A Living Legend in the Veritas Hall of Fame
Giorgio Dalla Cia, celebrated winemaker and father of the iconic Meerlust Rubicon, has entered the Veritas Hall of Fame as a Living Legend for his accomplishments and service to the South African wine industry.
The Living Legend Award, presented to Giorgio at the 2016 Veritas Awards, recognises individuals who have given back to the industry and acknowledges their achievements.
After taking early retirement from Meerlust Estate in 2004, Giorgio joined his son, George, in establishing the Dalla Cia Wine & Spirit Company, marking the start of a new chapter in the Dalla Cia family business. Their third-generation grappa distillery found a home in the vibrant Bosman’s Crossing precinct of Stellenbosch, where they have also expanded on their wine range under the Dalla Cia name.
In addition to producing six classically styled wines and six versions of grappa, the Dalla Cias also run an authentic Italian food and wine bar – Pane E Vino – next door to the distillery, which gives patrons the opportunity to experience the true meaning of Italian hospitality.
A graduate of the exclusive Scuola Enologica di Conegliano (Wine Academy) in Italy, Giorgio is well known in South African and international wine circles alike. He has a string of accolades in recognition of his life’s work but the two awards that he holds most dear are the IWSC Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande Trophy (for the best blended red wine in the world) that he won for his Meerlust Rubicon 2001, and the 2005 title of Winemaker of the Year that he won in his home province of Friuli, Italy.
For more information on Giorgio’s pioneering work in the SA wine industry and the legacy that will be left to George, please see the attached Q&A. For further information call the Dalla Cia Wine & Spirit Co on 021-888 4120, visit www.dallacia.com or follow them on Twitter @GrappaDallaCia and Facebook, Dalla Cia Grappa & Wines.