Who makes it
Three friends gave the venture its name. Evangelos Gerovassiliou and Vassilis Tsaktsarlis, both winemakers, joined Takis Soldatos, a vintner and marketer, and christened it Escapades. The company name is Escapade Winery (Pty) Ltd.
Escapade began small scale experimentation in 2006. Grapes come from chosen vineyards across the Western Cape, with a recurring group forming the base and additional sources added according to the characteristics sought in each wine. Incoming grapes are carefully assessed, and only the best qualify for the wines.
Where it grows
Stellenbosch receives cool Atlantic winds from False Bay, giving the vineyards natural cooling during the growing season. Franschhoek combines steep mountain slopes with vineyards in the valley, and weathered granite soils mark the area. Sémillon and Pinotage thrive in these conditions.
Durbanville is a cool climate area with mainly well drained shale soils. Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon suit these conditions, giving the white grape varieties a clear place within the Western Cape range.
What they make
The range includes Sémillon, Sémillon Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinotage Rosé, Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz Malbec and Pinotage. Escapades Semillon Sauvignon Blanc is the named white blend.
The blend uses 70% Sémillon and 30% Sauvignon Blanc. Old vine Sémillon is combined with Sauvignon Blanc from mountain top vineyards. The grapes are hand sorted, destemmed and gently pressed. Sauvignon Blanc is cool fermented in stainless steel to preserve freshness, while Sémillon ferments for six weeks in new 225 litre French oak barrels, adding richness and complexity.