Orpheus & The Raven No7 Pinotage 2022

The Vinoneers is a platform created by a winemaker and a designer to express their creative indulgence without restraint. Not led by sales volumes, market share or consumer insight, this is a pure expression of the love for fine wine and art. By creating only the finest small batch, hand-crafted wines and engagingly tactile packaging with an unique artistic feel, the synergy between wine and art is tangible. The Vinoneers is a unique partnership between Etienne Louw and Brenden Schwartz. Brenden and Etienne have worked together since 2010, and the two have become good friends through the years. The name “Vinoneers” harks back to Etienne’s previous life as a chemical engineer, while the name of the wine shadows the famous Greek play “ Orpheus and the Underworld” – which encourages us to never look back!

“The answer to the ultimate question of Life, the Universe and Everything is 42” – Douglas Adams, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.
In their search for answers to the great questions of life, Orpheus and the Raven’s eyes were opened by the light of the present. But the curious pair knew that beyond the light, the universe had more to offer.
“True knowledge exists in knowing that you know nothing, Orpheus,” said the Raven. “Then the answer to the ultimate question is obviously 42!” replied Orpheus in delight.

The decision to cross two vastly-contrasting varieties in Pinot Noir (the Prince of red wines) and Cinsaut (a South African workhorse), was a Rebellious one. Since 1959, a band of single-minded winemakers have trailblazed the path for Pinotage to become the only uniquely and commercially successful South African variety. Their wine is a homage to these Cape Rebels, who have persevered in creating wines of distinction – through adversity and waves of criticism, they prevailed to afford Pinotage its rightful place on the world stage. This 2022 is a site-specific wine from the Stellenbosch ward of Simonsberg.