Ever restless, he was generously allowed to use Tokara as a base for his own Miles Mossop Wines in 2003. It gives him free range to winkle out all kinds of varieties on all sorts of sites from all corners of the winelands: shiraz from Breedekloof, mourvèdre from Darling, viognier from Agter Perdeberg, chenin blanc from Stellenbosch, and not normally quality-associated clairette blanche from the Swartland.
First came a highly rated new-wave blend of chenin blanc and viognier, partly fermented and matured in Burgundian oak barrels. He called it Saskia after his firstborn daughter. This was followed by a traditional combination of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and petit verdot, named after son Max. And then came a botrytis dessert wine from chenin blanc, carrying the name of younger daughter Kika.
The single, delicate, long-stemmed flower on each of the labels, a different one for each child, is interior designer wife Samantha Fuchs' creative touch.
'By the way,' she will say, 'it's pronounced with a "Z" as in "Zuskia" and with a "u" as in "Mux"! Max has both his grandfathers' names: Maximilian Anthony Daniel. Unfortunately, he'll probably be known as "Mad" Mossop, like his father and grandfather.' Kika evokes the time spent at Planeta where the exuberant Sicilian family's daughter, Francesca, was called 'Kika'.
Of his wines, Miles has been quoted as saying: 'The focus is on refinement rather than innovation.' It shows the extent of his serious, intelligent application to winemaking, apparent in elocution and conversation that is quick-witted, belying any suggestion of a laid-back, surfer dude image.
Nevertheless, he now convenes the Vintners Surf Classic started in 2000 by Eben Sadie, among others. 'Winemakers traditionally always played golf and, because it was seen as "networking", it was okay to take time off work. But us surfers were frowned upon when we snuck out.
'So we thought: screw it! Some sponsors were organised for a day at Onrust near Hermanus for winemakers. It was a huge success. We started going to Elands Bay up the West Coast but the surfing conditions weren't good. Now we head up to great surf spots near Stilbaai (Jongensfontein and Kakgat).'
More than 40 surfers (plus the odd standup paddle surfer, paddle skier and kayaker) turn out and the competition is fierce. 'But essentially it's about nature, food and wine, family and friendship...'
Participating winemakers contribute wine towards a blend called 'Big Red', bottled in magnums for each contestant. The remainder are donated to auctions in aid of the Pebbles Project, a Cape winelands initiative to help children with special educational needs resulting from alcohol-related dysfunctions such as foetal alcohol syndrome,
Miles Mossop: a bright, restless young spirit who, through winemaking in the Cape, has found intellectual stimulus combined with freedom to roam both land and sea, as well as a place to finally put down roots. 'Stellenbosch is my home.'
Smoked or Norwegian salmon in a creamy dill sauce on tagliatelle recipe by Miles Mossop paired with Tokara Director's Reserve White wine....
Upside-down plum pudding recipe by Miles Mossop and served with fresh cream and paired with Kika Miles Mossop Wine....