It’s a name recognised the world over as synonymous with South Africa’s wine industry. Stunningly beautiful it’s an area rich in heritage and culture and has South Africa’s oldest wine route. This year also sees the 40^th anniversary of Stellenbosch Wine Routes, a membership organisation set up to promote and showcase the region’s winemakers, their world class wines and the whole Stellenbosch experience.

They are also responsible for the 10th Annual Stellenbosch Wine Festival taking place from the 28^th to the 31^st of July this year and the combination of both will ensure a special celebration in the town. Ahead of the event we decided to catch up with Wine Routes CEO Annareth Bolton to find out more of what’s in store for this year and also asked her to share with our readers some of her favourite things to do in Stellenbosch.

So Annareth, tell us a bit more about some of the highlights of this year’s festival

Coinciding with our 40^th anniversary this year’s festival is going to be bigger and better than ever before, with 150 farms, 500 wines and 15,000 visitors expected, wine and foodie enthusiasts will be overwhelmed with the choice.  Gourmet delights will be on offer from top local chefs, educational wine and food workshops and local entertainment will keep visitors entertained for hours on end.  The preceding Stellenbosch Wine Week will kick off on the 22^nd of July, where many of the farms in the Stellenbosch area will open up their cellar doors for a week of entertainment and activities. Two things that I definitely won’t be missing out on are dinner with the legendary winemaking family the Ratcliffe’s at Warwick wine estate and breakfast with Ken Forrester, maker of some of our best Chenin Blancs.

Talking of food, what are your favourite places to eat in the Stellenbosch?

Wow, a tough one as we are in an area of real gourmet excellence and for fine dining – three of SA’s top restaurants Rust En Vrede, Overture and Terroir are in Stellenbosch. They are all truly fantastic, but one that might be less well known to international travellers and my current favourite is Umami in Dorp Street. They prepare and serve food with one overriding objective in mind – to unlock and accentuate each dish’s “deliciousness” and I keep going back time after time for the Pork Sirloin. I also love my casual dining and the traditional Sunday lunch at the Towerbosch restaurant on the Knorhoek wine farm is not to be missed. 

What about the best place to sample some cake and coffee?

Take a stroll through the centre of Stellenbosch, where you definitely need to stop and try De Oude Bank Bakkerij in Church Street. It’s the old bank building where they make delicious homemade cakes, chocolate and cheeses served with great cappuccino!

For a romantic overnight stay, where would you suggest?

Clouds Estate, a small boutique guest house at the top of the Helgshoogte pass outside Stellenbosch is an intimate and stylish venue with stunning views and big comfy white beds – the perfect place for some alone time. It is also situated just a few minutes away from the best wines and greatest restaurant options around. It’s just great for a weekend getaway.

Where can one visit and best sample Stellenbosch’s rich history?

I think start by taking a historical walking tour through the Town. I was here 10 years before going on one of these walks, and I saw many things I had never seen before, it was so interesting and a real eye opener. The tree lined streets are amazing, the old museum, the university, the architecture, the stories and the historical characters that have influenced Stellenbosch are all so interesting. From a wine perspective definitely visit our oldest estates like Meerlust, Simonsig and Delheim to see where it all began.

Where’s a great place to take the kids in Stellenbosch?

Middlevlei wine farm is the perfect place for kids, with great wines for mum and dad to try with a traditional South African braai or farmer’s lunch. At the same time the kids can play with the farm animals or take tractor or donkey rides that are on offer – children even get to braai their own “stokbrood”. It’s a real family affair there!

Where would one find an “off the beaten track” experience not to be missed?

Take the nature walk in the Jonkershoek valley – the scenery and the peacefulness are absolutely breath-taking, one hike that you would not easily forget!

So onto wine, what’s your favourite local wine of the moment?

I represent over 150 farms and hundreds of different wines so this is a tough one. My favourites are constantly changing: whites in the summer and reds in the winter. So if you ask me right now I would say the Stark Condé 2007 Syrah or the Pinot Noir from Vriesenhof.

What about the sparkly stuff – when you drink bubbles what do you drink?

That’s an easy answer as I am a real bubbles girl!  I love Kevin Arnold’s MCC from Waterford Estate but it is a limited release and pretty rare. For something more accessible right now I really like the “Duel”, a Brut Methode Cap Classique from the Mooiplaas wine estate located in the Bottelary Hills on the edge of town.

Which young winemaker should we be watching out for at the moment? 

There are so many innovative and new up and comers in the industry but I am very intrigued by Morne Vrey from Delaire at the moment.

 For more information on the wine festival visit the Stellenbosch Wine Routes website here.

Be aware though I’m no wine expert and my team has been instructed to shoot me if I ever wear a cardigan to work or start talking in a pompous and patronising way about “floral bouquets” or “herbaceous ness”.  However I have to confess that as an enthusiastic amateur and in the quest for self gratification, I have drunk an awful lot of South African wine this last year. Whether this qualifies me to pass opinions on South African wine, others will have to judge but its certainly become a full on hobby (my wife calls it an obsession) and I’m forever disrupting local travels with a quick stop at the latest wine estate I happen to pass.  I’m proud to say I can tell my Merlot from my Cabernet and that’s about it. I like what I like and that’s the way it will stay.

