The owner of La Vierge is Peter Clarke. I had the pleasure of meeting him during my tasting session at the winery. Peter is a warm and welcoming individual, with a passion for wine that is evident in every aspect of his winery. He is a hands-on owner, actively involved in the day-to-day operations of the estate, and is dedicated to producing high-quality wines.
During my conversation with Peter, he shared with me the story of how he came to own La Vierge. It was clear that his love for wine and the beauty of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley played a significant role in his decision to purchase the estate. Peter saw enormous potential in the terroir of the region and wanted to create wines that truly reflected the unique characteristics of the area.
Peter's commitment to excellence is reflected in the winery itself. The facilities at La Vierge are state-of-the-art, with a focus on sustainable practices and meticulous attention to detail. From the vineyards to the cellar, every step of the winemaking process is carefully managed to ensure the highest quality wines.
As we tasted through the wines, it was clear that Peter's vision and dedication were paying off. The wines were exceptional, with a distinct sense of place and a level of complexity that is truly impressive. It was evident that Peter and his team had put a great deal of thought and care into crafting these wines.
One of the highlights of the tasting was the opportunity to meet winemaker Marc van Halderen, who has now left for Australia. Marc's expertise and passion for winemaking were evident in every glass. He spoke eloquently about the vineyards, the different grape varieties, and the winemaking techniques used at La Vierge.
My experience at La Vierge was a memorable one. The combination of Peter's passion for wine, Marc's winemaking expertise, and the beautiful setting of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley all came together to create a truly exceptional winery. I have no doubt that under Peter's ownership, La Vierge will continue to produce outstanding wines for years to come.