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  Veteran vintner Philip Costandius to manage up-and-coming Oldenburg

13 Jun 2014

Topics: Adrian Vanderspuy, Delheim, Glenelly, Lourensford, Neethlingshof, Oldenburg Vineyards, Philip Costandius, Solo Wines, South Africa, South African wine, wine

Veteran winemaker and member of the Cape Winemakers Guild Philip Costandius has joined up-and-coming Stellenbosch winery Oldenburg Vineyards as MD, winemaker and vineyard manager.

Costandius has been consulting for Oldenburg, owned by SA-born Switzerland-based investment banker Adrian Vanderspuy, since its first wines were made and released in 2010. The focus is on classic Bordeaux varieties (cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot) and shiraz, as well as two noble white varieties: chenin blanc and chardonnay.

Vanderspuy, who spent his youth on a neighbouring farm before following his stockbroking career overseas, bought the property in 2003. It came with vineyards dating back to the 1960s (when his grandmother lived on the farm). Among the first established in the Banhoek area and ideally sited on a prominent hillside known as Rondekop (the original name of the farm), the vines had subsequently suffered neglect and the decision was made to replant.

Costandius, previously cellarmaster at Delheim for many years followed by stints with Neethlingshof and Lourensford in the Helderberg, has been flying solo until now. Besides working as a consultant winemaker, he has been vinifying small parcels of shiraz and viognier under his own Solo Wines label.

Vanderspuy says of Costandius: “He already has a strong affinity with and respect for our terroir, and shares my belief that Oldenburg has something quite unique.” Says Costandius: “Oldenburg has magnificent terroir!”

Although the wines are made at nearby Glenelly (pending plans to build a cellar on Oldenburg), winelovers are hosted for tastings and sales in a chic tasting room with vistas across vineyards to the Drakenstein and Jonkershoek mountains. And, in September, a luxury villa called The Homestead will be opened for rented accommodation.


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