standard practices to ensure perfect balance in all our vineyards, and that Pinotage is uniquely South Africa,” said Kobus Deetlefs. Deetlefs Wine Estate, situated at the foot of the Du Toitskloof Mountain Range in the Breedekloof, is the third oldest wine estate owned by the same family in South Africa – established in 1822. The Estate is well know for producing award winning Pinotage and currently produces several distinct styles: Stonecross Pinotage, Stonecross Pinotage Rosé, Stonecross Merlot Pinotage, Deetlefs Estate Pinotage and Deetlefs Estate Oak Matured Pinotage - a winner of the Top Pinotage Trophy at the Swiss International Air Lines Wine Awards. Deetlefs Wine Laboratory, responsible for the Quality Management Programme of the Deetlefs Group, is also recognised for the quality and consistency of its wine analysis and has been rated the top wine laboratory in South Africa for three years running by the South African Wine Laboratory Association. VinPro will host its farmers’ day at Deetlefs Estate on January 26 and Mr Pinotage himself, Beyers Truter, will be the guest speaker. The Breedekloof wine region includes the wineries in the Rawsonville, Slanghoek, Goudini and Breede River areas. For more information visit www.breedekloof.com or phone (023) 349 1791.