Anatomy of a Vintage | ISSUE 1.1-EWB2026

Summary

The Experience: Anatomy of a Vintage (Issue 1.2) – An exclusive masterclass tracing the journey of a vintage and its wine from the vineyard to the final blend.

Spotlight Wine: The unreleased 2026 Zwartwater Estate White Blend.

Masterclass Tasting Flight: All single-vineyard components and our three final vintage wines (2024, 2025, and 2026), highlighting the influence of the vintage and terroir on each definitive blend.

Masterclass Hosts: Zwartwater founder Stefan Johannes alongside a guest moderator.

Epicurean Creations: A curated lunch pairing feast starting from the very first welcome starter, created by chef Pierre van Zyl.

Detail:

Anatomy of a Vintage is our exclusive annual masterclass experience that takes you deep inside a wine vintage, charting its journey from the vineyard to the final blend. For our second edition, we will feature the unreleased 2026 Zwartwater Estate White Blend.

At this experience, you will taste every single-vineyard component and discover how the 2026 growing season, soils, aspects, microclimates, farming, and winemaking influenced each individual wine selected for the final blend. You will also learn about the decision-making process behind finding the right components to assemble the final blend. This masterclass experience will give you an understanding of the 2026 vintage in a way very few people—beyond winemakers themselves—ever experience: its profound influence on the character and expression of South African wine, all while enjoying an exquisite paired culinary journey created by acclaimed chef Pierre van Zyl. His latest creation is a series of thoughtful pairings designed to perfectly complement each flight of wines. You can expect an indulgent progression of flavours, textures, and fine, flavour-forward creations.This masterclass will be hosted by Zwartwater founder and winemaker Stefan Johannes, alongside our very special guest moderator. We are keeping this experience intentional and focused, with an emphasis on the 2026 vintage and the finesse of its terroir.

Throughout the day, you will taste four flights of three wines each, followed by a vertical tasting of our final blends—two of which are pre-release. Every flight is complimented with a curated lunch feast that will keep you thoroughly captivated and satisfied.

Not just a tasting. Not just a masterclass.