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Grands Chais de France expands global footprint with South African wine estate

20 October 2022 By Patrick Schmitt

Following its purchase of a Chilean wine estate in June this year, Les Grands Chais de France (GCF) has further expanded its international footprint with the acquisition of a South African property.

Announced this morning, the wine group, which owns 68 properties in France, from Calvet to Klipfel, and the JP Chenet wine brand, has bought the Neethlingshof winery in Stellenbosch.

As previously reported by db, LGF intends to enlarge its international presence through winery acquisitions beyond its base in France, and purchased Viña Las Niñas in the Apalta region of Chile earlier this year.

GCF has already extended its presence in Europe with the purchase of Castillo de Aresan in Spain and Danubiana in Hungary, as the business states its aim to become “a global wine producer with estates in premium wine regions around the world”.

Commenting on the latest acquisition, Mark Kears, GCF MD UK and Ireland, said, “The momentum of GCF’s international journey is picking up speed, with this latest significant investment into the New World.”

Located in the heart of the Cape Winelands, flanked by the Bottelary Hills and the Papegaaiberg Mountain near Stellenbosch and overlooking False Bay, Neethlingshof was founded in 1692 and built in traditional Dutch style.

Its historic buildings have been carefully preserved and together with its Salt Restaurant, its wine tasting centre and its far-reaching views, the winery attracts over 30,000 visitors each year.

The estate’s vineyards cover 100 hectares with plans to plant a further 27ha over the next couple of years. Vines range from 15 to over 35 years old, with the latter being certified as Heritage Vineyards as part of Neethlingshof’s Old Vine Project. Annual production in 2021 was 600,000 bottles with plans to double that in the next two years.

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