A look at the different products we are selling over Christmas, some great tasty recipes and some hidden gems on the beautiful inner islands.
A Tale of Pride and Plenty
Discover a fable born out of our humility in the face of Africa’s beauty and bounty, and respect for what our ancient soils bring forth, like this deep ruby wine that emphasises the subtle differences in altitude, aspect, clonal expression, and soil that make our vineyards unique. Minimal winemaking intervention is utilised to allow the vines to speak for themselves.
A Tale of Pride and Plenty
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T he baobab tree is more than just a tree to the people of Madagascar. It is deeply rooted in Malagasy culture and folklore, and is believed to have magical powers. The story goes like this… Long ago, when the world was young and all the creatures and plants were newly created, the gods blessed the land with the baobab tree. It was meant to be the grandest and most powerful of all trees, providing food, water, and shelter to all living things. Its enormous trunk stored water to quench the thirst of animals and people during the dry season, and its leaves and fruit provided nourishment.
But as the baobab tree grew taller and taller, it became proud of its height and beauty. It stretched its branches high into the sky, reaching for the sun and boasting to the other trees. “I am the most magnificent tree of all,”
A Tale of Pride and Plenty
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the baobab would say, swaying in the wind. “No tree can compare to my greatness. I can touch the sky, and I will grow even taller.” The gods, who had created the baobab, heard its boastful words and grew concerned. So, they decided to teach the baobab a lesson in humility. With a mighty gust of wind, the gods uprooted the baobab and turned it upside down, planting it back into the earth with its roots in the air. The baobab was stunned and confused, its roots now exposed to the heavens and its branches buried in the ground. The baobab cried out, “Why have you done this to me? I am no longer the grand tree I once was. I cannot grow tall and reach the sky as I did before.”
A Tale of Pride and Plenty
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The gods replied, “You have forgotten your purpose, baobab. You were created not to boast of your height, but to provide for the creatures of this land. Now, with your roots in the sky, you will remain humble, and your strength will come not from your height, but from what you give to others.” And so, the baobab remained with its roots stretching toward the sky, a reminder to all of the importance of humility. Though it no longer towered proudly, the baobab continued to provide life to the land. Its trunk still stored water during the dry season, its fruit was still full of nourishment, and its presence became a symbol of endurance and generosity. To this day, the people of Madagascar tell the story of the Upside- Down Tree of Life, teaching that true greatness comes not from boasting or pride, but from serving and giving to others.
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