It’s been quite a busy year for the team at KWV as they wrap up their 100 year celebrations.
Besides the glitzy events and commemorations that took place, they also had to deal with a devastating fire at their production plant last month.
Thankfully there were no injuries – and wine lovers will also be glad to hear they never lost any of their stock.
But they soldiered on, as a 100 year old company knows best to do and have unveiled a new stukvat engraving to close off their centenary celebrations.
The massive vessels at the KWV Cathedral Cellar reveal the history of the South African wine industry, with stories carved on their façade.
The first barrels were carved by father and son team, Karl and Karl-Heinz Wilhelm, in 1968 and 1970, who collectively stamped their art on twelve of the barrels.
Woodcarving artist Ivan Hunter adds the final touches to the newly unveiled Centenary vat in Cathedral Cellar. Picture by Danie Nel The latest work was done by wood-carving artist Ivan Hunter, who has provided intricate engravings for local and international commissions over the past 25 years.
Inspired by KWV’s centenary, and the heart of this pioneering company, its Cathedral Cellar, the new work is a fusion of past and present, with the inscription, “KWV celebrating 100 years of success in innovative viti- & viniculture” carved on it.
Brand Manager for KWV's Cathedral Cellar wines, Tanya Blokdyk, says: "The history of the South African wine industry is imprinted on huge barrels standing underneath the Cathedral Cellar's impressive vaulted roof, we wanted to honour this engraved legacy by including KWV's centenary milestone on one of these barrels. Acknowledging the rich history of KWV, this tribute also serves as a token of our commitment to a future rich with possibilities and one we are eagerly embracing.”