House& Leisure had an exclusive twitter interview with Johnathan Grieve on Wednesday, 13 July 2011.
This is what was said during this hour long live interview:
House& Leisure:
We’re chatting to Johnathan Grieve, the man behind @Avondalewine’s unique farming philosophy. Welcome Johnathan. #HLecowine
Johnathan Grieve:
Yes I’m here and thanks for the opportunity.#HLecowine
House& Leisure:
Wonderful. Let’s start at the beginning. You studied fine art at UCT’s Michaelis.Why the jump from art to science? #HLecowine
Johnathan Grieve:
I’m a very inquisitive person who loves a challenge! On the other side what we do at Avondale is art.#HLecowine
House& Leisure:
Very true!You haven’t had any formal training in viticulture. How did you get into wine farming & who inspired you? #HLecowine
Johnathan Grieve:
I have always loved nature and coming from a wine loving family the two fit together pretty nicely #HLecowine
House& Leisure:
Lovely. You focus on making your wines the natural way. What does sustainable viticulture mean to you? #HLecowine
Johnathan Grieve:
It’s about creating life and a thriving living Estate, about producing a product that is truly luminescent!#HLecowine
House& Leisure:
Well you’ve certainly achieved that. So what would you say makes your wines biodynamic and organic? #HLecowine
Johnathan Grieve:
First and foremost all our wines are certified organic, secoundly its how we produce the grapes.#HLecowine
House& Leisure:
Great, it must be quite an intensive process. And how are these wines being received in South Africa? #HLecowine
Johnathan Grieve:
It is a very integrated system for more in-depth info go to biologicwine.co.za/biologic%c2%ae/ .#HLecowine
House& Leisure:
We’ll certainly have a read, thank you. #HLecowine
Johnathan Grieve:
The reception of our magnificent collection is absolutely amazing! #HLecowine
House& Leisure:
Fantastic! How do you handle destructive pests? We hear your fluffy white ducks had their fair share of training. #HLecowine
Johnathan Grieve:
We get nature to do the job, the ducks are a perfect example. But there are many more, possibly not as fluffy. #HLecowine
House& Leisure:
So innovative, love it! Any new eco wines on the horizon? #HLecowine
Johnathan Grieve:
We just released 6 new wines, I think that’s enough for now! They are the embodiment of Avondale. #HLecowine
House& Leisure:
Absolutely! And we can say from experience that they are delicious. Finally, which of the wines is your favourite? #HLecowine
Johnathan Grieve:
Cyclus for Lunch, La Luna for dinner and Armilla MCC for the time in between.#HLecowine
House& Leisure:
Divine choice 🙂 #HLecowine
House& Leisure:
Thanks for taking the time to chat to us Johnathan.I’m sure our readers are heading out to try the range right now! #HLecowine
Johnathan Grieve:
Thanks, it’s been a pleasure! The best way to experience Avondale is to come and do an Eco Tour. #HLecowine
House& Leisure:
Sounds like a plan. Thanks again and all the best to you and your superb farm. #HLecowine