Winelands & Wine tasting – Grapes from the Cape
The Stellenbosch wine route is the most famous of the country and the wine region of Stellenbosch includes 106 cellars - most of them can be visited.
Enjoy a long day of wine tasting and wine buying and you will taste more than our great wines - you'll taste a little bit of the South African way of life. The first on the list will be, of course, the Vergelegen wine estate in Somerset West. The rest is depending on your taste and your ideas, therefore we help you with tips and information (e.g. Spier with the cheetah outreach, the centre with the birds of prey, the picnic area around the duck pond and the Moyo restaurant - very informative and more touristic -- or Ernie Els' wine farm - more modern and sophisticated or Waterford or Avontuur .....). We have a few of our wine tours listed for you so you get an idea of what is offered.
Dellrust – Hazendal – Fairview – Wilderer – Laibach
On Thursday 23rd March 2006 did we (Heinz, Regina and Elke) drive the Somerset West Main Road in the direction of Faure to
Dellrust wine farm. (www.wine.co.za/Directory/Winery.aspx?PRODUCERID=3579)
Lower Rustenberg, the home of Dellrust wines is a historic farm in the Helderberg area. The Bredell family started over 100 years ago to cultivate vineyards. Albert Bredell completes the 5th Generation in the proud family that continues with the family tradition of wine production. The old wine cellars have been restored and modernized for a high-quality production of red and white wines. Onder Rustenberg (lower Rustenberg) is located in the southeastern foothills of the Helderberg Mountain and for the vines is this cool position useful to mature the grapes better. In the vineyards different red wines like Shiraz, Pinotage, Merlot and Ruby Cabernet are planted. White vines include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc. Currently, only a carefully selected part of the entire harvest is sold under the Dellrust label. We did taste very good wines.
After that we drove a short distance along the R 44 until we turned left at the Mooiberge Farm stall into the Annandale Street. We traveled further on the R 310 and could view the spring bocks, ostriches and antelopes grazing at the farm. We passed Stellenbosch on the R 304 and turned left onto the M23 which is called Bottelary Road. Here we turned right into the Hazendal wine estate. www.hazendal.co.za. Established in 1699, Hazendal was purchased in 1994 by Russian born entrepreneur Dr Mark Voloshin, who restored the historic estate to its former glory.
The unique blend of Russian inspiration and Cape Dutch style is reflected in the wines produced on the estate. Hazendal guests are encouraged to enjoy the exquisite cuisine in the elegant Hermitage Restaurant (open daily for breakfast & lunch). Guests can also enjoy wine tasting, a tour through the Marvol Museum featuring a fascinating insight into Russian culture with authentic icons and artwork (e.g. Faberge eggs).
We agreed that Hazendal wine estate has one of the most beautiful architecture, as you can imagine how people lived here years ago and how they celebrated in style in glittering robes. The wonderful painted ceiling of the restaurant is very impressive as is the Samowar in the lounge in front of the fireplace. We liked the high thatched roofs and the cape dutch buildings. The name Hazendal was chosen because when it becomes quiet in the evening, when the restaurant closes and the visitors are gone then the hares come and gather in the lawns.
We left on the Bottelary road into the direction of Paarl and took the M15 to the N1. First we visited Fairview (www.fairview.co.za): The home of Fairview wines is a 300ha farm on the south-west-facing slopes of Paarl Mountain, a granite rock outcrop in the heart of the Paarl wine district, virticulturally among the most historic and influential areas of the Cape winelands. Standing among the lavender beds in the terraced front garden of the winery, you’ll look out across rolling fields and see distant flat-topped Table Mountain. Winemaking on the farm can be traced back to 1699, not quite a half-century after the first European settlers arrived in southern Africa. But its wines entered the modern era with the first bottling under the Fairview label in 1974 by the Back family, owners since 1937. Today, some three decades later, grandson Charles Back II has brought Fairview wines to world markets. One of South Africa’s pre-eminent vintners, he has earned Fairview a reputation for consistent quality across a range of innovative styles (Fairview, Spice Road, Goats do Roam and Agostinelli), using both classic and unusual varieties. And he has helped pioneer a modern culture of wine growing in South Africa that embraces typicity of terroir, unrestricted by ‘estate’ appellation, by both developing his own vineyards to their full potential and seeking out new viticultural sites to grow fruit for wines to please popular tastes and discerning palates.
The goats tower between the parking area and the main house is a landmark and the goats can be very funny looking out of the tower or climbing up there. You can taste very good wines and delicious cheeses in the big tasting room or you can enjoy a mouthwatering meal in the restaurant.
We stopped at Wilderer’s distillery to buy a bottle of Williams pear schnapps and a bottle of Grappa Pinotage.
The journey continued on the R 301 and the R 44 back to Stellenbosch to visit Laibach (www.laibach.co.za) a wine farm with a reputation of producing quality wines. On the slopes of the Simonsberg, one of South Africa's prime wine-growing areas for noble cultivars, the Laibach family from Germany practices sustainable wine-farming since 1994. Deep red soils anchor the vines at Laibach in a firm, sustaining embrace. No irrigation is needed. Laibach's 40 hectares of vineyards are planted on the North-East facing slopes of the Simonsberg that offer an excellent angle for sun exposure, the key to photosynthetic efficiency and flavour development. Since 1994 they replanted the entire vineyards to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinotage, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Chardonnay. Through meticu-lous pruning they limit each vine to an average of 16 buds versus the typical 36 buds per vine. In their new vineyards, very little has been left to chance - aside from the weather. A substantial portion of the grapes is grown organically. A myriad of Ladybirds is keeping the mealybugs under control.
