In 2020, Natasha Jacka, like many others, faced the challenges of a COVID-19 lockdown. However, instead of succumbing to cabin fever, she saw potential in an immobile situation. With her studies at an agricultural college suspended, Jacka decided to pursue her winemaking dream by planting a vineyard at her family home in South Africa.
Though wine production is a slow process, after four years, Jacka harvested her first vintage. Her wines, cultivated from grapevines she nurtured and harvested near her parents’ Cape Town home, have received acclaim from critics. The process was labor-intensive, but Jacka said, “It could have been so much work and if it doesn’t deliver, you know, then you just feel … I can’t imagine how I’d feel.” She emphasized that her venture was not motivated by profit, but by passion.
Christian Eedes, editor of winemag.co.za, noted that Jacka’s vineyard represented ‘a triumph of hope over good sense,’ as producing quality wine from a small vineyard is challenging. Jacka managed to plant 1,400 vines on her parents’ garden. This is substantially fewer than the typical 50,000 on regular farms. Jacka’s vineyard produces a white blend and a syrah red wine variety. Eedes acknowledged the uniqueness of craft and handmade wines, highlighting their thoughtful production.
The pandemic coincided with Jacka’s winemaking ambition. At 27, Jacka had left the restaurant business to study viticulture in Stellenbosch, outside Cape Town. Her pursuit was halted by the pandemic, reducing her world to her family’s property in Noordhoek. However, she saw potential during the confinement. “I was actually looking out the window and thought, imagine if there were vines here,” Jacka recalled.
Following family discussions, Jacka embarked on clearing the land and obtaining over 1,000 vines. Her parents assisted, although her mother was humorously banned from planting for placing a vine upside down. An unexpected challenge came from Spirit, the family’s miniature horse, who found the vines appealing.
Jacka’s Noordhoek adventure paved the way for a broader winemaking career. Her Alinea wine collection includes five other varieties produced from grapes sourced around Cape Town, known for its winemaking heritage.
Despite engaging in various roles within her vineyard, Jacka eagerly anticipates future harvests. Eedes remarked on the fascinating project birthed from lockdown circumstances, saying Jacka avoided the boredom that many experienced.
Neil Shaw contributed to this report.