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Ernst Gouws is suntanned, with dark, blackberry eyes and a firm handshake. Obviously a man who gets his priorities right, but not one for the finer details. "Ummm, we have an appointment," I say, slightly unnerved.
His entire face lights up with a broad smile. "You know, I knew something was about to happen today, and I couldn't remember what it was ? but it's you. Do sit down."
So we sat down on the stoep overlooking the lovely garden and the blue mountains beyond and talked about his dream and how this became a reality at Hoopenburg. He and Gwenda, his high school love, moved to Hoopenburg with their family in 1992. Before that he studied in Germany, worked in France and spent a number of harvests at Saxenburg and Rhebokskloof, but he wanted to do his own thing. "There was absolutely nothing here!" he says, indicating the lovely farmyard with its flowers, homestead and vineyards as far as the eye can see.
The farm comprises 36 hectares of vineyards, all of it bush vines. "You seldom see a modern farm with nothing but bush vines," Ernst says. "I get the impression it is back in fashion, but for our terroir it is truly the best, since it limits the yield and the sunshine."
His wife, Gwenda, pops her head around the corner. "Hallo, you're from WineLand, hallo," she says with a smile, quickly discusses something with Ernst, proudly points out the lovely photographs of their daughters on the cover, and disappears into the house. "There's work to be done," for she and Ernst take care of everything.
"Mmmm, where were we," asks Ernst. "Oh yes, my reserve range! I call it 'Winemaker's Selection', because I select the grapes in the vineyard and then I pamper them." He further explains that he selects the best vineyard and then limits the crop. The grapes also receive special treatment in the cellar. Only new barrels are used for these wines and maturation is limited to a minimum of 12 months. "They are serious wines," he says. "It is for people who know and trust Hoopenburg, but are looking for something new."
At the moment this range consists of the Hoopenburg Chardonnay 1999, the Hoopenburg Merlot 1999 and the Hoopenburg Cabernet Sauvignon 1998.
Suddenly a door opens in the house next door and a pretty girl emerges, still sleepy. "Hallo," she says shyly, and disappears. Minutes later three more, all equally lovely, emerge from the same door, greet with a giggle and disappear behind the first one. Friends who started school together in Grade 1 and have now finished their first year at university.
"Oh, it's such fun to be a girl," says Ernst of his younger daughter Ezanne (19) and her friends. "They all slept in that room last night." His pride in his daughters is obvious and it is evidently a close family.
Ernst and Gwenda do all the work on the farm themselves and their daughters also have to chip in and help with marketing. On weekends they work behind the counter in the tasting venue, "and are especially useful when the students become rowdy," he boasts. "Little Ernst will also have to help out when he gets older."
Gazing over the lush green vineyards and the lovely farmyard, experiencing the peacefulness and happiness of the family whose home this is, as well as their passion and dedication to the farm and its wines, I can understand why Hoopenburg is a dream come true. And the wines reflect this quality.
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by Julia Moore
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