The Story of Blankbottle:
Blankbottle offers something for those with an open mind and an adventurous spirit. Winemaker Pieter Walser is passionate about telling stories through his wines—both what’s in the bottle and what’s on the label. His goal is to provide an authentic, personal taste, free from the expectations often associated with specific vintages or styles. Pieter collaborates with skilled farmers and experienced viticulturists across the Western Cape and designs his own labels, ensuring a unique and creative expression in every bottle.
“In 2004, a lady came to my house (then also my office) to buy wine. She asked for anything but Shiraz. “I don’t drink Shiraz”, were her exact words. I poured her a glass of wine. She loved it and bought 3 cases. It was a straight Shiraz.” -Pieter Walser
The Story behind the Label:
I’m not an activist or part of any movement — I work with grapes from everywhere and appreciate each region for what it brings to a wine. But in this newsletter, I want to highlight something Elgin does exceptionally well, and how it ties into the Autumn Equinox Theory.
Long before soil scans and satellites, farmers planted based on observation. One old theory was simple: grow crops that naturally ripen around the Autumn Equinox (20–21 March in the Southern Hemisphere).
It’s no coincidence that in Elgin, when most of the Cape’s vineyards face heatwaves, the grapes are still green. Ripening happens slowly here, and by the time the Equinox arrives, the sugars hit the sweet spot for harvest.
To celebrate this, I’ve curated a mixed case of Elgin wines — including a brand-new addition — all picked on or around the Autumn Equinox.
