Following The Vintages.

Vintage 2011 Job Hunting - Continued

2012-01-31T16:59:00.000+02:00

After playing the waiting game (2 weeks), I finally received some emails. Gavin Quinney, Chateau Bauduc couldn't arrange anything as he had an intern for harvest. A few Germany wineries offered me work. However it wasn't very interesting, picking grapes and occasional work in their winery, plus a very small winery 10 - 20 tonnes, if that. So I had to turn them down, not looking great so far.

Perpignan, Maury

Then I received an email from Richard Case - Domaine De La Pertusaine. "would you like to come and work in our brand new state of the art winery?" I was curious as to what Richard meant by "State of the art winery" Back in 2008 whilst I was working for Richard, I was busy helping make his wine inside his garage. After a few emails later, I found out that Richard had an American investor - David Phinney, who came to Maury and sore huge potential in Richards wine and the wine region around Maury. After some decision making, Dave Phinney - owner of Orin Swift wines. Decided to build a brand new winery accommodating for around 300 tonnes of grapes and bought 120ha of bush vines, Grenache, Carignan, Petit Verdot and some trellis vines Shiraz. I couldn't resist the offer, So I accepted.

So all was set for the 2011 Harvest, Starting work on the 12th of September 2011, I have three weeks to kill, what to do? Spend more time in London? Catch a flight to San Francisco to catch up with my Californian friends? can't decide. Whilst deciding what to do. I received an email from Dr Loosen's team. Offering me work for the 2011 harvest. I was really in a difficult situation. This was such a good offer, opportunity and an amazing experience. So after ummng and erring, My gut instinct was to stay with Richard so I declined the offer from Dr Loosen.

Vintage Job Hunting 2011

2012-01-17T20:27:00.003+02:00

As the Summer months were coming to an end, it was time to put Cloof Wines to one side and head for another vintage.

So I began, starting off with a plan, Work in California for the 2011 harvest!! After having such a successful time at Stonestreet winery back in 2010. I was desperate to go back out for the 2011 Harvest. So I hunted around for my contact book and pinged of a few emails to friends, asking if they knew of anyone who was looking for vintage cellar hands. After disappoint not much came around. I kept on looking and went to my favorite website WineJobs.com - An all time lifesaver!

Alexander Valley

On winejobs.com, just join their mailing list and your all set! Getting emails everyday showing listings of various job positions, and apply yourself, so useful! After many emails received and applied for, it was time to wait. A couple of days later, I had two responding back asking for interviews. "Williams Selyem" producing great Pinot Noir and "Chalk Hill" wines producing stunning Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc wines.

After having successful interview’s, my first problem arose VISAS!!! what a nightmare!! So I went to CAEP, a non - profit organisation that helps graduates and students like me from all over the world, come to the US and help organise your internships and visas - J1 Visa. After many phone calls to the Oenology department - Lori Holmgren, My plan for California harvest 2011 was on the way out!

Time for plan B - work in Europe!! I went back to my contact book and found a few in France! Gavin Quinney from Château Bauduc - Bordeaux, in a small town called Creon, as well as Richard Case from Domaine De La Pertuisane - Roussillon region, in a small village called Maury in the South of France.

With these two contacts I had in mind, I sent them a quick email. Where else could I go, Germany - always wanted to make a traditional German Riesling. So with my CV all prepared I went on an email spree. Sending my CV to every winery in Germany I could find on the web or I could think of, one in particular was the famous Dr Loosen. It was now time to play the waiting game.....

Its been ages!!!

2012-01-10T15:46:00.001+02:00

Since My last blog message I wrote to you all back in June, I've been Busy.

I've been working for a South African winery called Cloof Wines acting as there UK sales rep! running around the country going to fairs, meetings and attempting to sell wine to the big boys. Tesco, Sainsbury, Morrison and Majestics.

Cloof wines as I mentioned, They are a South African winery In the Darling wine region area of South Africa. For some of you who are not familiar with South Africa's wine Region. Darling is one and half hours north of Cape Town situated very close to the west coast.

Cloof wines is a large winery with 400 Hectares under vine. With 60% bush vines and 40% on Trellis system. As Darling is very close to the coast they produce some stunning white wines - Sauvignon and Chenin Blanc Wines, Thanks to the cool air from the Coast. Cloof Wines have 14 different brands with crazy and bizarre names, such as "The Very Sexy Shiraz", "The Posh pinotage" and "Daisy Darling." Plus plenty of more! Check out there website if you want to find out more about there wines or other information.

