The Swartland Independent was launched on 13 November 2010 by Michael Fridjhon at the annual Swartland Revolution in Riebeek Kasteel. On the 28 January 2011 the Swartland Independent had its first members meeting on Kalmoesfontein Farm in the Paardeberg, Swartland, South Africa.
The primary role of the forum is to raise awareness of the unique terroir of the Swartland region as well as its diverse characters. The Swartland is one of the most prolific regions of the Cape Winelands. Not only does it host a huge surface area and some of the oldest vineyards in the country, but it has also seen some of the biggest changes on the Cape wine scene in recent years.
Firstly the SWARTLAND INDEPENDENT is an all-inclusive forum that serves as a communication platform for diverse producers. It has an inclusive policy and does not proclaim itself to be the only voice of the region.
The initial coming together of individuals was based on a like-minded approach to working with varietals as well as farming and winemaking techniques that give a true sense of place and expression of the character of the Swartland. The participants of the group are open to a change of order and membership; given that it fulfils the greater purpose.
The Swartland produces a diverse style of wines and interpretations, yet given the outlined guidelines we believe the forum can contribute immensely to the great Swartland fingerprint. We want to achieve this by encouraging wines with an even bigger regional identity and asserting a sense of place above all other parameters.
Integrity and mutual respect for our fellow producers are key elements of the forum.
The Swartland Independent is a point of departure and by no means the destination.
A narrow set of guidelines were presented to all interested producers. These guidelines are a composition of the main aspects that define the Swartland and some of its diverse producers:
- Naturally produced wine - key aspects being natural fermentation and limited additives
- A varietal specification - varietal choices that best define the Swartland and its soils
- Specifications on the ageing regime of the wines
- Limitation on the use of new oak as well as the source of the oak should it be used
- Viticulture guidelines with huge priority on old vines and their conservation
- Bottling in specific bottle shapes
These guidelines will be reviewed and updated bi-annually. All wines will be audited in terms of their varietal constitution and random samples will be tested for all of the above outlined.