So should the world have the slightest interest in my own humble opinion then here it is….. From all the wines I drank in 2010 my favourite by some way was the 2008 Roulette Blanc from the Lammershoek Farm nestled in the Swartland hills an hour North of Cape Town.

When I told Mrs. Holt she feigned surprise (or was it indifference) as I’m known to be more of a red wine drinker, but this white blend of Chenin, Chardonnay and a touch of Viognier in my view is something different and a bit special. Not only is it a classy wine its great value too.

Having fallen in love with their wine, I wanted to know more about Lammershoek and the story behind it, so I recently gave them a call and set up a tasting appointment. In a region originally famous for wheat and sheep farming the farm is tucked away 6km up a dirt road amongst rolling hills and when I arrived it was a beautifully peaceful spring day, totally silent except for the birds singing.

Owner Paul Kretzel greeted me and for the next hour we toured the farm and I listened whilst he explained that the name Lammershoek (roughly translated as Lambs Corner) comes from the part of the farm where the ewes used to give birth. He also talked through his move towards total organic farming and how Lammershoek really is a family concern: with daughter Carla handling the successful marketing and her partner Craig now the winemaker.

Paul’s passion for his wine was clear as we sat in the old musty wine cellar and sampled the different varietals in production. Proud of his 50 year old Chenin vines, he has enjoyed the development and success of the Roulette Blanc and his other wines, but watch out, he feels with some slight tweaking and a splash of Clairette, the 2009 Roulette Blanc is going to be even better.

The 2011 Platter guide obviously agree and have just awarded it 5 stars. I am eagerly awaiting its release!

Not only is it South Africa’s oldest producer of Shiraz, but according to Richard one of the best.  However be warned, don’t expect the new world, trendy, refined Shiraz varietals here, these are serious, “meat and two veg” traditional wines with lots of strength and depth.  Richard particularly recommends the “Gravel Hill” and “Stork” Shiraz, plus the exclusive “Mackenzie”, an award winning blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

But these days there’s much more to the Hartenberg experience than just wine.

For those who like the good things in life you can now reach Hartenberg by an exclusive helicopter trip. The forty minute flight takes off from the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, flies over the Stellenbosch and Franschhoek winelands and then sets down on the estate for a VIP tasting and cellar tour. This includes a home-style picnic or cellar lunch on this historic 300 year old farm before returning to base.   Of course it’s totally over the top, but very cool!

Picnics on the lawns have also just been introduced during the summer and the menu includes Hartenberg wine with a selection of country cheeses, Eleanor Finlayson’s famous snoek pate, a selection of cold meats and chicken, homemade country terrine, roasted vegetables, crudités and country pickles, a selection of seasonal fruits, dessert and coffee.  Having tried the picnics ourselves we highly recommend them, it’s really good home cooked country fare and a great way to spend a leisurely afternoon lying on the grass.   Rather than one of the big meaty reds though, we recommend accompanying your picnic with a bottle or two of the estates Sauvignon Blanc or the excellent “Eleanor” Chardonnay.

If you’re feeling a bit more energetic you could try one of the escorted eco-walks through the estate, which focuses on the natural biodiversity of the area and allows for your lunch to settle while looking out for that elusive African Fish eagle.

Hartenberg have also just recently introduced their “Tapas and Jazz” events, so on his next visit Richard intends to combine his wine buying with a little food and foot tapping!

Today we continue with Part 2 – featuring some wonderful opinions from a digital marketer, a whisky distiller and an Incidental Tourist!

To read part 1 – click here and to read the post that started it all, click here.

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Francois Botha – Entrepreneur and owner of Quick Online, digital marketing

“My all-time favourite Cape wine farm has to be Môreson. I simply cannot drive in to Franschhoek without stopping off there to first stock up on some supplies for the weekend.

Driving through the lemon orchards to Môreson is like being transported to a Mediterranean island. Their crisp whites and Bordeaux style reds, paired with some charcuterie from their own farm and bread baked on the premises – makes for the perfect start of a weekend in Franschhoek. If you’re an event lover – watch out for their annual “Blessing of the harvest”, which makes for a great day out, trying your hand at grape picking and stomping.”

What We Think

Make a point to sample the Charcuterie platter at Bread & Wine, which is the restaurant at Môreson. Served on a large wooden “vessel” the platter consists of an array of cured meats (chorizo, salami, ham and more), cheese, olives, rocket salad and a selection of home-made breads. The food, ambiance and wine at Bread & Wine create the perfect setting for a long, lazy lunch. Plus the wine is impressive – and Bread & Wine charges the same price as the farm.

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Lloyd van der Merwe – Owner of luxury hotel Majeka House in Stellenbosch

“This is a very difficult question for a wine lover who lives in Stellenbosch but for a tourist who is only able to visit one winery it would have to be Warwick Wine Farm.

The reasons are:

- When driving onto the property the feel is that of a proper historic working farm.
- The selection of superb wines to cater for all tastes.
- The restaurant is good and you will get the best picnic available in the wine lands

It is an unpretentious yet beautiful farm where the main focus is the enjoyment of good wine and good food.”

