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The Mooi Bly farm and cellar is situated on the slopes of the Du Toitkloof Mountains in Dal Josaphat, Paarl, South-Africa. The Wouters family bought the farm in 1999, and it is run as a family business. Erik, who is married to the Wouters’ only daughter Liesbeth looks after the farm and the winery, while Liesbeth manages the estate’s 5 self-catering chalets. Luc & Annemarie Wouters maintain a watchful eye on all operations.

“Mooi Bly” is Afrikaans for “Keep Well”.

2010 February: Chenin Blanc and chardonnay grapes were picked during early mornings by the 11th of February. Today, the 16th of February the Tannat grapes were picked early this morning  in very cool (we called it cold !) weather!!

2009 July: Mooi Bly created a new LOOK! For many years we are trying to be eco-friendly, not only in the vineyards and cellar, but also private & in our guests accommodation. Therefore we have chosen for recycled materials,

2009: A bit hectic as the white grapes came in 2 weeks later and the red grapes too early. It resulted in a very busy season, but as usual we worked ourselves through this. Things to look forward for: new labels, new packaging and at the end of the year the launch of our maiden Tannat & Malbec!!

2008: A very late harvest this year due to the cold and long winter months of 2007. On the 24th of June we bottled Chenin Blanc 2008, Shiraz 2007, Malbec 2007 and Tannat 2007. On the 14th of August the Chardonnay '08 and Cabernet Sauvignon '07 were bottled. Successful sales in Belgium, whilst visiting there and looking out for the future with our new agent.

2007: We created an extra 40000L space for our grapes. Again it was promising Our first Shiraz, Malbec and Tannat was made. Now it was only waiting to see haw they developed in the barrels! The harvest itself came in smoothly, without to many hassles.

2006: The production increased, we penetrated the Dutch market and due to the sold out status on our Chardonnay before it's release we could just take part in the competitions with our Chenin Blanc, and again a bronze medal!

Since 2005 Mooi Bly produces its own wines in their cellar.

2005: First wines where made in the Mooi Bly wine cellar, 20000 L and this successful, a bronze medal for the Chenin Blanc and a silver one for the Chardonnay at the Veritas wine show!

2001: February: We moved to Paarl from Antwerp, Belgium.

1999: Mr. Luc Wouters and his wife AnneMarie bought the farm

About our wine maker:

Erik Schouteden
vborn in Belgium March ’75

Despite of making the wines, is Erik Schouteden, the son-in-law and farm manager for Mooi Bly. Born in Belgium, Erik grew up in Stabroek, a small town close to Antwerp where he met his wife and family in law whit whom he moved to South Africa.

After graduating in social science, in Antwerp, Erik started working for the Wouters’ family cheese business. Here Erik developed a passion for nice food and obviously good wines.

Once moved to South Africa the step was easily taken to start a winery. With the first couple of year’s hard work to get the vines growing, as Erik learned his skills on the job and from neighbouring farmers. To get the winery going Erik took some classes at the local agricultural college, Elsenburg and learned a lot of friends and other winemaker colleagues. 

With a passion for nature and its’ products, Erik tries to create wines where the fruits play the major role. The vineyards are nursed to the maximum to get high quality grapes and finely wines in the bottle. The philosophy is simple: you can’t make good wines from bad grapes, but you can mess it up the other way around.

 

 		 
Copyright © 2007 Mooibly