In 2015, we released our now very popular Bloemcool range, which has been a best-seller via our Master Tasting Room and Wine Club ever since.

The concept of Bloemcool is relatively simple: Charles and the winemaking team wanted to introduce a new avenue to bottle smaller quantities of exceptional varieties and blends that would otherwise get ‘lost’ i.e. blended away into alternative ranges. The name Bloemcool was selected to honour the Fairview farm’s original name, Bloemkoolfontein, with Charles, in his typical fashion, updating the name from ‘kool’ to ‘cool’.

Yet perhaps what has been received just as well as the wine itself has been the packaging. And that is not that surprising, because Charles and the team put a lot of thought into this concept from the start.

“I wanted to ensure we make something that reflects the integrity of the brand, and encourages wine to become part of a more holistic approach to life. It is not just a glass of wine – one must put consideration into who made this wine, and what will happen to the components that make up the wine well after the bottle is finished.”

It is this sort of thinking that led to the creation of the award-winning Bloemcool labels, which have been embedded with cauliflower seeds. Why? Firstly, ‘Bloemkoolfontein’ means ‘cauliflower fountain’ in Afrikaans, and so the cauliflower seeds are a reference to the farm’s heritage. Secondly, the vision is to remove the label once you’ve finished enjoying your favourite bottle of Bloemcool, place it onto some moist cottonwool on a sunny, well-ventilated windowpane, and watch some natural magic happen. Over a few weeks, some of the sprouts in the label should bud, leaving you with the opportunity to harvest your very own ‘bloemcool’!

From the start, our labels have been designed by the cool folks at Growing Paper, located near Malmesbury. When we approached owners Roxanne and Nileta, they were very excited to make our concept come to life, and we have been collaborating ever since. The Bloemcool range won a Silver Award in the 2018 Wine Label Design Awards.

Here are some snapshots from the Bloemcool paper making process at the Growing Paper headquarters:

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Introducing Back’s Blend 2014!

Charles explains: “This red wine is a reflection of my winemaking philosophy. As you might know, I started wine-making in 1978, and have been fortunate enough to be able to travel through the Cape Winelands discovering new sites and unique blocks of vineyard. I have also been instrumental in bringing Mediterranean varieties to our shores, all of which has led to the creation of exciting and interesting wines. In the past much of this work has never reached the market.

I have now decided to bottle a range of these unique wines to share with you. Bear in mind, however, that due to their exploratory nature, these wines can change from vintage to vintage and this may be the last bottle of its kind. The first of my Back’s Blend private range is a blend of Shiraz, Merlot and Tannat.

I’ve crafted this wine to thank my loyal club members and Fairview fans. Due to its limited quantities, Back’s Blend will be released to the Wine Club first, with a permanent allocation on reserve. Should there be any left, we will then open Back’s Blend up to our greater Fairview family.”

Charles Back | Back’s Blend 2014

Back’s Blend is crafted from Tannat, Merlot and Shiraz. It has a deep red colour with ripe plums, hints of black pepper and lavender on the nose. The palate shows fresh raspberries with well integrated tannins and a savoury finish.
Price: R100
Available online only.
Click here to purchase

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