Alvi’s Drift: Taste What’s Possible
Inspired by head winemaker Alvi van der Merwe’s winemaking journey, and with the recent launch of their “Taste What’s Possible” campaign, the third-generation winery hopes to encourage others to pursue their dreams – and discover the limitless potential that lies within.
“I worked abroad as a doctor for many years, but it was always my dream to come home,” says Alvi van der Merwe.
A Dream to Return… And Taste What’s Possible
For many years, Alvi van der Merwe pursued a medical career abroad. But no matter where life took him, his country of birth – and dream of becoming a winemaker – were never far from his thoughts.
One day, while out jogging, a moment of connection with the South African landscape changed the course of his life.
I went for a run and stepped on a small bush; I remember thinking ‘That smells like the veld.’ I resigned that same day to return to the place I love.
Alvi van der Merwe | Head Winemaker
For Alvi, this was a pivotal moment, one that led him back to his roots; back to the family farm where he would start to realise his long-held dream of crafting world-class wines. Wines that would not only tell a story of tradition but also of possibility.
Today, Alvi’s Drift Private Cellar is synonymous with exceptional wines, celebrated across the globe by critics and wine enthusiasts alike.
Alvi’s dream has become a reality, and through the Taste What’s Possible campaign, the winemaker and his team hope to inspire others to taste what’s possible in their own lives.
The Alvi’s Drift “Taste What’s Possible” Campaign
Recently, Alvi’s Drift invited a group of inspiring South Africans to visit the Scherpenheuvel wine farm in the cooler, southernmost reaches of the Western Cape’s Breede River Valley. On the day, they learnt more about Alvi’s winemaking journey while sampling the winery’s internationally acclaimed Reserve range wines. Guests were also invited to share how they themselves have tasted what’s possible in their personal and professional lives. Here are some of the answers, which have since been shared on social media:
“There’s so much beauty that lies on the other side of discomfort,” said Expresso and Good Hope FM presenter Carissa Cupido. “You’ve just got to trust your intuition and trust what you have to offer the world, and go for it.”
“When you fall, you need to fall hard, and you need to fall forward,” shared lawyer and founder of Supreme Queen Global Earth Africa pageant Cartier Lebatie. “Doing so will help you learn that you’re able to grow and leverage off your previous mistakes. And there’s something beautiful in that.”
A Symbol of Connection – And a Dream Realised
The bridge depicted on the label of Alvi’s Drift Reserve wines is more than just a crossing over the Breede River; it’s a powerful symbol of vision, courage, and transformation. Commissioned in 1930 by founder Albertus Viljoen “Oupa Alvi” van der Merwe, it marks the beginning of a journey that has defied convention – a journey echoed through generations, culminating in Alvi leaving behind a successful medical career to pursue his passion for winemaking.
Today, this bridge stands as a reminder of the courage it takes to make the crossing from dreams to reality. Each bottle in the Reserve range embodies this spirit of daring, of embracing the unknown and creating something extraordinary from your dreams.
We invite wine enthusiasts to savour a glass as they reflect on their own journeys – their own bridges crossed and dreams pursued in order to taste what’s possible.
Alvi’s Drift’s Reserve Range Wines
Passionately crafted for discerning palates in the relentless pursuit of excellence, the Reserve range of wines is the expression of Alvi’s Drift’s drive to explore, to create, to reimagine our favourite wines from around the world.
These are wines written in the language of our beautiful, sun-drenched family farm, split by a river and united by a bridge.
Alvi’s Drift Reserve CVC
The Reserve CVC is one of the most sought-after white blends in South Africa, and already a top choice in its category among white wine aficionados.
Pale straw in colour, it draws you in with intense aromas of peach, passionfruit, and stewed quince, complemented by citrus and floral notes. On the palate, this medium-bodied wine is impeccably balanced, with a creamy texture and soft, well-integrated tannins, making it versatile enough to pair with almost any dish.
