Revitalised and reimagined, Backsberg has re-launched their brand, cellar and brand home. Now situated in Franschhoek, wine lovers can enjoy a refreshed portfolio of Backsberg wines – with a contemporary look and feel – from their new tasting facility, which overlooks the majestic Mont Rochelle Mountain Range. I attended the launch of their new home this week, and what a fabulous venue it is. A beautiful mix of historic nostalgia and modern opulence.
Believing in always forging ahead, this update of the Backsberg Brand was inspired by DGB acquiring a majority shareholding and the start of a new journey as ‘Backsberg Family Wines’ with Simon Back representing the family on the board. “For more than a century Backsberg has been an iconic brand in the Cape Wine industry and we are excited to share our new direction for the winery which celebrates generations of family tradition in a modern and contemporary way”, says Tim Hutchinson, Executive Chairman of DGB.
Paying homage to the original Backs wine label that was prominent prior to the 1970s, the new Backsberg logo focuses on embodying the brand values in a timeless design.
Backberg’s new portfolio of wines includes three collections – Fifth Generation, Family Tree and Patriarch. In the Fifth Generation you’ll find 9 predominantly single varietal wines, each named after a special and significant place on the farm – Gravel Road Chenin Blanc, Hillside Sauvignon Blanc, Citrus Hill Chardonnay, Summer Berry Rosé, Ella Pinotage Rosé, Old Cellar Dry Red, Blueberry Row Pinotage, Plum Valley Merlot and Four Pillars Cabernet Sauvignon. Here you’ll find an offering of easy-drinking, exceptional wines with fresh and exciting flavours.
For life’s special moments, the Family Tree range includes the John Martin Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot blend, Pumphouse Shiraz and the Smuggled Vines Chardonnay – a collection which honours the people and places which have made significant contributions to the wineries history.
The Patriarch, Backsberg Family Wines’ hero bottle of Cabernet Franc, pays special tribute to the Iconic winemaking legend, Sydney Back. It upholds a strong sense of tradition and inclusivity of all members of the Backsberg family – from in the vineyards to around the dinner table. The complete range of Backsberg wines will be verified as “Carbon Neutral” by the end of July and a decal on each bottle will highlight this recognition and commitment to the environment.
The brand new tasting facility was built around an integral piece of history – a century year old tractor, which was transferred from the original estate to its new home in Franschhoek. Vintage wine-making equipment owned by the Back family is on display in the new venue, adding a museum-like element for visitors to enjoy. Placing great importance on sustainability, items from the farm such as barrels and wood chips have been repurposed to create lighting, furniture and design elements, fashioning a truly authentic look and feel to the new space.
The design and prime-positioning of the new cellar itself is something to behold. “One is often not privy to the heart of cellar action and that’s precisely what you’ll find here, a working winery with a majestic backdrop. One can even gaze directly into the cellar through the magnificent glass doors and is enveloped by the sights and sounds of daily winemaking life. The views are unparalleled and the wines stupendous”, says Backsberg’s Marketing Manager, Bianca Lenhardt.
In a move to cement Backsberg’s reputation as a crafter of fine wines the Kosher range has been re-positioned as Sydney Back Kosher Wines and has been brought to life in larger than life form on an exterior tank at the entrance to the brand home.
To complement your wine tasting experience, a selection of pairings, both sweet and savoury, as well as grazing-boards and picnics in the summer months are on offer. Expect delightful dishes infused with local flavours such as fynbos salt-infused crackers, waterblommetjie wontons, a seasonal salad jar, smoked snoek samosas, trout spring rolls and an exciting wine jelly pairing, to name a few.
The Backsberg family can’t wait to welcome you to taste their latest collection of wines, browse historical memorabilia and soak up the magic of the natural surroundings that envelop their new home.
Opening hours: 10h00 – 18h00 Wednesday to Sunday
Address: Backsberg Family Wines, Main Road R45, Franschhoek, 7690
Socials: @backsberg
The Corkless Mind 