Newcomers to the wine industry, Emil and Sonette den Dulk left the bustling metropolis of Johannesburg in 1991 to seek solace in the serene surroundings of Stellenbosch -- described by many world travellers as the most beautiful and scenic wine-producing region in the world.

Says the proud owner of De Toren Private Cellar, "The Polkadraai Hills, where our farm is situated, is the undiscovered jewel of the South African wine industry. We're simply delighted to have stumbled upon this little piece of heaven."

A savvy businessman, Emil first of all, with the help of specialists from the University of Stellenbosch, developed a 25 year development plan for the farm, then scrutinised the wine industry in search of a niche market.

A chance meeting in 1997 with one of South Africa’s and the world's leading winemakers, was indeed an unexpected collision with destiny.

The concept of a gravity fed winery, basket pressing and hand harvesting of the five Bordeaux grape varieties could only be a winning formula.

The system of a 4000 litre pressure tank in a lift shaft as a pump, hand sorting conveyors and a basket press has since been implemented to perfection on our farm and produces excellent, complex and well balanced wines.

The entire production cycle at De Toren Private Cellar will result in Fusion V becoming one of the first South African wines to qualify for IP (Integrated Production) certification. It will be awarded by the Wine and Spirit Board and will serve as an environmentally friendly stamp of approval.

Producing South Africa's first five varietal blend will be a milestone in itself. The maiden batch of Fusion V, is likely to hit the international market towards the end of the year 2000.

Says Emil, "Our commitment to a quality product and first class service and distribution is absolute. Profit margin is not my main concern; satisfied consumers are! Fusion V is crated in attractive wooden boxes (each containing 12 bottles), complete with an informative brochure and re-ordering form."