This singular white blend’s lingering tropical-fruit finish invites immediate enjoyment, while its depth promises rewarding maturation for up to eight years
Alvi’s Drift Reserve Sauvignon Blanc
The Reserve Sauvignon Blanc has quickly climbed into the highly contested Top 5 in its category, following its recent release in one of South Africa’s largest retailers.
This wine’s star-bright, pale lime-green hue hints at the vibrant taste experience it offers. Layers of lime blossom, white peach, and a touch of passionfruit create a captivating bouquet, while on the palate, lively acidity mingles with lush fruit, giving way to a silky texture and gentle creaminess.
This wine’s refreshing finish of peach and lime truly invites you to “taste what’s possible.”
Alvi’s Drift Reserve Chardonnay
The Reserve Chardonnay is one of South Africa’s most sought-after and awarded wines, capturing the attention of Chardonnay lovers with its world-class elegance and refinement. Star-bright with flashes of pale lemon-green, this wine entices with aromas of lemon zest, toast, and subtle spice, layered with hints of melon.
On the palate, a luxurious creaminess unfolds, balanced by soft tannins and vibrant acidity. The wine’s lingering fresh-lime finish invites immediate enjoyment, while it promises even greater rewards with up to eight years of maturation.
Alvi’s Drift Reserve Drift Fusion
The Reserve Drift Fusion consistently earns high praise from wine critics and, with more than 1,000 reviews, is recognised by Vivino as one of South Africa’s best-value Cape blends.
This wine beautifully showcases our country’s signature Pinotage, harmoniously integrated with the cedar and cigar notes of Cabernet Sauvignon and the spiciness of Shiraz.
With an intense black cherry in colour and a youthful ruby rim, it opens with complex aromas of rich, ripe black fruit, featuring notes of prune, black cherry, and blackcurrant. Layers of spice and hints of cedarwood enhance the experience for an unforgettable taste experience.
On the palate, black fruit flavours resonate, complemented by silky-yet-firm tannins and well-balanced acidity. While it can be enjoyed immediately, this well-rounded wine will evolve beautifully over up to eight years of maturation.
Alvi’s Drift Reserve Muscat Nectarinia
The Reserve Muscat Nectarinia holds a special place in Alvi’s Drift history, as it was one of the first wines crafted by Alvi himself.
At a time when the family business sold all their wine in bulk, Alvi searched the vineyards after harvest for any remaining grapes. True to his nature, and in line with the Reserve range’s tagline, “taste what’s possible,” he found Muscat de Frontignan grapes still clinging to the vine – raisined, but full of potential.
From these humble beginnings, Alvi created this extraordinary dessert wine, now recognised as South Africa’s Best Natural Sweet Wine by the prestigious Platter’s Wine Guide. Produced only in exceptional vintages and aged for five years in French oak, this rare wine’s amber hue reflects its depth and quality.
Rich aromas of raisin, fig, and honey, balanced by refreshing acidity and spiced peach undertones, make it a masterpiece – available only to a select few fortunate enough to sample its magic.
Exclusive Launch: Alvi’s Drift Reserve Viognier
In October 2024, Alvi’s Drift will release its highly anticipated Reserve Viognier – an exceptional wine that nearly sold out on pre-orders alone. This rare white varietal, known for requiring a high level of winemaking expertise, presented an exciting challenge to the Alvi’s Drift winemaking team.
Produced in limited quantities only, this wine represents the next level of winemaking excellence, building on the success of Alvi’s entry-level Signature Viognier, which was named the best in South Africa in the 2022 Viognier Challenge.
With some of the largest Viognier plantings in the country, Alvi’s Drift has become a specialist in this singular varietal, crafting a truly world-class Viognier.
For those fortunate enough to secure a bottle, this is a rare opportunity to experience the pinnacle of New World Viognier.
A small reserve has been held back to ensure a select few can still purchase it upon its official launch in October.
Taste What’s Possible with Alvi’s Drift
Alvi’s Drift invites wine enthusiasts to explore their world-class Reserve range wines, alongside their rich heritage, passion for their craft, and for tasting what’s possible, both in winemaking and life.
Visit www.alvisdrift.co.za.