What We Think

We love the story behind the estate and its diversity. As well as the excellent wine, the estate offers gourmet picnics created by renowned Chef Bruce Robertson and has introduced their “Big Five” wine safaris. Be sure to try the infamous Warwick Trilogy or alternatively, The First Lady, a smooth red – aptly honoring Norma Ratcliff the matriarch of this legendary wine making family.

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Dawn Jorgensen – Jorgensen’s Distillery and author of the Incidental Tourist Blog

“First and foremost I’m a bubbly girl, so when recommending a favourite wine estate I do find this swaying my choice. That and the fact that I live in Wellington, and take any opportunity to promote the wonderful farms of friends and neighbours, and entice tourists out to this part of the Winelands. My recommendation is therefore Klein Optenhorst in the Bovlei Valley. Owned by Naas and Jenny Ferreira, the estate is well know for its Pinot Noir, and they have just released their 1st vintage of Pinot Noir Cap Classique made by renowned bubbly maker Pieter Ferreira. It is fabulous and all off half a hectare of Pinot Noir planted in 1990, with this years release being only 1592 bottles

What We Think

A trip to Klein Optenhorst pleases on many levels. Wine and SA bubbly, the beautiful and well known terraced garden, 19th century farmhouse and special personal attention from the hosts. A magical combination and well worth the drive.

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Angelo Casu – Operations Manager at Grande Dédale, the exclusive wine lands Country House near Wellington

“My favourite wine estate is the small family concern, Ridgeback on the outskirts of Paarl. It is the ideal place for Tina and I to escape from our own wine farm and business as it is set amongst beautiful scenery overlooking the Paarl Rock. A nice pond with geese, ducks and swans can be admired while having a home cooked lunch on the wooden restaurant deck or sitting under the thatched umbrellas in the nearby garden. Ridgeback has a wide selection of wines but my favourite is their Viogner and their award winning Shiraz although I do not dislike their quaffable Vansha range”

What We Think

They also produce a mean Cabernet Franc too, rated as one of South Africa’s finest.  Of course the farm is not called Ridgeback for nothing and it is home to these beautiful breed of dog. As Ridgeback breeders you will often see the latest litter of puppies playing around the farm.

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Andy Watts – Head Whisky maker at James Sedgwick distillery in Wellington

As well as producing South Africa’s top whisky – the Three Ships brand, Andy also loves his wine. Originally from the UK, Andy has now lived in the Wine lands for over 20 years a place he now calls home.

“I first came across the Nederburg Winery during my second visit to South Africa back in 1983. The first impression it made on me was one of “if I ever stay in this country and marry a South African lady then this will be the place I will hold my reception”. Little did I know then what an impression it did make as it became a reality in 1986!

From entering the estate with its vineyards on either side of the road to the warm reception at the modern tasting centre you know this is a special place full of wine lands history.

With the majestic Drakenstein Mountains as a backdrop and a view of the Paarlberg from the Manor House there is no better way to spend a sultry summer’s afternoon than with a welcoming glass of Nederburg Cuvee Brut and a picnic lunch accompanied by a bottle of the  Manor House Sauvignon Blanc.”

What We Think

Good choice Andy. We too love the historic feel of the estate, the picnics on the lawns and especially their “ingenuity” an award winning white blend. The platter guide has also just voted Nederburg as their winery of the year so Andy is in good company.

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Antonia Labia Hardes-Williams – Director of the newly restored gallery, event venue Casa Labia.

“One of the many fortunate things about living in Cape Town is that we are in such close proximity to world class wineries seated in intensely beautiful scenery.  My favourite is a mere 5 minute drive from my home in Wynberg and a very easy fifteen minute drive from the city centre. Klein Constantia in Constantia is one the country’s most historic wine estates with nobility of yesteryear and the likes of Napoleon listed as their patrons.  Today, thankfully the wines have a broader appeal and I love picking up a few bottles of the red and white from their KC range.  These wines are always of a superior quality, but offered at a very pleasing price.  When feeling a bit more decadent (and when I can get it) I pick up a bottle of the Klein Constantia Perdblokke Sauvignon Blanc, the 2010 have everything, I look no further than the iconic sweet wine Vin de Constance – pure bottled indulgence.”

What We Think

The Klein Constantia Vin de Constance has become world famous amongst the international community as not only was it Napoleon Bonaparte’s favourite wine, but Jane Austin also believed that the Vin de Constance was capable of mending a broken heart. We don’t know about that but Klein Constantia is an estate steeped in history and a “must visit” on the Constantia Wine Route.

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Elmine Nel – Hotel Manager at Babylonstoren

“I’ve had the great privilege of spending the past two and a half years working in the Maldives!  It was a wonderful experience but have put me a little out of touch with all the development in our South African wine industry.  But I’m back now and having great fun discovering all the new gems!

Certainly one of my very favourites is Bartinney on the very high slopes of Helshoogte Pass just outside Stellenbosch. It is a small boutique style wine farm with an interesting history and absolutely stunning views of the Banghoek Valley.  Run by very passionate Michael and Rose Jordaan and wines made by charming Therese De Beer they are not only producing gorgeous wine but also putting tons of good back into the earth, in fact, more than 5000 trees and fynbos so far.

