A Diemersdal Friendship

Monica Joubert and Rosi Rupp met when they became neighbours in Port Owen, Velddrif. The Jouberts had a border collie named Da’wit (from the Afrikaans hier wit en da’wit), and Rosi soon became the dog’s second mother. Rosi and Monica quickly discovered a mutual love for Sauvignon Blanc, and that was enough to cement the friendship.

Whenever either of them found a special bottle of Sauvignon Blanc, they would keep it until the next Friday night to share. Someone would usually make a fire, and then Rosi and Monica would exchange stories about the week, new wines, and their hobbies – beads for Monica and needlework for Rosi.

Rosi introduced Monica to Eight Rows, and Monica loved the story behind it. The really special wines were saved for December holidays to really savour them. Since 2009, they have shared a bottle of Eight Rows every December, except for one year when they couldn’t find one.

When Rosi turned 60 in 2014, Monica decided to try to get the 60th bottle of that year’s batch to give to her friend as a present. It was also in 2014 when Monica and her husband moved to Gauteng.

We kept out bottle 60/5000 for Monica, wrapped it, and waited for her to pick it up. According to her, Rosi was absolutely stunned!  

The two friends did not see each other again until September this year, when Monica went to visit Rosi. They decided that this was the perfect time to share that special bottle. Monica also reserved number 62 of the 2016 vintage to give to Rosi on her 62nd birthday.

We love hearing stories like these – of Diemersdal wines contributing to lifelong friendships!