Our guest on About The Winelands is Laurie Cooper, winemaker, together with her father at Abingdon Wine Estate in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. This pioneering estate was the first to produce wines from the province of KZN. This family estate has produced award winning wines since 2007.
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About Laurie Cooper
Laurie Cooper is currently a Master of Wine student, WSET Diploma graduate and a recipient of the Codorniu Raventos scholarship for achieving the top mark globally for the sparkling wine diploma module. She was also nominated as a scholarship candidate for outstanding achievements overall on the Diploma course.
At age 24, she founded the KZN School of Wine in January 2015, the only internationally recognized wine qualification in the country.
Laurie is one of few Level 2 certified sommelier’s in the country and winner of the Moet et Chandon Best Young Sommelier in South Africa.
She is a Women in Food finalist for the alcohol category, a platform and movement dedicated to celebrating powerhouse women in the food and drinks industry as well as voted WineLand top 30 under 30 wine innovators.
She is a distinction graduate from the Michael Fridjhon Wine Judging Academy and has served as a judge for the SAA wines selection panel as well as the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show and London based IWSC. Laurie also works alongside the South African Sommeliers Association and Department of Tourism in training up young sommeliers across South Africa, overseeing the KZN division.
The “Best Kept Secret”
About Abingdon Wine Estate
The farm was bought in 2000 by owners, Ian & Jane Smorthwaite, and the first vines were planted in 2004. Situated at 1140m above sea level, the Estate has 3ha under vine and produces certified single vineyard Estate wines from 100% KZN grapes. Abingdon is a family run estate with father & daughter team, Ian Smorthwaite and Laurie Cooper, taking a hands on approach to all aspects of viticulture and wine making.
Abingdon Wine Estate wins ‘Best Kept Secret’ award at American Express Dining Awards 2020!
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The Abingdon Wines
The cultivars planted are Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Nebbiolo. All wines are 100% Estate wines. Grown, made, bottled on Abingdon Estate.
Abingdon’s maiden vintage, the Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2007, was the first ever certified estate wine made in KwaZulu-Natal. With the release and swift sales of over 80 certified Estate wines to date all representing Lions River, KwaZulu-Natal Wine of Origin.
Tasting Room & Wine Sales
Open on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays for tastings and lunch. Lunch bookings are essential – call Jane on 083 463 8503
The KZN School of Wine
Based at Abingdon Wine Estate, the KZN School of Wine offers fun one day wine courses through to internationally recognised intensive courses throughout the year. Bespoke wine courses to suit every individual are also offered.
All courses are taught by WSET accredited educator, Laurie Cooper, who founded the KZN School of Wine in January 2015, realising the need for more wine education in KwaZulu-Natal. More information here.
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