The tasting room is superbly decorated with a contemporary yet South African feel and the winelabels are strikingly beautiful featuring a Kendridge-like angel and bright burnt orange capsules.  I love their Chardonnay, love it, love it and it’s very good value for money. Make the effort, call to book a tasting and go try their wine made on a mountain!“

What We Think

Probably the biggest draw card about Bartinney is the hands-on attitude of Therese, the wine maker. She is always available to come meet visitors to the farm and enjoys taking guests through their tastings of the Bartinney wines herself. Both the Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are fantastic and have received rave reviews from all who taste it.

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And there you have it – if you’re ever stuck with in the winelands with only time to spare for 1  wine estate, you have quite the list to choose from that will ensure a memorable visit! A big thank you to all the individuals who take part in this unique guest blog post.

]]> http://blog.travelconcepts.co.za/wine/only-time-to-visit-1-wine-estate-whilst-in-cape-town-part-2/2287/feed/ 2 http://blog.travelconcepts.co.za/wine/only-time-to-visit-1-wine-estate-whilst-in-cape-town-this-time-around-we-asked-the-wine-food-aficionado%e2%80%99s-rock-stars-and-the-%e2%80%9cwho%e2%80%99s-who%e2%80%9d-of-cape-town-to-give-us-the/2205/ http://blog.travelconcepts.co.za/wine/only-time-to-visit-1-wine-estate-whilst-in-cape-town-this-time-around-we-asked-the-wine-food-aficionado%e2%80%99s-rock-stars-and-the-%e2%80%9cwho%e2%80%99s-who%e2%80%9d-of-cape-town-to-give-us-the/2205/#comments Wed, 15 Dec 2010 06:19:01 +0000 kate http://blog.travelconcepts.co.za/?p=2205 We know that our many visitors to Cape Town want to taste some of the regions famous wines during their stay, but with so many other attractions to fit in and over 500 different wineries to try there is often little time to really get to grips with some of the best wine experiences

Last month we asked our team internally “if they were stopped in the street and asked by a tourist to recommend just one wine estate to visit whilst they were here, which one would it be and why?”

The article received lots of interest and comment, so this month we decided to pose the same question to fellow Cape Town personalities and industry colleagues in the know.

Jeremy de Tolly – guitarist and lead vocalist of cult South African rock band, The Dirty Skirts

“My favorite winery is the Thelema Estate just outside Stellenbosch. My personal favorites are The Mint Cabernet Sauvignon in winter, and either the Chardonnay or the Thelema Sutherland Sauvignon Blanc – nicely chilled – in summer. If I’m feeling lavish (and lush) then the Merlot Reserve is the way to go!”

What We Think

We also love Thelema as it’s situated at the top of the Helshoogte Pass between Stellenbosch and Franschoek and it is truly one of the most dramatic locations in the Western Cape! The wines are top class and with great restaurants like Tokara and Delaire as next door neighbours, one can combine fantastic wine with an amazing culinary experience!

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Stefane Kruger – Operations Manager at one of our favourite boutique spots, The Robertson Small Hotel.

“If you are celebrating a special birthday, occasion or just looking for a very unique or romantic experience, we recommend Waterkloof, the sky-scraping wine cellar between Stellenbosch and Somerset West with its panoramic and breathtaking views of False Bay!

They have a very bio-dynamic approach to winemaking and their new exclusive and expressive white wine, ‘Circle of Life’ brings you even closer to nature and its renewal every year. The vines and mountain fibs are magnificent with the Hottentots-Holland and Helderberg mountains as backdrop. The ‘cellar in the sky’ has a modern tasting room and you can see the open barrel cellar from the minute you enter the glass and concrete structure. The working cellar is visible and it is especially appealing to visitors during the harvest season.

The Restaurant sets the perfect environment for very memorable dining. The kitchen is open style and the cuisine has a bit of French style but with a modish twist. It really feels if you are at the centre of the farm, no matter if you are outside on the balcony or inside, enjoying good food and wine, you have a perfect view of ‘wine in the making’, from the vineyards to the cellar.”

What We Think

If you like great innovation, design, food and wine (not necessarily in that order) then Waterkloof should be on the list of locals and visitors alike, especially on a day when the skies are clear and the sun shining. With a new Michelin chef running the kitchen you can be sure that an amazing gastronomic exploration awaits you!

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Allister Kreft – founder of Under the Influence and W.E.O (Wine Excellence Officer)

“One of my favourite winery’s to visit is without a doubt Stark-Condè, winding up the picturesque Jonkershoek Valley outside Stellenbosch. Stark-Condè adjoins the previous Neil Ellis tasting room and what initially attracted me to taste these wines was a small sign saying “Stark-Condè – open at odd hours!” Fortunately, on our visit, Jose Condè, the winemaker and owner was in the cellar and we were treated to a tasting and tour of this remarkable property. The wines are absolutely sublime, with the concentrated yet beautifully balanced single vineyard Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon counting as my favourites. The new addition of a Japanese style tasting room in the middle of a beautiful dam adds even more contentment to a personal and delicious wine experience.”

What We Think

As a former graphic designer, winemaker Jose Condè not only produces a fantastic range of wines; he also delivered a minimalist and classic bottle label for Stark-Condè. If you’re still able to get your hands on a 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon – we would highly recommend it!

