Wilderer is not only South Africa’s first private distillery but also the most awarded, with over 70 international medals and awards; including many Gold and Double Gold Medals. Helmut Wilderer, a German restaurateur, decided to leave the industry and founded Wilderer Distillery in January 1995 – South Africa’s first private grappa distillery. After an excellent meal at an Italian restaurant, he ordered a Grappa, and to Helmut’s great surprise he learnt that there were no local products available. Not in this restaurant and as explained by the manager, not in the entire country. To his further astonishment, on his trip down to the Cape and his ride on the Blue Train, he learnt that there was also no Eaux de Vie available.