Winery of the Week: Spijkerbessie Wyne

Annelie Viljoen, Stellenbosch-trained viticulturist and latterly also grape buyer, mother of three teen boys, and wife of Neethlingshof winemaker De Wet Viljoen, chose vine tending because she didn't want to be stuck in a cold cellar. But clearly the allure of fermenting must was strong, and in 2019 her neighbours at Lovane Estate let her make an experimental batch. For Spijker and Bessie (in life, a bull and cow), she sources best-quality wine and blends it, choosing unusual malbec because it was the favourite of her late mentor and vriend, Eben Archer. Wines with personality and true Stellenbosch character are her aims.