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Nick Solomon – Deputy General Manager at the exclusive Franschhoek hotel, La Residence

“Vrede en Lust on the Klapmuts Road just off the R45 that links Paarl and Franschhoek is one of my favourite wine estates. They have a fantastic tasting room with a stunning view over their vineyards and produce a lovely dry and light Rose which is going to be a great afternoon wine this summer. Their award winning “Boet Erasmus” red blend also makes the drive out worthwhile. They also offer an ‘enthusiast wine tasting’ which pairs their top range of wines with chocolate and cheese from their onsite cheese Deli ‘Cotage Fromage.’”

What We Think

Another historic estate that has now become one of the top wedding venues in the area. We also love a quiet lunch outside at Cotage Fromage

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Rapelang Rabana – Entrepreneur and Global Head of Research & Development, Telfree Mobile

“This is very tough decision, but I will have to go with the Glen Carlou wine estate between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. I found myself almost always starting the many Saturday wine tasting days with the girls, with a visit to Glen Carlou. And I always have to take a deep breath in looking at the magnificent views they have from the top of the hill. The tasting house is a beautiful structure and also has an art gallery. They produce notable great red and white wines, so everyone finds something they like and leaves happy. My own favourite is the classy Gravel Quarry Cabernet Sauvignon

What We Think

A new restaurant on the estate with stunning views out across the valley and to Paarl Rock in the distance now adds to the Glen Carlou experience. A great place to sit with a chilled glass of their high quality Quartz Stone Chardonnay

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Andy Fenner – Writer & Editor of “Jamie Who”, a blog about all things food (and sometimes more!)

(image courtesy of Andrew Brautseth – www.andrewbrauteseth.co.za)

“I reckon it’s a toss up between La Motte and Môreson on the outskirts of Franschhoek. I love both because of the great restaurants and the wine variety but they are both so different from each other. So…I guess the answer would be to go to both and appreciate the contrasts. One is slick, contemporary and flat-out cool. The other is rustic, charming and laid-back. Either way, you’ll have a great time.”

What We Think

The rustic but classy Bread and Wine restaurant at Môreson has long been one of our favourite lunchtime haunts in the wine lands and we have a number of bottles of La Motte Shiraz stored away in our cellar only to be opened for special occasions.

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David Cope – Blogger a.k.a “The Foodie”, wine maker and bacon fanatic

“With so many wineries around the Cape to visit, the first I’d recommend isn’t a glamorous estate with a 300 year history, award-winning architecture or impressive art collection. It’s a rustic, down-home farm of idiosyncratic winemaker Adi Badenhorst in The Swartland an hour North of Cape Town

Adi produces an award winning and eclectic range of wines (A.A. Badenhorst and Secateurs). You have to call in advance and then find your way into the middle of nowhereland, but once you’re there, you’ll get to taste superb wines, see some 50-year old vines growing in the soils and meet a winemaker who knows more than he likes to let on. Adi rocks the boat, not just because of his unconventional approach to winemaking and branding, but because he’s a genuine bloke who never takes himself too seriously. A good reason to head there. Well, that, and the great view from his farmhouse porch across the Paardeberg.”

What We Think

For those who love their wine we totally agree this is an absolute must of a visit. Adi Badenhorst is just one of a growing number of winemakers in the Swartland gaining a worldwide reputation. With neighboring wine estates including Eben Sadie and Lammershoek all close by you have the new powerhouse of South African wine in one small area.  We also highly recommend a visit to the arty town of Riebeek Kasteel and lunch at Bar Bar Black Sheep – a real country treat!

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Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for Part 2 as you can expect to hear more from an Incidental Tourist, a digital entrepreneur & marketer, a whisky maker and even the great grand daughter of an Italian Count!

KATE

KATE

Every time friends suggest we go wine tasting the first place that springs to mind is Warwick Wine Estate near Stellenbosch. Other than the amazing wine – I really love the history behind the estate and its diversity. As well as the excellent wine, the estate offers gourmet picnics created by renowned Chef Bruce Robertson and has introduced their “Big Five” wine safaris. I am a big fan of the fruity Professor Black Sauvignon Blanc in summer as well as The First Lady a smooth red – aptly honoring Norma Ratcliff the matriarch of this legendary wine making family. In winter I really look forward to the full bodied Cabernet Franc and of course the Warwick Trilogy their famous red blend.

MANDI

Haute Cabriere in Franschhoek is my favourite, it is historic, has beautiful views over the Franschhoek valley and being a lover of sparkling wine, they make a great bubbly. The wine cellar is dug deep into the mountain side and hosts a fine dining restaurant amongst the wine barrels, which makes a great location in which to combine a tasting with a romantic candlelit dinner.

CHRISTINA

For convenience and accessibility it just has to be the Constantia Valley which is just 20 minutes from Cape Town. From seven really great wine estates in this area, my favourite at the moment is Groot Constantia. The affluent valley itself just oozes examples of the Cape’s historic and colonial past and is a beautiful location in its own right Groot Constantia is at the heart of the valleys wine making history. The impressive Manor House and museum are well worth checking out and lunch at Jonkershuis Restaurant in summer on the terrace is a must do. You can also walk for hours through the vineyards and it’s also a good place for kids. Of the wines the Gouverneurs Reserve red blend is excellent and the Sauvignon Blanc is not far behind. Overall Groot Constantia is not just about the wine, but a look into Cape Town’s history and a sense of the good life.

