DEAR FRIENDS

Because I own a farm that is over 300 years old, I often think about the many people who lived and worked here over the centuries. We build on their efforts and also use the newest technology to get the best from our exceptional terroir.    Since I bought Morgenster I have collected documents and pictures about the history of the farm so I was happy when Michael Vermooten sent me this picture, one of two, which he found among his late mother's possessions. There was no date, or reference to the people in the photograph, which he thinks could have been taken in the 1930's. Michael tracked it to Morgenster by referencing pictures of Cape Dutch houses in the Western Cape. Perhaps some of our friends have insights to help me to solve this puzzle?

I have been in Italy for the past month but I am back in time for the start of the pruning season to meet with our international consultant. For the second year he will work with us to improve further the quality of our pruning. It is a highly technical process that promotes production and longevity of our vines. The result is even better quality in our wines – which you know is always my plan. His methods are based on 10 years of research in Italy of traditional pruning techniques, learning proven ways and combining them with modern thinking. Once again, the old and the new at work at Morgenster. I like that.

Till next time,

Ciao!
Giulio.
  

OLIVE CELLAR NEWS

The Morgenster olive harvest is over. Oils from separate cultivars in the settling tanks are now being racked off. Blending of oils from around 14 different Italian cultivars will take place in July and then the new season's oils will be released. Yes! This is earlier than normal. We've had a great time selling the 2015 harvest and we've sold out a bit earlier than normal. So with the new harvest comes the vibrant pungency of an early release – watch our Facebook page for the announcement of the first 2016 oils in the Tasting Room.