• Jessica Saurwein recently introduced the latest vintage Saurwein wines at a tasting lunch at Table Seven in Cape Town.
• The relaxed event hosted by Ex Animo showcased the newly released 2024 Saurwein “Chi” Riesling and the 2023 Saurwein “Om” and “Nom” Pinot Noirs.
• Saurwein’s wines are inspired by nature and crafted with minimal intervention, reflecting her commitment to sustainability and her family’s winemaking legacy. 

It was an unusually delightful Monday afternoon – as far as Mondays go – as wine enthusiasts and experts gathered to hear Jessica Saurwein, founder of Saurwein Wines, share the captivating story behind her latest vintage.

Amid the sizzling sounds of wood-fired Mooi River Côte de Bouef and the lively chatter of wine connoisseurs from across the Western Cape, Saurwein unveiled her newest creations: the Saurwein “Chi” Riesling 2024 and the 2023 Pinot Noirs “Om” and “Nom”.

She revealed a deep connection and passion for her craft in her presentation. Winemaking was not just a profession; each bottle of her vintage wines told a story of creativity, precision, and authenticity. “Winemaking completes me,” Saurwein said.

“You can problem-solve along the way and be very honest and intuitive with your work,” she added.

The intimate event unfolded at chefs Luke and Katie Wonnacott’s Table Seven in Salt River and was hosted by wine distribution company Ex Animo. 

Representing Saurwein Wines aligns perfectly with the Cape Town-based merchant, importer, and exporter David Clarke’s vision for the future of South African wines.

Ex Animo is Latin for “from the heart”.

“Great wine comes from those who pour their hearts into it, and we believe that passion shines through in every sip,” he said.

Vintage inspired by love for nature  

Inspired by the fertile soil of the Elgin Valley, Saurwein’s crisp, handcrafted Rieslings embody the essence of “Chi”, meaning life force and pay homage to the African rain god, Chiuta. 

She unveiled her zesty Saurwein “Chi” Riesling 2024 and its big bottle counterpart, the Saurwein ‘Chi’ Riesling 2024 Magnum. 

“With Riesling, it is essential that you are courageous enough to wait until the grapes are yellow. Yellow Riesling grapes offer an intensity of aromatics,” she said.  

Alongside the Rieslings, Saurwein introduced two Pinot Noirs: the Saurwein “Nom” Pinot Noir 2023 and the serene Saurwein “Om” Pinot Noir 2023.  

“Nom” is inspired by the Xhosa name Nombulelo, which means gratitude. It also honours the forgotten Zulu goddess of agriculture, Nomkhubulwane.   

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Cultivated at 700m (about twice the height of New York’s Empire State Building) altitude, the Saurwein Pinot Noir “Nom” grapes carry the spirit of the vineyard’s inspiring environment.  

“The nom pinot noir is sourced from Kaaimansgat Vineyard in the Elandskloof Valley,” Saurwein said.  

On the other hand, the “Om” Pinot Noir embodies peace and universal creation. Grown in the idyllic Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, this wine seeks to transmit the tranquility of its origin.  

Interests started young  

Saurwein’s love for wine began at 14. Her South African-born mother would often dust off her best local wines to celebrate milestone events. It felt natural and a calling for Saurwein to venture into winemaking.  

Her family’s winemaking legacy dates to the 17th century when they produced sour wines for the Austrian emperor.  

After spending a gap year working in vineyards both locally and internationally, she earned a BSc in Oenology and Viticulture from Stellenbosch University.

She said:

Saurwein further recalled her early experience and added: “Working on a farm in Tulbagh, I was drawn to the vineyards. Sampling grapes and being immersed in nature solidified my passion for winemaking.”  

Opportunities initially led her into the world of wine sales and marketing.   

She however found her way back to making wine by starting her production part-time in 2015. In October 2017, she resigned to become a full-time winemaker for her brand, Saurwein Wines.  

Sustainably produced  

Her approach to winemaking prioritises nature’s balance, using minimal intervention and natural fermentation.   

Saurwein’s commitment to sustainability is evident in her farming practices.

In 2021, her dream of the Waterval Farm on the Stanford Foothills of the Overberg finally came to fruition, combining her passion for wine, horses, fynbos, and viticulture with regenerative agriculture.   

“We purchased this property three years ago and are doing it all regeneratively. That means it is organic with as little input as possible,” Saurwein said.  

Jessica Saurwein presented her latest range of vintages at Table Seven.

Ex Animo

The farm follows the five principles of regenerative agriculture and prioritises minimal soil disturbance, constant cover cropping, integrating livestock, and increasing biodiversity.   

“You can grow, but you need to do it sustainably and with a focus on quality,” she said. 

“We need to focus on regenerating soils and being in tune with nature and vineyards rather than always trying to eradicate problems.”  

All should enjoy SA wine  

According to Saurwein, people think that a select elite demographic should exclusively enjoy niche wines. At the same time, wine can feel intimidating as you navigate the aisles of supermarkets. However, she believes that feelings of uncertainty and dread should be harnessed into confidence and curiosity.

She noted that people often need to remember the teamwork involved in producing a quality bottle of wine. Many hands are also involved in making South African wine, from planting the vines to fermenting and bottling. She thinks drinking South African wines is a powerful experience.

“The wine industry in South Africa is something we can be proud of.”