YOLANDE

I also think the Constantia valley is really easy for visitors who want to taste some of our wine but have limited time and my suggestion is Steenberg Estate at the end of the valley. For those who like doing things in style, Steenberg not only has excellent wines, like the Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc/Semilion blend, but the winery is surrounded by a five star golf course, hotel and spa plus the award winning Caterina’s restaurant. The tasting room has recently been revamped and is now housed in a stunning modernistic building alongside the new bistro 1682 which is great for breakfast or early evening tapas. Very exclusive and stylish!

KIM

My favourite winery for an all round great tasting is Waterford Wine Estate, just outside Stellenbosch. Tucked away up a dirt road, it is in a beautiful tranquil location and as you enter the estate through an orchard of citrus trees, the architecture and layout has a real Tuscan feel. Kevin Arnold the winemaker makes some of South Africa’s very best wines; try the Cabernet Sauvignon and his signature Shiraz along with the chardonnay and the Heatherleigh desert wine

The best part about the tasting though is the opportunity pair it with a chocolate tasting and the combination of chocolate with rock salt and the Shiraz is delicious. If you have time book a wine tasting safari where the wine maker takes you personally on a two hour tour of the vineyards. On board an open topped Landrover, it’s a real exploration into the art of winemaking and takes in some beautiful scenery.

CHANTAL

It has to be Cape Point Vineyards close to the beach in Noordhoek only 30 minutes drive south of Cape Town. Not only do they make great white wine (try their Isliedh and Sauvignon Blanc), but it is easy to include a tasting here whilst exploring the beautiful Chapman’s Peak drive and you can pass it on the popular route to the Cape of Good Hope.

HANNES

I love the Raka Winery outside Stanford – whilst it is two hours from Cape Town it is worth the drive just to try their 2007 Biography Shiraz. I also love combining a visit to the winery with a chance to have lunch at Mariana’s kitchen in the village and a spot of whale watching in nearby Hermanus. If I have enough of the Shiraz next time, I might also have enough courage to go shark cage diving at Gans Baai just down the road.

RICHARD

My favourite changes every month as I explore more and more of our fabulous wine region but right now it is the Camberley wine farm situated on the Helgshoogte pass between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. No restaurants or other attractions here, this is a small family farm that lovingingly makes serious and quality red wine. Try their Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage and Shiraz. But if you are looking for a real surprise try the innovative Shiraz bubbly it is simply fantastic.  A great stop off point for anyone exploring Stellenbosch or Franchhoek, the scenery in the valley is breathtaking and why not combine a visit with lunch at exclusive the Delaire Graff estate just up the road.

Do you have a favourite wine farm that hasn’t been mentioned above? Let us know and why!

The Constantia Valley, just 20 minutes south of Cape Town is famous for its colonial history, its beauty, style and affluence. It’s a place where people enjoy the finer things in life.

Of course it’s also famous for its wine with some of the most historic wine estates in South Africa. There are also a couple of new boutique wineries making a name for themselves and high on the slopes above Constantia village one of them, Constantia Glen is producing wine that almost reflects the personality of the valley itself.

I had read that estate owner Gus Allen and winemaker Karl Lambour were focusing on quality wines for wine lovers, so living just ten minutes down the road I decided to give them a call and drop in for a tasting. The estate itself is the highest winery in the area and offers stunning views over the length of the beautiful Constantia valley and out over the sea to the mountains in the distance. Itself almost worth the visit just for the views

However when I arrived I soon realised this was to be a real little and large affair.

I had to look twice as I entered the estate office to be met by Karl who is one of the tallest men I had ever met and who quickly joked that he is the of  tallest wine makers in one of the smallest of vineyards! Gus followed that the vineyards are only 60 hectares in size; one of the smallest around, but location and climate makes it an exceptional piece of land on which to produce wines of the finest quality.

Their focus is also on “small is beautiful” producing just three wines and a limited release of each one, only using the best grapes and real attention to detail to ensure maximum quality. You won’t find large volumes of average drinking wines here; these guys are aiming for the best.

And so to the tasting and everything here was large, huge in fact, wines with big personality, great depth and bold flavours. The Sauvignon Blanc was excellent and is already winning many accolades as one of South Africa’s finest. I totally agree and I also loved the Constantia Saddle a red blend named after the summit of the hill just behind the vineyards. But the best, the absolute very best was the Constantia Glen a 2007 vintage just released. A Bordeaux blend of five varietals Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot it was simply awesome and for anyone who likes good wine this shouldn’t be missed. The good news is that in October the estate officially opens for tastings in the old stable block currently being renovated.

So as I drove away in love with a new wine and ready to bore anyone who would listen, I thought to myself if this wine really did reflect the personality of the valley itself, what would it look like as a “Constantia Man”? Prada shades- certainly, Gucci watch- absolutely,  a jumper around the neck and Italian loafers most probably! Ah the good things in life.

