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We think this is a beautiful view looking over the Bein vineyard, shown in the foreground |
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BEIN WINES Stellenbosch
Luca and Ingrid Bein
As Veterinary Surgeons, Luca and Ingrid Bein had been visiting South Africa, from their home in Switzerland, for 20 years. They had fallen in love with the Cape on their first visit and had returned year after year, dreaming of setting up a vineyard and making their own wine.
In the end they succumbed to their dream. The surgeries were sold and they moved to the Cape. 'Petrus Place', together with a plot of land was purchased in the heart of the Stellenbosch region. They enrolled at the University to study viticulture and oenology emerging four years later, both having gained a B.Sc.
2003 was their second vintage of 100% Merlot. They call it Bein Merlot.
It is a magnificent tribute to an incredible amount of hard work and attention
to detail. As they freely admit, their vineyard “receives the care of a
pampered child”.
We were with them in March 2005, and they had just finished harvesting the 2005 Vintage. They were also putting the finishing touches to their cellar, which as you will see from the photos, probably enjoys one of the best views in the Cape.
Petrus Place
Petrus Place is located a few miles southwest of Stellenbosch. The house is a beautiful Dutch barn, surrounded by the vineyard. The area under vine is just 2.2ha, planted with 100% Merlot. Annual production is around 1,000 cases. The terroir is particularly suited to Merlot and the slope, with a view of False Bay, is south facing and the vines enjoy the cooling breezes and mists that the close proximity to the sea provides. This allows the grapes to ripen slowly and steadily, making it easier to produce a balanced wine. The soil is granitic, allowing good drainage ensuring the roots push deep into the soil for water and nutrients.
Click here to visit the Bein Wines site
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| Luca and Ingrid with their magnificent Merlot |
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