If you ever decide you want to purchase, any of my wines that I have been working at. Please don't hesitate to get in contact with me.

I'll be back... I have plenty more to tell you about whats happened over the last 7 months.

See you soon.

What’s that? Its an Elephant!!!

2011-06-03T12:30:00.124+02:00

After plummeting 216 meters it was time to head off on our next adventure. Leaving Bloukrans bridge behind, the adrenaline slowly fading off we headed direction Port Elisabeth towards a small town called Addo.

Driving for two hours, seeing more change in the landscape with the resemblance of northern France, we arrived at Port Elisabeth, which was almost identical to Southampton except without the hot sun. Stopping off in Port Elisabeth to pick up supplies at Pick n Pay “Tesco”, consisting of a large pack of chicken, beer and wood. With supplies sorted we hit the road again and headed to Addo, arriving at 4pm. We pitched up camp at Addobackpackers. An hour or two later the Braai was lit, a few cold beverages later the braai was ready and dinner was served!

Schalk - top quality braaiing.

The next morning we were off to Addo Elephant game reserve and hopefully to see the big five (elephant, lion, buffalo, rhino, and leopard)! Packing up camp, we drove 8km down the road towards the game reserve. Arriving at the gates we were asked “are you South African?” we immediately said yes – a trick we had learnt, by saying no we would have to pay quadruple the price, a large 120 ZAR compared to 30ZAR per person. In we went and were free to roam the 180,000-hectare game park as we pleased. However one strong rule was in place “ Please avoid Elephant Dung!”

Driving around on the dirt tracks, dodging elephant dung we eventually found our first warthog. Many photos later we moved on and the landscape opened up to huge green fields, zebras, elephants and a buffalo all standing and eating posing to the cameras.

We kept on driving, stopping for every dung beetle and elephants crossing the dirt track. Then came across my first ever sighting of a tortoise. Still on the dirt tracks we saw more elephants this time drinking water and placing sun tan lotion on themselves (mud).

After many hours of driving around this vast game park and taking photos of every animal we encountered, we decided to pack it in for the day! Only seeing 2 out of the big 5, but seeing dung beetles and a tortoise was good enough for us, maybe next time Heading back to the backpacker, setting up camp for a long drive the following day!

Photo's of Addo Elephant Game Park!

Bungee Jumping – Facing Adrenaline!!!

2011-06-02T09:30:00.007+02:00

Bloukrans Bridge holds the worlds highest bungee jump at 216metres. Today it was our turn to experience it.

Arriving at the site we got ourselves kitted up, harness tightly secured. Our guide walked us over to the jump site. On route to the jump site we walked over a caged walk way seeing 400 meters below, making the experience even more intense. Once we arrived at the center of the bridge loud Dub Step and Drum&Bass was playing to calm our nerves! Schalk, myself and the other three that were with us, were given our jump order numbers, I was jumper number 2

Jumper number 1 sat down strapped in and was ready to Jump! My turn!

Butterflies flying around franticly in my stomach, my feet tied together, straps tied to my harness. This was it. I stood up with the help of the guides and hopped to the edge of the bridge, feet peering over, head up and arms out. 3.2.1. BUNGEE!!!!

Moritz (me)

Falling 216m listing to the wind screaming past your ears and the view was mind blowing. Waiting for the bungee cord to tighten, made those butterflies disappear, what a relief! The first bounce, then the second, followed by a lesser third. Spent 30 seconds dangling upside down waiting for guide to come and pick me. Up I went, standing at the top with all the blood rushing to my brain I lost my balance and was walking around like a drunk man, finally got myself back together!

Schalk

What an experience so worth it even if you hate it.

Just do it!!!

Road Trip Through South Africa!!!

2011-06-01T14:28:00.000+02:00

I’ve finished working at Mellasat winery and am desperate to visit the rest of South Africa. Trying to decide how I go about this, I had two options, either catch the very popular Baz Bus meeting lots of new people or make my own road trip.

