In the spring of 2008, to celebrate twenty years of Armit Wines, a little book of memories was produced that highlighted old, and new, friendships that had been formed during the history of the business. As we move towards our 30th year, we will republish these memories here on our blog, and this, the third in the series, is an anecdote from when our founder, John Armit, first met the team at Mulderbosch…
‘Thirst meeting’…
Some-time early in 1993 we received a phone call from John Armit to say he would like to pay us a visit. Larry Jacobs, the previous owner, asked me if I had heard of him.? The answer was no, but we’ve certainly got to hear a lot of him over the past 15 years!
Our first lunch together was roast beef with salad under the old oak at the Mulderbosch homestead, served with Mulderbosch Sauvignon Blanc (we had not yet released our own red). The 2003 Sauvignon Blanc was a hit with John and it was powerful enough to stand up to the prime aged sirloin that Larry had prepared. What was an advantage on our side, was that John was not used to the Stellenbosch heat. A berg wind, coming straight down from the desert was blowing that day; so with thirst creeping up on him like dust from the Kalahari, and Larry and I pouring copious glasses, we soon had John where we wanted him.
Unfortunately we were drinking as fast, if not faster than John, so he had us in the same spot! The heat and the wine worked both ways! What I find amazing is that at the end of our ‘thirst meeting’ we had agreed to John representing us in the UK. When we sobered up the next day, we realised we had forgotten to ask all the pertinent questions that we had thought of in the run up to our meeting.
We quickly learnt to have our meetings with John in a cool office and resolved to start drinking and eating only once negotiations were over! Anyone who has worked with John will realise that he has great integrity and working together with him has been fun and easy. Somehow, the Angels conspired to put us on the same path that has been wonderful for us all. Over the years we believe that our relationship has strengthened and that we are, first and foremonst, good friends…
Mike Dobrovic
Former Winemaker, Mulderbosch Vineyards