Winemaker and managing director Louis Strydom (pictured above) welcomes PGATOUR.COM to the Ernie Els Winery for a VIP visit and wine tasting.
Mike McAllister, the Managing Editor at PGATOUR.com, was visiting South Africa with his girlfriend over the Christmas and New Year period and seized on the opportunity to spend the day at Ernie Els Wines and to meet with Louis Strydom for a chat, wine tasting, lunch and tour of the property.
Louis recalled to Mike the science and the story of Ernie Els Wines, from the earliest tasting sessions with Ernie to the development and growth of the business, which now boasts an award-winning portfolio of wines, and also its future plans for expansion. Mike then later caught up with Ernie to discuss his passion for wine and how he and Louis work well together to create winning wines.
“It’s a whole team effort,” says Ernie. “I’m the owner/proprietor, but my knowledge is not totally there like it is with Louis. He’s a scientist. I could not have asked for any better guy than Louis. He’s the man, he’s the engine, he’s the everything of that set-up. For me to be able to put my name to a product you can be proud of is what it’s all about.”
In the article Mike writes that, ‘At age 46 and in the latter stages of his pro golf career, Els will one day spend less time inside the ropes and more time inside the cellar. His hobby has turned into a business. Whether it’s a club in his hand or a long-stemmed glass, his expectations are high’.
“Let’s see how close we can come to the perfect wine,” says Ernie.
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