I was lucky enough recently to be invited to lunch at the new Restaurant, Blonde in Cape Town specifically to celebrate the release of the new chardonnays from the renowned Bouchard Finlayson winery in the Walker bay region. Not being the biggest Chardonnay fan in the world, I attended with a bit of trepidation and as it was quite a small gathering I found myself sat right next to ace winemaker Peter Finlayson himself, oops I better watch what I say about his wine.

But of course I needn’t have worried; his three latest chardonnay releases were like the man himself understated, but confident and engaging. Each was subtly different and he gave us a real insight into the nuances of their production and how they had been paired with the excellent food prepared by the team at Blonde.

Sometimes you just know it’s your lucky day and when Peter also surprised us with a bottle of his famous Galpin Peak Pinot Noir 2006, it rounded off a special occasion.

However little did she know that I had already hatched a cunning plan or that the guys at Under the Influence had inadvertently hatched it for me. When I rang to book, they told me they had just partnered with the Lexus dealership in Cape Town and the first 10 bookings were to be chauffeured to and from the tasting in a luxury vehicle – oh happy days!! So at 6pm a week later a brand new, gleaming, silver Lexus RX450 hybrid pitched up at our office and as the driver stepped out and said “Would you like to drive?”, I couldn’t resist a smirk at Mrs. Holt’s slack jawed look of surprise as she peered out of the upstairs window.

10 quick minutes later we arrived at our destination, the Roundhouse Restaurant overlooking Camps Bay where I eventually found and applied the handbrake “with my foot” and climbed out of the space age cockpit amid many bleeps, parps and flashes from the onboard computer. “Mummy can I have a new Lexus, please, pretty please, its only R800, 000!” It’s now winter in Cape Town and the nights are fair drawing in, so unlike last time when we sat on the lawns in the evening sun, we were now located in the Roundhouse Restaurant wine cellar surrounded by flickering candles and hundreds of bottles of the finest wine you could drink – very tempting.

But we were here tonight to get up close and personal with Mr. Pinotage, a red varietal, from grapes unique to South Africa and a wine guaranteed to polarise opinion and start arguments across many a wine bores dinner table! In the capable hands of Allister Kreft, (who does and should know a bit about wine, as his father Mike produces one of the best Cabernet Sauvignons in South Africa from just 5 hectares of vineyards at his Belfield farm in the Elgin valley), we learned more about this bastard child of South African wine. Literally born out of a clandestine liaison between pinot noir and hermitage (cinsaut) grapes back in the 1920’s, the first Pinotage wines were produced in South Africa in the 1940’s and since then it has always had a love it or hate appeal. Tonight was to be no different.

Richard Holt - admiring a Pinotage

Personally I have always had a bit of an affection with Pinotage, as a glass of Backsberg was my first ever taste of South African wine way back when, but the detractors say it lacks identity, takes on many forms and is hard to identify and has become a bit of a gimmick for those who are mass producing cheap South African wine. In all we tasted seven Pinotage varietals from different regions of the Western Cape and most fell into two distinct categories. Some I loved and some I hated, which very much summed up the views of the other twenty tasters in the group.

The good ones were serious wines, complex, dense and spicy and had spent some quality time in French oak. The ones I didn’t like to me were too light, “jammy”, insignificant and instantly forgettable. Some of them were also memorable for the wrong reasons because quite honestly I prefer my chocolate wrapped in silver foil with Cadburys stamped all over the wrapper, not in my wine!!!

Overall my three personal favourites on the night were the 2008 Camberley Pinotage which was “top of the pops” and of course the most expensive. It was chased very hard though by the Hartenberg 2006 and probably the best overall value at just R41.00 a bottle was the Man Vintners Pinotage from the Swartland region.

Another enjoyable evening almost over, I staggered out into the car park where surprisingly my chauffeur suggested I let him drive me home and as I slumped in the back seat in a red wine haze, did I dream it, or was that “voice activated” temperature change in the Lexus for real!!

Until next time.

For those who are keen to avoid the tourist masses and venture off the beaten track in search of a different wine tasting experience, there are some real hidden gems to be found in the winelands of the Western Cape and one of our particular favourites is the Elgin Valley.

The winelands are a major draw for most international visitors to Cape Town and for their first tasting most head out to Stellenbosch the unofficial capital of the wine region. However the wine lands are rapidly expanding, with new large commercial vineyards, boutique wineries and a growing garagiste movement now stretching out over 2 hours in all directions from Stellenbosch.

With over 400 wineries (and counting) and more than 6,000 different wines, there are now nine different official wine routes offering a diverse range of scenery, landscape and choices of things to do.

The Elgin Valley is still the centre of the apple producing industry in South Africa, but is now also home to a thriving wine industry and I recently ventured down its wine route less travelled on a two day tasting that I organised myself. I found an area characterised by small family farms, world class wines and top young wine makers, some real characters and a sense of peace away from the tourist path. All this nestled amongst the beauty of rolling hills, forests, rivers and rugged mountains.

Just 50 minutes South East of Cape Town we drove out along the N2 motorway, rising over the stunning Sir Lowry pass, which offers awesome views back over the expanse of False Bay to Table Mountain and Cape Point in the distance. Dropping down quickly into the Elgin Valley beyond, our first stop was the village of Grabouw.

