South Africa’s wine heritage became a shared experience at the Seventh Annual International Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs (OMGD) Grand Chapitre that was attended by 185 participants from 30 different countries around the world.

A STORY THAT BEGAN IN 1659
The Cape’s first recorded wine was made on 2nd February 1659. What began with vine cuttings planted at a refreshment station developed into a wine culture with an international reputation. Constantia, established in 1685, became especially celebrated for its sweet wines, while vineyards spread through Stellenbosch and the Paarl-Franschhoek area.

This heritage provided a thread through the Grand Chapitre. The visits invited guests to look beyond familiar labels and discover the stories, vineyard settings and individual approaches that give South African wines their character.

DISCOVERY THROUGH THE GLASS
At Spier, an engaging blind tasting encouraged participants to question, compare and learn. Lanzerac’s food pairings were a highlight, while Nederburg and Fairview introduced wines that surprised participants who knew only their more widely available ranges. The enthusiasm of the hosts made these encounters personal and memorable.

South Africa’s wine story is one of renewal as well as longevity. After periods of hardship, regulation and isolation, the decades since 1994 have brought greater international exchange and fresh attention to old vineyards, cooler sites and wines that express their origins. Chenin Blanc, Pinotage and Cap Classique each tell a different part of that story.

Pinotage was especially meaningful to the programme. Created through Professor Abraham Izak Perold’s work with Pinot Noir and Cinsaut, the variety recognises 1925 as its birthday. Its history and evolving styles offered a distinctive South African theme to explore around the table.

The wider drinks programme also embraced the curiosity at the heart of the OMGD. Brandy tasting, gin blending and beer with charcuterie gave participants other ways to discover local craftsmanship and the relationship between food and drink.

A SOUTH AFRICAN WELCOME
At Kaapzicht, Carin and Danie Steytler hosted a Pinotage and Braai (BBQ) that brought guests into a family setting. Generous food, mature Pinotages and a personal welcome captured the relaxed hospitality the organisers hoped to share. It was an occasion where the history in the glass met the pleasure of being together.

The Constantia experiences brought the programme’s historical thread full circle. Participants visiting Klein Constantia enjoyed a tasting in the manor-house garden, before the closing gala dinner at Groot Constantia. Grand Constance 2022 accompanied dessert, connecting the evening to the Cape’s celebrated sweet-wine tradition.

For the Bailliage of South Africa hosting the OMGD Grand Chapitre was also an opportunity to strengthen connections across generations. The presence and enthusiasm of younger members were encouraging, while the knowledge and friendship of longstanding members enriched the gathering.

It was indeed an excellent and memorable OMGD Grand Chapitre that the participants have very much enjoyed and appreciated. Therefore, on behalf of our Worldwide president Yam Atallah, the International Vice President Marie Jones, and the members of the Conseil d’Administration I would like to extend our gratitude and appreciation to the Bailli Délégué of South Africa, member of the Conseil Magistral Llewellyn Buckley-Marais and his volunteer National and Regional Board Members for their invaluable efforts to make this Grand Chapitre a true success. I would also like to take the opportunity to extend our special thanks to all the sponsors and the participating establishments; and to all who travelled to share the occasion. Their support helped turning a programme of visits, wining and dining into an experience of fellowship.

A wine heritage is kept alive by those who continue to grow, make, teach and share. In South Africa, the OMGD Grand Chapitre offered an invitation to discover that living heritage, and to enjoy the camaraderie and the pleasures of the table together.

Vive la Chaîne et Vive l’Ordre Mondial!

Mohamed Hammam
Chair, OMGD Committee
Grand Échanson International
Member of the Conseils d’Honneur and Magistral

Information contributed by the Bailliage of South Africa. Historical background adapted from “A Proud Heritage / Almost four centuries of winemaking” by Joanne Gibson, with grateful acknowledgement.