THE WINNER of Wineland Media’s 2022 photo competition, sponsored by FELCO and conducted via social media, was Nicolaas van Rensburg of the Breedekloof farm Morgenrood. The caption for his image: “A pot of Semillon at the end of the rainbow.”

Semillon is one of the Breedekloof’s strengths, with the Deetlefs ‘Familie’ version from the family’s farm outside Rawsonville among the Top 10 in the SA Classification. Another wine of interest from this variety, ‘A Bird in the Hand’, comes from Le Belle Rebelle, also near Rawsonville, with the 2020 vintage among the Top 10 in a 2021 Winemag Report.

Once referred to in South Africa as ‘Groendruif’ and much more widely planted than it is today, Semillon has experienced somewhat of a comeback. Franschhoek created a bit of hype in claiming to be the local home of Semillon, although rewarding wines now emanate from various areas as dry whites and desserts. For more, click here.