Nestled in the picturesque Franschhoek Valley, Mel Wines is a testament to passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence. Established in 2014, this boutique winery reflects the dedication of Saskia Mellema and her husband, René, who embarked on an unlikely yet remarkable journey from Holland to the heart of South Africa’s wine country.
Mel Wines owner Saskia Mellema
The decision to move to South Africa was inspired by one of René’s business trips to Cape Town in early 2012. During a weekend excursion, René stumbled upon Franschhoek and immediately fell in love with the region. He called Saskia back in Holland, saying he’d found the perfect place for them to live. Saskia was sceptical at first. “We just had our second daughter at that time,” she recalls. “I’d never been to South Africa and it was so far away!”
But René persisted, and in 2013 the family spent a December holiday here. In March 2014 the Mellemas bought Klein Champagne and relocated to South Africa after the birth of their third daughter later that year. “The move gave my husband the opportunity to open a branch of his business here. We love the climate, the lifestyle, the wines and the horses,” Saskia says. “Here, you can have it all.”
From neglect to nurture
Their new farm required significant work and the vineyards had been neglected. “We did a lot of upgrading and maintenance,” Saskia says. transforming the property into a burgeoning vineyard teeming with potential. The farm spans approximately 10 hectares, with two and a half hectares dedicated to vines.
Initially planted with only Sauvignon Blanc, the Mellemas introduced a variety of other grapes, including Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, Pinotage, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Merlot, bringing their farm to life with a vibrant array of vines. “The old Sauvignon Block dates from 1985 and has been registered with the Old Vine project and plan to introduce an Old Vine Sauvignon Blanc soon,” Saska adds.
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- The stables.
The family’s passion extends beyond winemaking, however. Saskia, a devoted equestrian, knew that any new home had to accommodate her love for horses. “Horse-riding was always a big thing for me,” she explains. “My husband loves wine – especially Italian wines, and we were looking for a property with some vineyards, but it also had to accommodate some stables.”
The farm now boasts numerous paddocks, in addition to its flourishing vineyards, creating a distinctive blend of viticulture and equestrian pursuits that are reflected on the labels. Several wines are named after her beloved horses, contributing their own personality and achievements to each bottle. A professional horse photographer took their photos, which were turned into illustrations by Cape Town-based artist Shannah Williams.
Crafted with care
Despite their limited experience in winemaking, the Mellemas have made significant strides in producing their own label, Mel Wines. They couldn’t use the farm’s name as a brand due to Champagne’s protected status, but the combination with their surname lends itself well to an international brand with a personal touch.
They initially crafted wines in a small, converted cottage but that soon became too small, necessitating more cellar space first at Haut Espoir and since last year at Glenwood, with René’s colleague Burger Badenhorst consulting as winemaker. Their current wine portfolio comprises a selection of Chardonnay, Pinotage, Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, Merlot, and rosé.
“Our rows are quite narrow, and we use specialised techniques and small-scale equipment to manage the vineyard efficiently,” Saskia says. “It’s all manual work and quite labour-intensive.”
Only 2.5 of the 10 ha farm is under vine.
Dreams and Challenges
Establishing a winery from scratch comes with its challenges. It entailed a lengthy process of rezoning, obtaining liquor licenses, and building a brand from scratch in a very competitive environment. They recently employed a full-time marketing manager to help increase the visibility of Mel Wines, indicating their commitment to growth. Saskia is optimistic, viewing it as a “fun journey” filled with discovery and excitement. “It’s nice to build on something and see where it takes you.”
Beyond production, the Mellemas engage in various initiatives to showcase their wines. They participate in local festivals, tastings, and competitions, slowly etching Mel Wines into the fabric of South Africa’s wine industry. “It’s a boutique winery and we don’t have large quantities, but we want to build the brand and get our name out,” Saskia says. “As a small wine brand in a top South African wine region, it’s difficult to get in. But our wines are quite distinctive for the region and very boutique.”
While winemaking is a significant endeavour for the Mellema family, it is complemented by their successful business in imported food ingredients through Chemelco South Africa. This dual focus allows them to balance their passions and livelihoods, creating a unique and enriching lifestyle.
Future prospects
Looking ahead, the Mellemas have ambitious plans that include the possible construction of a small winery or a boutique hotel on their farm to enhance their hospitality offerings. They are also contemplating expanding their vineyards with new grape varieties, continually evolving and growing their passion project. Perhaps René will even add a few more Italian varieties in the future.
The Mellemas’ story is one of resilience, innovation, and passion. From a chance discovery to a thriving vineyard, they have built Mel Wines into a testament to their competitive spirit and sense of adventure. “A new business is all about perseverance, patience and pushing through. It takes time, and you mustn’t expect results in a few years; it’s a long-term commitment.”
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or an avid equestrian, a visit to their Klein Champagne in offers a slice of serenity with a taste of fine wine. Dedicated to producing exceptional wines that tell a story, Mel Wines stands as a beacon of what dreams fuelled by passion and hard work can achieve.
