Upcoming Event

Special Tasting with Johan Reyneke
Monday, May 26, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.
@ The U of T Faculty Club

Join us for an outstanding tasting experience led by Reyneke’s viticulturist and co-owner, Johan Reyneke. Reyneke was the first South African winery to be certified (Demeter) Biodynamic and Organic (CERES) and is totally focused now on sustainability and regenerative agriculture.

Ground zero is a farm in the Polkadraai Hills of Stellenbosch, bought by the Reyneke family in 1988. Johan, after graduating from university took over in 1998 and bottled the first winery own wine that year. This was followed by the decision to embark on the ambitious organic and biodynamic journey.

Johan Reyneke isn't your typical winemaker. With a degree in environmental philosophy from Stellenbosch University, rather than the expected viticulture and oenology credentials, he brings a refreshingly different perspective to South African wine.

This unconventional background has shaped his unique approach to winemaking, allowing him to challenge traditional viticultural paradigms and forge new paths in sustainable farming.

Johan's journey into sustainable viticulture began with a simple premise. "Initially it wasn't about biodynamics but about farming without poison or harmful chemicals," he recalls. "Today it's about using the farm to do something positive about climate change and biodiversity loss. Biodynamics just happens to be a very suitable vehicle for achieving all the above."

His biggest challenges were bridging the gap between knowledge and understanding with experience and healing the soil so that the biodynamic system could flourish.

The exceptional quality of Johan’s wines speaks to the success of his approach. His 2021 Reserve Red and 2022 Reserve White scored 97 and 96 points, respectively, in Tim Atkin’s 2024 South African Special Report.

This is a unique opportunity to taste a series of high quality South African wines. The wines being tasted will be accompanied by two plates of tapas.

The Wines

• Reyneke Organic Chenin Blanc 2024
• Reyneke Biodynamic Sauvignon Blanc 2023
• Reyneke Reserve White 2022
• Reyneke Organic Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
• Reyneke Biodynamic Syrah 2020
• Reyneke Reserve Red 2021
• Reyneke Organic Cornerstone 2020

Menu

First plate:
Bread Rolls and Butter

Pan Roasted Scallop with lemon beurre Blanch
Parmesan Risotto Spring Pea Puree

Second plate:
Smoked Half Duck Breast Sunchoke Puree with
Blackberry Jam

When & Where

• Members: $95
• Members: $110

Closing date: Your booking or cancellation must be received by Monday, May 19, 2025. Your E-transfer acknowledgement from your bank will be your only confirmation. If we are unable to accommodate your registration due to our capacity limit, you will be notified and a full refund will be offered.

Your cheque payable to South African Wine Society or Interac E-transfer payment payable to winessainfo@gmail.com (preferred) will reserve your place at the dinner.

As a courtesy to other members, please refrain from wearing any scented products, including perfumes, colognes, after shaves or hand lotions.