WINE, FOOD, AND EVERYTHING THAT'S GOOD!

If you’ve ever been lucky enough to meet Annelie Viljoen at a festival or tasting, you’ll know her charm is undeniable, but it’s matched by ambition, determination, and a deep love for the culture of wine. 

Spijker & Bessie Wines isn’t your typical boutique wine brand, it’s authentic, personal, and somewhat a little cheeky – much like the woman behind it!  I mean, the website reads: Spijker & Bessie – wines that moooove you.  With a brand whose story is connected to cattle, I found this both funny and sharp!

Annelie grew up in Stellenbosch, with the vineyards quite literally on her doorstep.  Both her father and brother were soil scientists, so it was inevitable she’d eventually be drawn to the intricacies of the vine.  However, it wasn’t until university that she found her true direction, thanks to viticulture professor, Eben Archer, who saw her potential and encouraged her to, “dig in”.  That early guidance laid the foundation for a future built around vineyards, and her very own wine business.

The idea for Spijker & Bessie came about during lockdown.  Like many in the industry, Annelie was forced to think outside the box to create some sort of stability for her, and her family.  The opportunity came when owners of Lovane Boutique Estate, Hennie and Theresa Visser (her previous neighbours), offered her access to their cellar.  Annelie didn’t waste any time, taking the chance with open arms!

The names for her wines are not random.  Spijker (used for both the Pinotage and Malbec) is named after the late “Duimpie” Bayly’s prized stud bull.  She recalls how estatic Mr Bayly was when she gave him the first ever bottled Spijker Pinotage five years ago.  Bessie, the cow, was often sneakily visited by Spijker.  These visits led to the birth of a calf, Börls, which happens to be the name of Annelie’s Cap Classique.  The branding might come across as a touch playful, but it’s 100% deliberate.  To Annelie, it was important to create a brand which would be fun, welcoming, and never intimidating.  This doesn’t mean her wines are not serious.  These wines ooze in power, structure and expression, with each wine carrying its own personality – just like the animals they’re named after.  

As a viticulturist, Annelie mentioned how much she loves seeing how weather influences the flavour profile of a wine.  “For example, I’ve been buying the same block for four years, and every vintage is like getting to know someone all over again,” she said.  “And, after 25 years as a grape buyer, I know where to find the good stuff.  It’s like my superpower”!  I tried digging deep, but she kept her vineyard sources under wraps.  What I could gather though, was that each parcel is very carefully chosen, so that she’s able to bring you nothing but the best. 

Annelie doesn’t shy away from admitting that she’s not a winemaker by trade.  Her foundation is viticulture, and I believe that’s exactly what gives her wines their edge.  Tasting through the wines, she clearly looks at everything from the vineyard’s point of view – with respect and complete understanding.  Besides the winemaking element, she’s found it challenging, but also very fun, having to delve deeper into the marketing and sales side of things too.  This means she’s now involved in (what she calls the four pillars of the wine industry): viticulture, winemaking, marketing and sales.

Her unique perspective, combined with determination and energy, has made Spijker & Bessie one of the most talked-about small brands on the local wine scene.  Moving from one wine festival to the next, she works tirelessly to build a brand which means so much to her.  I asked what the best way to sell wine is.  Her answer: “To go out and pour it down people’s throats!  Then they get it.  Then they come back”.  Simple, but effective!  As far as I know, she’s currently at a wine show in Namibia, doing just that.

This year, the brand celebrates 5 years of existence – some feat, considering overall competition, and the current state of the market.  That said, a little while back Annelie’s IG and FB pages were hacked, and she lost access to her social media.  She has unfortunately had to start the “social” process again from scratch.  Anyone running their own business can undoubtedly imagine how frustrating, deflating, and damaging, something like this could be.  So, to those reading, please make sure to follow the brand account here.  Your support is highly appreciated!

Spijker & Bessie has always been a family-first brand.  Annelie told me how it was started to support the family.  “Those big boys of mine eat a lot,” she laughed!  Her husband, De Wet (well-respected South African winemaker), plays a quiet, but steady role in the business, and her middle son is starting a BSc next year – with hopes to eventually join the business.  “This is how we create a future for the next Viljoen generation,” she said.  “And, because it’s a family brand, we get to be creative without restrictions”.

With a Chenin Blanc potentially on the horizon (name suggestions welcome), Annelie is on a mission, and she’s on course to producing your next favourite wine, that’s for sure!  

I asked her to describe the Spijker & Bessie journey using just one word.  “Unbelievable.  Not just because I didn’t expect it, but because I believe there’s longevity in it,” she said purposefully.

What sets Spijker & Bessie apart isn’t just the small scale, or the careful sourcing, or even the fun names.  It’s that the wines come from a place of deep love for the land and the people who inspired the journey.  She went on to say, “This brand was born from two people who are committed to the industry.  We’re doing this proudly, and with purpose”.  She also said that all decisions are easier made with a bit of alcohol in the system.  I fully agree.  This is what I’d call, quality advice!

All three wines are increasingly delicious, however, the Malbec stood out to me.  The wine has a deep ruby colour, showing pronounced aromas and flavours of dark berries, black plum, and sweet spice, with hints of charred wood, mocha and wild herbs.  The wine has medium (+) tannin structure – which I found stalky and textural (in a very good way), medium (+) acidity, high alcohol, and a full body.  The finish is long, layered, with a seductive, polished grip to it.  

Sidenote: Studying through WSET, my affiliation to SASA, and working in the wine industry, I have had the privilege of tasting many Malbec wines, from all around the world.  Spijker has the quality, complexity and drinkability, to quite easily stand toe to toe with any one of those wines.  In the wise words of Annelie, “This Malbec loop soos stroop”!

Great news, the blog has limited access to 10 cases of the Spijker Malbec for only R155 per bottle (normal price R170)!  Please note that orders are per case (6 bottles), and for South Africa only.  First come, first serve.

Purchase the Malbec here.