He left his accounting career in Durban to become a winemaker. In 1983, Gyles Webb, with the help of his wife's family, the McLean's, purchased Thelema. The estate was restored, and the first wines under the Thelema label were released in 1988. By the mid-1990s, Thelema wines were selling out within a month of release, making it one of the most sought-after wine estates in South Africa. The Webb family describes Thelema as "one of the most beautiful places on earth."
While Thelema continued to thrive in Stellenbosch, Gyles began searching for additional property to establish a second vineyard. In 2002, the Webb family purchased an idyllic farm with rolling hills in the cool Elgin region, creating ideal grape-growing conditions.
The grapes for this dessert wine are descaled, crushed, and fermented on the skins for 24 hours. Fermentation then follows a slow pressing cycle of three hours, and the cloudy juice is further fermented in stainless steel tanks.
The Thelema "Vin de Hel" Muscat Late Harvest is an exceptionally elegant dessert wine with a golden yellow color in the glass. It displays aromas of pineapple, citrus, apricots, a hint of honey, and subtle floral notes. The palate is opulent, with the perfect balance of sweetness and crisp acidity. The Vin de Hel is an elegant, concentrated, and delicious wine to enjoy with dessert or fine handmade cheeses. Highly recommended!
