In 2021, attuned to its innovative nature, a new journey marked the path for the Backsberg brand. DGB acquired a majority shareholding and forged ahead with the creation of ‘Backsberg Family Wines’ with Simon Back representing the family on the board. “For more than a century Backsberg has been an iconic brand in the Cape Wine industry, and we are excited to share our new direction for the winery which celebrates generations of family tradition in a modern and contemporary way”, says Tim Hutchinson, Executive Chairman of DGB.
Paying homage to the original Backs wine label that was prominent prior to the 1970s, the new Backsberg logo focuses on embodying the brand values in a timeless design. Two maidens carrying a basket of grapes represent the original all-women picking team as well as honour female winemaker, of nearly twenty years, Alicia Rechner.
The maidens stand on two slopes, which refer to the source of the fruit: the vineyards and the focus on craftmanship from blocks in cooler sites. Between the maidens one notes an evening star, the sun and the moon. These elements pay homage the vineyard life cycle as well as the family’s long-standing commitment to making fines wines in harmony with our natural elements. The sloped terraced vines, softly cradling the copper maidens, are emblematic of one of many Backsberg firsts; namely, being the first winery in South Africa to plant in this fashion.
A shield featuring a singular bush vine stands proudly at the centre of the emblem. This reference speaks to Backsberg’s commitment to growth, sustainability and much like a well-cared-for vineyard, its ability to deliver quality and consistency for more than a century. Below the emblem, the year 1916 pays homage to the founding date of the original brand home.
Backberg’s new portfolio of wines includes three collections – the Fifth Generation, Family Tree and the Patriarch.
In the Fifth Generation you’ll find 9 predominantly single varietal wines, each named after a special and significant place on the farm - Gravel Road Chenin Blanc, Hillside Sauvignon Blanc, Citrus Hill Chardonnay, Summer Berry Rosé, Ella Pinotage Rosé, Old Cellar Dry Red, Blueberry Row Pinotage, Plum Valley Merlot and Four Pillars Cabernet Sauvignon. Here you’ll find an offering of easy-drinking, exceptional wines with fresh and exciting flavours.
For life’s special moments, the Family Tree range includes the John Martin Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot blend, Pumphouse Shiraz and the Smuggled Vines Chardonnay - a collection which honours the people and places which have made significant contributions to the winery’s history.
The Patriarch, Backsberg Family Wines’ hero bottle of Cabernet Franc, pays special tribute to the Iconic winemaking legend, Sydney Back. It upholds a strong sense of tradition and inclusivity of all members of the Backsberg family - from in the vineyards to around the dinner table. The complete range of Backsberg wines will be verified as “Carbon Neutral” shortly and a decal on each bottle will highlight this recognition and commitment to the environment.
At its heart, the philosophy remains to provide enjoyment to a broad range of wine lovers by sustainably crafting world-class quality wines. As South Africa’s first certified carbon-neutral winery, Backsberg has cemented its reputation as a respected steward of the land that honours the past whilst forging ahead with forward-thinking holistic principles. Backsberg, sustainably crafted since 1916.