De Krans "The Bloom Project": Hope and Togetherness

The story of the De Krans Bloom Project can be found on the winery's website. Here we translated it for you.

Our Journey

2020 was undeniably a year we never anticipated. Typically, we began this year full of hope and South African optimism, eager to build upon the positive sales growth of 2019. Thanks to our first increase in harvest levels, at just 45% of normal, we felt renewed energy with the appointment of new leadership. Yet, no one could predict the twists the year would take. The uncertainties at times were unbearable. Each individual faced unique challenges, and we will likely only fully realize the long-term effects of the pandemic in the months and years ahead.

In the late 1960s, a psychiatrist defined the five stages of grief. In the final stage of acceptance, the will to fight prevails – this was true for us too. It was a matter of swim or sink, both financially and emotionally. Our bistro and tasting room were suddenly closed, turning off like a light at the end of a tunnel.

Our Goal

Although we are a small business, over the years we have become a large family. With 29 permanent employees, our top priority has been to ensure their health and safety while also recognizing our responsibility to maintain this family unity and prevent job losses. The bistro and tasting team should be kept productively engaged. Cleaning and renovations were quickly addressed, yet it became difficult as staff were frustrated and questioned how they could contribute. Reflecting back, it seems the timing for our project was just right.

Our Project

With a clear goal of cutting costs, we relied on our existing resources. Old oak barrels, corks, empty bottles, and grapevines were plentiful. Creativity, along with a driven sense to create, paved the way for our project. The bistro and tasting teams collaborated to produce the most remarkable products, and despite occasional setbacks, we focused on solidarity as a family amidst the disruption.

The beauty of this project lies not only in the handcrafted products but also in the skills we have acquired. These products were created by individuals who pack the wine or prepare exquisite sauces for lamb shanks. In a year of uncertainties, we learned much about the value of trying.

As we searched for a name, we realized this year’s bloom festival would not take place. The lockdown slowed everything down, but the wine harvest and the flowering of the fruit trees carried on unperturbed. The greatest lesson learned was that life, like the seasons, continues to bloom, and it is our duty to adapt, grow, and look ahead with hope. This realization gave birth to our De Krans Bloom Project.

Our Path Forward

We hope our rescue project can transform into a continuous winter project when things are usually quiet. The future opportunities are promising, and we look forward to making a positive environmental impact by continuing to use recycled materials. Please note that our products are currently only available on-site.

On behalf of our team, we thank the community for the ongoing support over the last months. Our loyal local customers have helped us during this time. Thanks to the positive feedback from our social media activities, we feel empowered. We eagerly anticipate sharing these products with you and welcoming you back to the farm soon. Your De Krans family – stay safe.