Creation cellarmaster and co-owner JC Martin recently returned from an inspiring three-day tour through the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), showcasing Creation’s acclaimed cool-climate wines and strengthening European partnerships.
Tour Highlights
The journey began in Bludenz, Austria, where 18 wine enthusiasts gathered at Vinothek Wein.Punkt for an exclusive tasting. The Austrian Vorarlberg region showed exceptional interest in Creation’s portfolio.
A memorable highlight was visiting friends Martina and Helmut Kugler at their Alpine hut, high in the Vorarlberg mountains, enjoying traditional Käsespätzle and warm hospitality. We look forward to welcoming the Kuglers at Creation next month.
In Germany, JC visited Lake Constance’s premier wineries, including Weingut Geiger with former Creation harvest intern Nici Mayer (2025), and the renowned Weingut Kress in Überlingen. Here, Ronja Kress, who completed her 2024 harvest internship at Creation, organised a spectacular blind tasting featuring 18 wines, showcasing Creation’s wines alongside some top German and Burgundian selections.
The tour concluded in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, where JC presented to 40 members of the prestigious Weinfreunde Schaffhausen wine club (300+ members).
Building Wine Bridges
JC feels this successful tour demonstrates Creation’s growing European presence as well as the valuable exchange programme that exists between South African and European wineries. ‘The warm reception across all venues confirms the increasing appreciation for South Africa’s cool-climate wines in the competitive DACH market,’ he says.