From golf to goblet

First published 5th March 2018

As a leading South African ambassador and one of the most recognizable faces in the world of sport, Ernie Els has long demonstrated a passion for excellence. His focus, discipline and commitment have led to extraordinary golf success, but not that many people know that he has a passion for wine too.  He has applied the same ethos from the world of golf to his range of Ernie Els Wines.

During his time on the golf circuit, travelling around the world, he has been exposed to and appreciated some of the world’s greatest wines and in 1999, he decided to pursue this passion for fine wine with the acquisition of a vineyard in Stellenbosch, the noble heart of South African wine to base his operation.

Due to the massive political, social and economic changes that we have witnessed in South Africa in recent years, the wine industry has flourished with a  focus on quality over quantity, innovation and serving a large international demand for South African wines.  Chenin Blanc remains the king of whites, while South African reds have seen the greatest renaissance with the improved quality of local hero Pinotage and the increased use of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon in many red blends. 

From golf to goblet, Ernie Els is now a global supplier of some super wines too.