Melissa’s mother always encouraged her to be uncompromising and expansive in her vision. Initially Melissa had her sights set on taking to the skies, but was unsure how to pursue this dream. Following an inspiring chat with her mother she decided to become a pilot. These days, whilst not averse to flying, Melissa prefers to keep her feet firmly on the ground (favouring the countryside). It was from this encouragement to think big that Genevieve was created. “If I live to enjoy it, why not make it?”

The search for the perfect terroir and quality grapes led Melissa to Bot River, and there she discovered a beautiful pocket of Chardonnay, located in the Van der Stel Pass. Determined from the outset to make a sparkling wine of unsurpassed quality, and to continue to do so each year, Melissa’s original vision soon became a well-received reality.