A glass raised to Weltevrede’s golden success

There is a particular pleasure in seeing a wine estate whose wines you have enjoyed receive recognition for its work. I have enjoyed Weltevrede’s wines in the past, so news of its latest gold medals gave me a very good reason to raise a glass in congratulations.

And there is quite a bit to celebrate.

Weltevrede’s Calcrete Chardonnay has earned gold at both the Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards and the Veritas Awards. Its newly launched Premium Chardonnay has also collected gold at Michelangelo, while Place of Rocks Chardonnay 2025 has won gold at the Global Chardonnay Masters.

That is four gold medals across three wines and three competitions. A pleasing result for the people who make them, and an invitation for the rest of us to pay attention.

The international recognition for Place of Rocks is particularly satisfying. Run by UK wine trade publication The Drinks Business, the Global Chardonnay Masters brings together Chardonnay from around the world for blind judging. For a producer that has made this grape such an important part of its identity, earning gold in that company is something to be proud of.

I also like that the awards reach across the range. Calcrete has impressed judges at two separate competitions, the new Premium Chardonnay has made an encouraging entrance, and Place of Rocks 2025 has added an international medal. There is plenty here to interest someone already familiar with Weltevrede, as well as someone wondering which bottle to try first.

The story behind the labels takes us to Bonnievale in the Western Cape’s Robertson Wine Valley. Weltevrede lies just outside town on the R317, where the Jonker family has farmed since 1912. Today, fourth-generation winemaker Philip Jonker continues that family story, with Chardonnay and Cap Classique central to the estate’s offering.

Weltevrede places considerable importance on its limestone-rich soils and the way they shape its Chardonnay. It is a useful reminder that the work recognised by a medal begins long before a bottle reaches the judging table. There are vineyards to understand, seasons to respond to and countless decisions along the way.

For anyone whose curiosity extends beyond the bottle, the estate offers several ways to get closer to that story. Captivated by Chardonnay is an underground tour exploring the grape and its journey to the Robertson Valley. Captivated by Cap Classique introduces visitors to the estate’s sparkling-wine story, while Create Cap Classique offers the chance to help create a bottle to take home.

I suspect that last experience could make parting with the finished bottle rather difficult. Some souvenirs are more tempting than others.

There is also Kapokbos Restaurant, named for the wild rosemary growing on the farm’s koppies. Its contemporary country cooking uses seasonal ingredients, with Weltevrede wines alongside. Between the underground experiences and a meal, there is good reason to allow time for the estate when visiting the valley.

For now, though, the congratulations belong to Philip Jonker and the Weltevrede team. These medals recognise work that deserves to be celebrated, and I am delighted to see an estate whose wines I have enjoyed doing so well.

Here’s to Weltevrede, its Chardonnay, and the next bottle shared in good company.