(aka Goofy of Vondeling)
‘Don’t worry about a thing, cause every little thing is gonna be ol’raait’, is the lyrics of the Bob Marley song that echo’s in Vondeling’s cellar. Matthew Copeland, winemaker of Vondeling has always been a fan of Bob Marley. ’Bob soothes me and my wine thrives on it’, he explains. Wine is a living process and let’s faces it, what better way to unwind than to listen to the tunes of the King of Reggae.
Try imagining the sound of fermenting bubbles surrounding you, the sound soothes the inner beast in you and takes you back to the fond memory of the first time you visited an aquarium. Peace, tranquility and beauty surround you. But in this aquarium the liquid is not water, nope, it is soooo much better, you are surrounded by grape juice that is miraculously being converted into wine. Leaving you searching around for the great white that always makes his dramatic appearance when least expected. You wake up and smell the alcohol and yeast and instead you find yourself in a wine cellar between tanks and barrels and the only great white would be Matthew. But Matthew is anything but dangerous and vindictive.
When asked if he could compare himself to any cartoon character, his answer was Goofy. He is always ready for a good laugh and tries to see the positive in others. This kind and sincere character will not hurt a fly (unless of course it fell into his barrels – then it is every man, dog and fly for himself.)
When the question came up as to where the most bizarre place was that he or his wine was recognised, he answered: ‘In 2008 the farms owner sailed across the English Channel on his Vondeling yacht and as he landed, someone walked up to him and said, “Vondeling? Hey, that’s the wine that Matt makes?” Small world it is indeed.’
Matthew concentrates on making wine on small scale and he firmly believes in doing this hands-on.. He is an anti-tech winemaker and is shy on the chemistry. The true flow of wine is a priority. Matthew used to focus on great Pinotage and Bordeaux blends, but these days Rhône-style and Chenin Blanc based white blends grabs his undivided attention. Hands On Wine features the Vondeling Petit Rouge 2007.
Other wines in the Vondeling stable are:
Vondeling Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Vondeling Petit Blanc 2009
Vondeling Chardonnay 2008
Vondeling Babiana 2007
Vondeling Baldrick Shiraz 2008
Vondeling Erica Shiraz 2007
Vondeling Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2005
Vondeling Sweet Carolyn 2006
Besides being spotted skinny dipping by bird-watchers, Matthew also enjoys playing squash, braaiing and spending time with his friends.
Of course Matthew loves drinking Vondeling wines, but if you ever feel like spoiling him you can surprise him with a bottle of Mouton Rothchild 1972.
To find more information about these wines, please visit www.vondelingwines.co.za
