The business of making Avondale wines available in far-flung corners of the world always makes for memorable experiences. Last month, I was on whirlwind tour of some of the Scandinavian countries where we sell Avondale wines. In Helsinki, I took sometime out to visit the colourful and busy Market Square which includes Wanha Kauppahalli, the traditional Old Market Hall at the South Harbour. The abundance of the European Spring was evident everywhere with the thirty or so Wanha Kauppahalli stalls boasting every kind of fresh produce of exceptional quality. From fresh strawberries and fat asparagus to glistening salmon and dazzling cheeses, it was a complete mouth-watering delight. I also stopped by, what must surely be the smallest wine store ever with an amazing selection of wines. It was fantastic to experience the crowds of people with a real appreciation for fresh, good food.
Johnathan Grieve
As family man… Avondale is a family farm where we appreciate that the health and balance of our living system is inextricably linked to well-being of our families. As a father of two and a husband, as son and brother, my inspiration to achieve a robust, balanced vineyard ecosystem is to ensure that Avondale will support the lives of our future generations.
As artist… A passion for jazz and a love for all forms of art, especially woodwork and sculpture led me into four years of fine art studies – an eclectic education for a budding a farmer, for sure! However, I have found that in so many ways, the patterns, interconnections and openness of the artistic worldview have influenced my understanding of how living systems work.
As farmer… My interest in farming started early when I was a boy growing up on a small-holding outside of Durbanville. I planted and tended my own vegetables which I sold to family and friends. I hardly imagined at that time though that I would one day become a farmer. However, the theme of a healthy balanced life was embedded in our family’s outlook.