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Du'SwaRoo Farm is located 1.8
kilometres north of Calitzdorp on the
road to Groenfontein and lies across the
lower slopes of Besemkop, the
distinctive round topped koppie south of
the magnificent Swartberg Mountains. The
farm was purchased in 2000, and the name
Du'SwaRoo represents the origins
and the new home of the owners – namely
Durban, SWA (South West
Africa/Namibia) and Klein Karoo.
Wines are made under the Du'SwaRoo
label from the Shiraz and Port vineyards
on the farm and grapes sourced from
neighbouring farms. In true boutique
farm style, all wine making activities
occur on the farm. Quantities are small
so these wines, which have been nurtured
with much passion and care, will remain
exclusive.
Meet the winemaker. Tony is
the owner, viticulturist and winemaker at
Du’SwaRoo. He is a qualified Analytical Chemist
who was the Manager Scientific Services at
Ethekwini (Durban) Council before he dropped out
to live in Calitzdorp. Making wine was supposed
to be a hobby, but the bug bit and now there is
Du'SwaRoo Wines.
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Tony, Mistral and Sirocco |
His comments about his favourite
wine from the cellar: “My
favourite wine? Difficult, but I
will always love any of my Shiraz
wines as it was Shiraz that got me
started making wine. However I am
most proud of my Port as I laid out
the vineyard, planted vines and
poles, strung the wires and being my
own viticulturist, grow the grapes.
The cellar is next to the vineyard
and until the bottle leaves the farm
the port never travels further than
60m.
I am also very chuffed that
Platter 2011 rated my 2009 Vintage
Port 3.5 stars, not bad for a
beginner and the port will only get
better in the bottle.” |
Facts about Tony you probably did
not know (in his own words): “Well I am
living my interests and hobby. Fruit and olive
farming and wine making - life is good in
Calitzdorp. My Weimaraners keep me busy and
interested in exploring all corners of my small
farm. I love most sports and played casual golf
for many years and was very seriously into bowls
- however I have not played since moving to
Calitzdorp. Ah, very important fact - I am a
life-long Sharks supporter...” |
