I confess: I am always nervous when an invitation to a new wine brand launch arrives. The wine world is a flooded market; success requires an unforgiving trifecta of guts, brains, and serious financial investment. To stand out, you need more than just a good vintage, you need a vision. I am absolutely delighted to report that the Du Bois Vineyards launch of their maiden wine, the 2024 Old Vine Chenin, was not only beautifully curated but represents a sensible, measured, and thoroughly professional process. This isn't a frivolous entry; it's a real testament to planning. A legacy on the land This Stellenbosch farm has been in the family for four generations, and standing with the newest custodians, I witnessed a passion for the land that burns as fiercely as it must have in their pioneering ancestors. The pedigree is undeniable: for years, they have been growing top-quality fruit, supplying titans like Chris Alheit and Simonsig. Now, the younger generation is taking the reins, ensuring that every aspect of farming, quality, and branding is rigorously considered. The maiden vintage Only 2 000 bottles of this Old Vine Chenin, sealed with its unique Heritage seal are available. Given the quality, the measured approach, and the deep roots of this family, I have no doubt this wine will be flying off the shelves. The unforgettable evening The launch itself unfolded on one of those perfect, transcendent evenings. We were taken to the "top of the world" on Sonop farm, a hidden vantage point just at the top of the Kolenhof hills. The view was a breathtaking, uninterrupted 360-degree panorama of the Simonsberg mountains and the vast, surrounding countryside. As the sun began its majestic, slow descent below Table Mountain, we savoured a delicious wine crafted by the acclaimed Adam Mason of Mulderbosch, using the very grapes grown beneath our feet on Sonop farm. The light was pure photographic gold, thick with rose-tinted magic, helping us capture every moment of the unforgettable sunset. It truly was a pleasure to witness a new brand launched with such deep respect for its history and such professional foresight. A relaxed delicious Middle Eastern harvest dinner followed; curated by the talented chef Adrian Hadlow, and we chattered amongst the glorious lights and company and enjoyed the bold Chenin, the maiden vintage.