After umming and erring I finally make my decision to road trip through South Africa. I phone my friend Schalk who works at Nederburg winery in Paarl. After very little persuasion he is up for the trip. With only two days to plan our trip, all was booked. Me having a weird obsession with Land rovers and 4x4 in general, I decided to hire a Nissan 4x4, which was fully kitted with a fridge, roof tents, 140liter fuel tank and much more.

Schalk and Me

Departing on the 7^th of April 2011 we left Paarl.

Along the route of our 8-day journey we spent the first night in Mossel bay at the Point Campsite which is right on the Atlantic Ocean. We arrived at 6 in the evening and the Braai on the way with Lamb chops for dinner. At the campsite we met two people in there late 20’s who had driven all the way from Zurich – 50,500km taking them 10 months. After a windy and restless night thanks to the Atlantic sea breeze, we set of to Plattenberg Bay for a dip in the sea. Not a chance was that was going to happen, grey clouds + no sun + Atlantic Ocean, not a good idea. Once arriving in Plattenberg Bay, the resemblance of Cornwall esc town, we stopped for a late lunch and headed to Forever Camping to set up camp for the night.

Set up camp.

Spending the night at a very beautiful campsite and having amazing showers. Wait, am I really writing this!? dinner was interesting, we fought with the gas stove, sounding as if the gas cylinder was about orbit to the moon, taking us 30min to boil water.

Morning came quickly and we hit the road again leaving at 8 am. Are aim today was to fall 216meters off a bridge…… The landscape was changing from the dry brown land in the wijnland – wineland to green wetter land with some similarity to Switzerland. As we kept on driving and seeing the beautiful scenery driving over many bridges, we found it, Bloukrans Bridge. Time to plummet 216 meters can’t wait….

P.S. I’m wearing extra large Pampers!!

Mad MAY!!!!

2011-05-29T12:11:00.002+02:00

Mad May!!

Since my return from South Africa I have been traveling around the world like a headless chicken, which is why I have been useless and not kept up with my updates.

I arrived back in the UK at the end off April. Being back in the UK for three days I was off to Sri Lanka for a 10 day trip with the family. After Elephant rides, riding Tuk Tuks seeing Temples and eating a traditional fire burning Sri Lankan breakfast plus many other crazy adventures it was time to depart back to UK.

Arriving back in the UK I made a quick four day visit to Holland to see friends and family.

After the quick four day trip I had enough time to unpack my bags then quickly repack my bags for a 10 day trip to California.

My visit to California was to see a very close friend of mine called Kacey Carter. After many nights out in San Francisco it was time to head out to the wine country. Visiting many wineries for complimentary wine tastings in Napa valley, to name a couple were Alpha Omega and Opus One. Also visiting my old work colleagues at Stonestreet and Verite winery in the Alexander valley. Visiting great wineries and laughing to Wanda Sykes at a comedy in Santa Rosa it was time to depart back to the UK.

Now being back in the UK I will keep you posted more frequently - and tell you about my road trip through South Africa!! Enjoy

Mellasat Winery.

2011-04-26T18:21:00.002+02:00

For the last three months I have be working at small winery in Paarl called Mellasat Winery.

When Stephen was in his teen years. Stephen’s grandfather introduced him into the wine world and it has become a passion for Stephen ever since. Stephen Norfolk born and bred living on his farm decided he wanted to pursue his passion for wine. It became clear to him that the East Anglia weather wasn’t the most suitable of all weathers to produce fine wines. Stephen moved to Paarl in South Africa and bought the 1693 Dekkersvlei farm in 1996. Starting from scratch Mellasat was created and has been around for 15 years.

I arrived on the 19^th January 2011 for three months to work on the 2011 harvest.

Work started at 6am until we finished which varied from 4 – 7pm everyday. The mornings for me don’t go hand in hand, with a few loud voices echoing in the winery on occasions. To top things off Monty the dog (dachshund), had the urge to join in with the loud shouting by barking up the tree to hunt for squirrels and Cindy the guard dog keeping everyone on the farm in order.

The evenings were great Janet the professional chef, Stephen’s wife cooking fabulous meals was definitely a good way to end a hard day of work.

During my three month work experience, I learnt and gained a lot of experience from the knowledgeable Stephen and was involved in all aspects, from grape sampling, processing, inoculations, punch downs on open fermenting bins, pumpovers, pressing and barrel work.

