Winemakers / Schalk Burger
Schalk Burger
The story behind
The Wine
We were first introduced to Schalk Burger Sr. in 2009, thanks to former Test cricketer Allan Lamb. As the owner of the Welbedacht Wine Estate, it quickly became clear that Schalk embodied the perfect synergy between sport and wine. From that moment, a lasting partnership was born. His exceptional range of sporting-inspired wines has since become a cornerstone of Sporting Wine Club, forming the very heart of what we do.
Discover our
Sporting Connection
Schalk Burger Sr, a formidable Springbok flanker from the 1980s, laid the foundation for one of South Africa’s great rugby dynasties. His son, Schalk Jr, continued the legacy in spectacular fashion, winning the Rugby World Cup with the Springboks in 2007. Beyond their rugby achievements, the Burger family brings the same passion and commitment to the world of wine. At their Welbedacht estate, Schalk Sr regularly hosts charity cricket matches at the renowned Welbedacht Oval — a ground surrounded by the very vines that produce Cricket Pitch, the family’s signature wine.
We’re proud to now stock this wine at the Kia Oval in London, beautifully linking bat, ball, and bottle in a full sporting circle. The Burgers were among our very first partners, and we remain deeply grateful to Schalk Sr, Schalk Jr, Tiaan, and the whole family for their unwavering support. They embody the spirit of Sporting Wine Club — generous, passionate, and true friends of the club from the very beginning.
Exploring the
Vineyard
Just 40 minutes north of Cape Town lies the spectacular Welbedacht Estate, set against the backdrop of some of Africa’s oldest soils — rich, decomposed granite that offers perfect conditions for growing premium grapes. Schalk Burger cultivates 18 grape varieties on the estate, each wine crafted to tell its own unique story.
The Meerkat range, his approachable and vibrant entry-level offering, is known as South Africa’s most sociable wine — delivering unbeatable character and value. His award-winning red blends include the bold Hat Trick, the crowd-favourite Cricket Pitch, the expressive Bohemian Syrah, the proudly rooted Patriot, and the standout No. 6 — a tribute to the jersey number both Schalk Sr and Jr wore while representing South Africa.
In their
Own Words
“My family and I are proud to have supported the Sporting Wine Club from its conception. They represent the values which we hold dear, combining a love of wine and sport together with friendship. We look forward to helping the Sporting Wine Club develop over the years on their exciting adventure and making many more new friends.”
Explore
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