Bancroft Wines takes on South African winery Ataraxia

By Gemma McKenna

Published: 04 August, 2014

Bancroft Wines is the new exclusive distributor for South Africa's Walker Bay winery Ataraxia.

Winemaker Kevin Grant said: "After much homework as to who could best represent Ataraxia, Bancroft Wines easily ticked all the boxes. I am looking forward to a most fruitful partnership with Bancroft Wines to the benefit of our existing and new clients."

Bancroft Bancroft has taken on South Africa’s Ataraxia wineryZoologist-turned-winemaker Kevin Grant had always dreamt of owning his own winery.

Bancroft Wines account manager Alex Harper said: "One of South Africa's most talented winemakers had a cool climate dream. He made the dream come true and the dream did not disappoint. I'm delighted that Bancroft is now able to share in that vision and show off his trio of stunningly crafted wines. This is South African wine as you might not yet know it."

Ataraxia, which means "emotional tranquillity" was founded in 2004. Husband and wife team Kevin and Hanli Grant bought 50 hectares of land in an area known as The Skyfields - in Hemel-en-Aarde.

Kevin Grant qualified originally as a zoologist before turning to winemaking - he did a diploma in cellar technology at Elsenburg Agricultural, graduating as Dux Student in 1990. While working on South African wine estates, he undertook study trips to France, Oregon, Australia and New Zealand.

Grant worked hard to promote the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley as a top quality producer of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, before deciding to establish his own vineyard. "For anybody mildly ambitious, being a good jockey on someone else's horse is okay, but it's not the ultimate. Jockeying your own thoroughbred successfully is the prize," he said.

A new Pinot Noir will be released in early 2015, and until then Bancroft will offer: