Sharing where we come from

Namaqua Extra Lite is the only Weigh-Less Approved wine range in South Africa. That's quite something, especially because it allows health conscious individuals the guilt-free enjoyment of a glass of wine. As the only range of its kind, Namaqua Extra Lite has drawn a lot of attention. That's why Mary Holroyd, owner of Weigh-Less, decided to find out a little more about the production process of this innovative product.

The management of Namaqua Wines joined Mary on a recent trip to Vredendal for a visit of the Namaqua Cellars. They took a light aircraft from Cape Town International Airport to Vredendal's modest Airstrip. It was off the plane and on the road, with the first stop at the Vredendal Cellar where Namaqua produces its white wines including the Weigh-Less Extra Lite.

Namaqua's facilities are constantly being improved, thus creating consistent growth and expansion of the cellars. The laboratory’s state of the art product analysis equipment allows Namaqua to trace the wine right down to the original section of the specific farm from where its vines were grown.

To help the cellar keep track on the quality of production, samples are drawn from the packing plant on a regular basis to ensure that Namaqua products deliver consistency and quality.

The packaging plant incorporates an extensive automated process with an impressive staff management system. Through this system, the staff members each manage their own section of the production process to help improve efficiency and value.

The Spruitdrift Cellar is where Namaqua's red wines are produced. Here, the multiple production technologies of the cellar ensure the best possible method for winemaking. Namaqua's winemakers utilise systems that give them the versatility to create wines that have the characteristics they desire - yielding wine ranges that are as diverse as the region and its surroundings. It is at the Spruitdrift Cellar where the new Namaqua Weigh-Less Extra Lite Red wine is produced.

Mary Holroyd, owner of Weigh-Less, observes the process that makes
the Namaqua Weigh-Less Extra Lite Wine lower in kilojoules.

Namaqua is one of the few wine producers that has access to the technology that is needed to produce Weigh-Less Approved wine. The facility houses costly equipment that requires high maintenance, while the production involves a complex process. The process involves extracting a precise quantity of alcohol so that all of the traditional flavour and aroma is preserved.

Mary was greatly impressed by the magnitude of the Namaqua Cellars in Vredendal and is now even more confident than ever that her Weigh-Less Approved wines are in capable hands. The Vredendal visit was concluded at Die Keldery Restaurant - this is Namaqua's very own restaurant that offers great quality food and outstanding service.

Die Keldery Restaurant, Vredendal.

The flight back allowed a view of the canal system that feeds the vineyards in the region, as well as a nostalgic aerial view of how impressive the Namaqua Wines facilities are.

We hope that Mary Holroyd enjoyed the day as much as we did!