The dream of producing their very own wine has become a reality for Mount Pleasant residents Urle Hansen and Kirsten Myburgh.
From the vineyards of Creation Wines, Urle produced a Pinot Noir and Kirsten a Sauvignon Blanc. Kirsten says he named his wine “K Wines”, which reflects his name. He explains that the wooded Sauvignon Blanc delights with fresh sea pebble aromas, mingled with sweet hay and the mildest whiff of lemon grass. “Having produced my own wine is a great feeling. In the beginning of the process you start out with a grape and at the end you have a bottle of wine. Working with winemakers JC Martin and Gerhard Smith is also a pleasure, because they are always willing to help and take you to the next level.”
Urle named his Pinot Noir after his daughter who passed away in the womb. “Emily’s Pinot Noir” is a dedication to her and in memory of her.” Urle explains that the wine is spicy, yet elegant, soft and fruity on the nose with layers of berries which turned out exactly how he wanted it.
Kirsten says that his journey started way back when he and Urle played rugby together. “One day I received a call from Urle telling me to submit my CV to Creation Wines, I did not hesitate and grabbed the opportunity with both hands.”
He started at the farm in 2014. “From then on every little thing about wine I have learned on the job.”
Urle started his journey at Creation Wines in 2013. In 2018 he got accepted into the Burgundy Exchange Programme and was selected from 200 cellar workers for the top 10, receiving the opportunity to learn more about wine. He has learned a lot from winemaker and owner of Creation Wines, JC Martin as well as winemakers Werner du Plessis and Gerhard Smith. “I am very thankful to them, whenever I have a question about wine they have always helped me and shared their knowledge with me.”
According to Carolyn Martin, co-owner at Creation Wines, giving Kirsten and Urle the chance to produce their own wine was a great opportunity for them to grow and also gave them great responsibility.
The two young men both believe in working hard and never giving up. Kirsten lives by the words, “every morning you have two choices: Continue to sleep with you dreams or wake up and chase them.” Both wines are only available at Creation Wines. “Emily’s Pinot Noir” costs R375 and “K Wines” R145.