Mellasat winery participates in the festival event “Ommiberg” Round the Rock – an event for wineries in Paarl allowing families from all over the Cape to have a preview of the young wines and a general fun day out for the kids too. The reason why I mentioned this was because I was involved in running the wine mastermind quiz as well as grape stomping. Keeping traditions going.

All in all this was a thoroughly enjoyable three months work experience. It was definitely worthwhile and I would highly recommend this to anyone who would like to work in South Africa, to see the country and gain experience. Email me if you are keen for next years harvest.

White Pinotage?

2011-04-19T20:10:00.000+02:00

Pinotage created by a South African professor at Stellenbosch University in 1929 named Abraham Perold, creating a masterpiece for the South African wine industry. Pinotage a viticulture cross of Pinot Noir and Cinsult. Cinsult also know as Hermitage.

Pinotage typically produces full-bodied, smoky, vegetal, animal notes, earthy, peppery and the odd hint or too of banana and tropical fruits. With some of the characters in mind would you want these in a white wine? And who would ever of thought to make a White Pinotage?

White Pinotage.

Are you thinking that another mad South African professor, from Stellenbosch University tried to create another cross and call it White Pinotage? Maybe you are thinking someone made a blend of 85% Chenin Blanc and 15% Pinotage and called a White Pintoage?

But no!!! Its made by born and bred Norfolk English man named Stephen Richardson. Stephen lived in Norfolk on a large arable farm and in 1996 decided to move to Paarl and start up Mellasat Winery.

Stephen produces this fine rare breed WHITE PINOTAGE!!! Its made from 100% Pinotage, whole punch pressed and fermented in barrel and left for six months on the lees stirring/Battonage. The Characters that I picked up where for this interesting wine where tropical fruits, banana, slightly creamy and hits of nuts.

It was interesting as the other day I took these wines to some of my other wine makers friends house in Stellenbosch. There were a few of us, I told them that we should do this blinded. The first thing that Sprung to there mind was “Chardonnay” then it was “Chenin Blanc”. They where all mind boggled! How does a Pinotage resemble to any of these two varietals?

You can buy Stephen's White Pinotage in the UK plus many of his other wines.

Let me know what you think when've you had a taste?

My Wine Blog

2011-04-02T18:00:00.000+02:00

My Wine Destinations.

I’m travelling around the world following the harvest with the aim of becoming a winemaker. I’m currently on my third harvest in South African and have many more planned, like Germany, Italy, France and Argentina plus many more wine regions.

The reason for my blog is tell everyone about my adventures that I have experience whilst working in different wine regions, as well as telling you about the different wineries I have worked at.

Whilst I have been working at various different wineries around the world I have learnt new winemaking styles and techniques, as well as learning new topics about winemaking that I’ve personally have come across and would like to share these with you.

The map above shows you were I have so far experienced different harvests around the world.

I hope you enjoy my blog

HAPPY READING!!!!

About Me

2011-04-01T17:49:00.001+02:00

Welcome to my Blog!

Opus One Winery

My name is Moritz Bak, I’m a wine graduate from Plumpton College/ Universtiy of Brighton. My aim is to become a winemaker for a large winery in California.

My passion for wine came around from my grandfather and the amazing Swiss terraced vineyards covered in snow, we would always pass whilst driving to Zermatt from Geneva on the family skiing holiday. My grandfather was as very knowledgeable man and knew a lot about different wines and would always tell me interesting stories of how the wine is made and how to taste wine and the French Terroir.

I was 16 with my mindset to become a Vineyard Manager and Winemaker. At 16 I was at boarding school called Milton Abbey School which is in Dorset close to a the town Blandford Forum. I came up with a plan and put It forward to the Headmaster and said “ Sir I am very keen to become a Winemaker and a Vineyard Manger, would you give me permission to grow a vineyard in the plot of land in front of your house?” “Moritz let me think about that one and come and find me tomorrow” The following day I went back and his answer was “yes, good Idea Moritz I’ll leave it to you, to your own devices to sort out"

Since my wild plan at boarding school, I have carried on the same career path and went on to working in Bordeaux at a winery called Chateau Bauduc in 2007, Followed by talking a two-year Wine Production course at Plumpton College in 2008 graduating last year in June 2010 receiving a merit grade.

I’m also a very passionate skier, skiing in most areas in Europe as well as Lake Tahoe in California and a season in Whistler B.C.

Happy reading, hope you enjoy!