Wines to look out for?

Our first tasting was at Shannon Vineyards next to the Rockview Dam, where from the family farm James Downes probably produces the best and most exclusive Pinot Noir in the country. A small boutique winery this is a real gem where James himself took us on a tour of the vines on his quad bike, explaining his own wine making philosophy, before taking us through a tasting himself. Hugely informative and interesting the wine itself is awesome. Watch out for his new release the Mount Bullet, named after the mountain overlooking the farm, a Merlot that is also bound to get a top rating.

A few minutes away Belfield is the smallest winery in the whole valley and literally is a family affair, where the Krefts are building an international reputation for their red wine from just five hectares of land. We sat with father and winemaker Mike in his living room, sampling the latest release of the 2006 Magnifica, a Cabernet Sauvignon that has been rated one of South Africa’s best. Magnificent it was too and at Belfield you enjoy a real warm welcome and unpretentious tasting experience, in fact I think Mike is genuinely surprised by how highly his wine is rated. But he is not about winning awards or status, this is a man who makes wine that he likes to drink and wants others to enjoy. No tourist bus to be seen here, but this is as authentic as it gets, we loved it and walked away with six bottles.

At the far end of the valley in the small village of Botrivier are two other small wineries that punch well above their weight and should not be missed. At the Luddite vineyards they exclusively produce Shiraz, the passion of winemaker Niels Verberg. Perched on the top of the hill overlooking the valley, the focus at Luddite is simply on quality and individuality and we sat in the new tasting room, with Neils sampling the 2005 Shiraz, a top rated wine which already has a cult following in South Africa and Europe. A real character Niels is famous in the valley and beyond, not least for shaving his head at the beginning of each harvest, he says he doesn’t have time to comb his hair. He also makes his wife Penny number each bottle of wine by hand and to ensure quality of his wine when he opens a bottle to taste, he drinks all of it before approval!! Fortunately after a small glass we managed to escape but we will be back to spend more time with this engaging man and his brilliant wine.

Just down the road our final stop was at another family concern the Beaumont winery, where son Sebastian is fast becoming one of South Africa’s top young winemakers. Chenin Blanc is Sebastian’s passion and the farm Hope Marguerite has already achieved 5 star ratings. Amongst a range of wines we tasted we also loved their 2006 Pinotage, the Goutte d’or a velvety dessert wine and the Ariane a red blend named after Sebastian’s sister, who took us on a tour of the farm including the recently restored water mill.

Other wineries that are well worth a visit are the Iona vineyards and Oak Valley for their Sauvignon Blanc and the Paul Cluver estate, the oldest vineyard in the area for their famous Chardonnay.

For all the wineries mentioned I recommend ringing beforehand to check they are open for tasting and it is also worth stopping at the Peregrine Farm stall in Grabouw where you can pick up a map of the wine route. Some of the wineries are not well signposted but it’s worth persevering.

Where to stay?

The wineries we stopped at can easily be visited in a day and you can still be back in Cape Town for dinner. However I think it is well worth an overnight stay to sample the beauty and charm of the region.

We stayed at South Hill guest house, a small, but modern and stylish four star property sat in the middle of its own vineyards. Run by Emma and Gordon Manuel, we were given five star treatment, including the honeymoon cottage, standing by itself in the vineyards at the edge of the lake where we even had our own private jetty.

Gordon is also a top class chef and lunch outside on the terrace was fantastic, made even more memorable as we were sat next to a table where the grandmother was celebrating her 101^st birthday.

Where to eat and drink?

South Hill restaurant is also open for dinner. It really is fine dining and has an excellent reputation amongst the locals.

For breakfasts we suggest the Jailhouse deli in Grabouw, where eggs Benedict and healthy muesli and fresh fruits, were washed down with proper cappuccino.

The Highlands Road Wine Estate deli does excellent outdoor lunches, including local cheeses and crusty breads on a deck overlooking the dam.

There are also two excellent Farm stalls the Peregrine and the Houw Hoek both on the main road through that valley that serve excellent home cooked lunches and sell fresh breads, pies, fruits and jams.

Where to play?

We think a trip here is all about adapting to the pace of the valley, taking it slow and enjoying the scenery and the surroundings. However for the more adventurous, hiking trails, kayaking and quad biking activities are amongst the pursuits on offer.

On the way back?

If you are in a rush to get back to Cape Town then the N2 motorway gets you back quickest, but if you want to explore there are two alternative routes that we highly recommend.

The first is a stunning drive along the coast, with the mountains on one side and the vast expanse of False Bay on the other. From Botriver, head to the coastal town of Kleinmond (a great place to stop for lunch at the simple fish restaurants). From there the route takes you through quirky fishing villages like Pringle Bay and Bettys Bay, before winding its way along the coast to Gordons Bay where it rejoins the N2. This route takes on average around 2 hours.

The second route is just as dramatic and scenic but takes you inland and also takes around 2 hours back to Cape Town. From the village of Grabouw, take the road towards Villiersdorp which meanders through farmland before reaching a huge dam that provides Cape Town with its water. From there follow the signs to Franschhoek and the road which hugs the contours of the dam, before rising into the hills and the dramatic Franschhoek mountain pass.

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