Each year in the Western Cape, the Vintners Surf Classic competition takes place, a surfing contest where more than 50 winemakers from South Africa take to the ocean to go head-to-head in the waves. The competition began in 2000 by a group of winemakers who hated golf but loved to surf.
Reigning Vintners Surf Classic champion is Pieter Walser, the blond-haired whirlwind behind the Blank Bottle label, but he’s too modest to talk about it himself.
It came to light over lunch following a recent tasting held by Walser’s UK importer Swig. ‘It’s no surprise that he won, as he lives on the beach,’ said one fellow winemaker and surf competitor, partly in jest.