CAPE ARGUS -
1886, May 31
There is a greater “potency of wealth” in the
news that comes from London, of Cape light wines selling freely at the
Exhibition, than in all the gold news with which we are just now being titillated.
The news is intensely gratifying, and promises well for an ultimate return for
the large sum (to us) which we have sunk in the Exhibition; but it is still
more gratifying to hear, as we lately have heard upon the most competent
authority, that there is really some excitement amongst the wine farmers
themselves, owing to the complete success which
has attended the venture of a few of their number who have tested Baron von
Babo’s methods by preparing in each case just one or two vats according to his
directions. The wine so prepared, is clear and of beautiful quality; far
superior to anything to which the wine farmers have been accustomed. Next year
every one who has made the experiment will have the whole of his vintage so
prepared, so that should a demand be created for good Cape wine, in a short
time we shall be in the proud position of having the article with which to meet
the demand. It is needless to say that not only will those who have thus
prepared part of their vintage next year devote the whole of their crop to the improved processes, but their
neighbours, convinced of what can be done, will come over to the same ways, and
thus there is a better prospect for the farmer, out of his own progress, than
from any legislation which could be devised.