We tasted the award winning Merlot and we came to the same opinion as the experts that it is a excellent wine.
Afterwards we drove home on the R 44 and on the whole tour we took a lot of photos.
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Ernie Els – Delheim - Fairview
On Tuesday 28th March 2006 we (Dietmar, Gabriele, Martina and Elke) went on a wine tour:
It took us on the R 44 in the direction of Stellenbosch on the intersection at the Mooiberge, the farm-stall best know for the strawberries and the Legion of Scarecrows deployed in the surrounding strawberry fields (you can’t miss it!) we turned right into Annandale Road. That is the way that takes you to Ernie Els wine estate (www.ernieels.com/ernielswines); up the mountain and over many speed bumps. As we arrived we had to wait for a tractor that was laden with fresh harvested grapes. After another 8 meters further-on we found a parking spot in the shade.
Jean Engelbrecht and Ernie Els have founded the Engelbrecht Vineyards in 1999 and opened their dream cellar in 2004 to the public. When friendship and experience in their professions (golf & wine) met, the goal was made to create excellent wines. They have established a magnificent portfolio of South African red wines, housed under four separate brands to offer quality wines for everyone at various different price-points. Ernie’s passion for these wines, combined with proprietor Jean Engelbrecht’s knowledge and expertise, and winemaker Louis Strydom’s considerable talents, has proved a winning combination. Ernie Els Wines have won plaudits and many prestigious awards around the world and the team continues to make a big impact on both, the South African and international wine markets. The flagship Ernie Els is a signature Bordeaux style blend of all five varieties. Engelbrecht Els Vineyards is a Proprietor's Blend combining Ernie's Bordeaux style pallet and Jean's love for Shiraz. Cirrus is a joint venture Jean pioneered with the Duncan family of Napa, California. Guardian Peak is a range of red wines made in a fruit-driven style for early enjoyment.
We tasted 3 different red wines. The first one was a blend of Shiraz and Viognier, the second red wine was the Ernie Els 2002 from 61 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 24 % Merlot, 5 % Malbec, 5 % Cabernet Franc and 5 % Petit Verdot; and the third wine was named Engelbrecht Els 2003 from 55 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 21 % Shiraz, 4 % Merlot, 9 % Petit Verdot, 2 % Cabernet Franc and 9 % Malbec. All three are rather heavy wines.
The wines' blends are to combine the two tastes of Ernie (Bordeauy style) and of Jean (Shiraz-based style).
We continued the tour on the R 44 through Stellenbosch and after a few kilometers you turn right onto the T25 – Knoorrhoek. At the end of this road at the foot of the Simonsmountains the wine estate Dellheim (www.delheim.com) is situated. A family-run wine farm, which was founded by Hans Hoheneisen, the uncle of Michael “Spatz” Sperling in 1949. He named the farm after his wife Deli (Deli’s Heim = Delheim).
We went into the restaurant when the ladies came back from Pallazo Pipi (the toilet is named like this) and sat under a huge Jacaranda tree on the terrace in the beautiful garden. The scent of the roses and the quacking noise of the geese (to fight off the Jack Russel dogs) and of the ducks did make us feel right at home. After lunch we went into the downstairs cellar and tasted some different wines which included the famous “Spatzendreck” and “Gabriele”. On the way back to the car we met Mr and Mrs Sperling.
We drove back onto the R 44 until we turned right onto the R101 towards Paarl.
We visited Fairview again (see above description) and tasted some more fabulous wines and cheeses. Robert (the previous owner of Paarl’s well known steak restaurant) invited us to stay and celebrate his 60th birthday with him, but unfortunately Elke had to go home to her children.
Wine estates, that I know (in no specific order) and a short description
Vergelegen wine estate: a MUST in Somerset West if you ask me. Vergelegen was granted to the Governor of the Cape in 1700. This historic property is now coming into its own as a showpiece of South Africa’s recent wine renaissance. Winer maker, Andre van Rensburg has won numerous awards. Visitors to Vergelegen can experience the pastoral tranquility of the extensive gardens and absorb the history of Cape cultural heritage from the displays of the homestead and Library. Whilst there, lunch a la carte at the Lady Phillips restaurant, al fresco in the Rose Terrace or take a luxurious picnic in the magical settings of an ancient camphor-wood forest. You can also just walk around or relax. When you enter the estate through the souvenir shop you step into the courtyard with rosebushes and a little water fountain. You can take the way to your right to the homestead that is a typical Cape Dutch building furnished with antiques to demonstrate live in the old days. Leaving the house on the other side you step onto a terrace and you will be confronted from the most impressive and really huge camphor trees. They are declared national Monuments.
Morgenster Winefarm: The 300-year-old wine estate was once part of the thriving farm, Vergelegen. After van der Stel's recall in 1708, the property was divided into four. The section now known as Morgenster was bought by Jacques Malan, a Huguenot who had fled religious persecution in France and was to found a dynasty in the Cape. It was he who gave the farm its name. Some 14 years later he handed over the property to his son Daniel, who was to father a family of 13 children.
Giulio Bertrand, who bought the farm in 1992, immediately set about restoring Morgenster. Apart from olive trees, the Morgenster hillside today boasts the classic red grape varieties - Merlot, Cabernet sauvignon and Cabernet franc, and a state-of-the-art wine cellar. The scallop-mounted morning star from the front gable of the homestead has been adopted as the Morgenster logo The farm cultivates olives according to Italian tradition. You can taste and by hand olives, olive spread and award winning olive oil (the first South African olive oil to receive the prestigious L'Orciolo d'Oro award). Of course they also produce wine.
Lourensford: Established by Willem Adrian van der Stel in 1700, the proud winemaking traditions of this estate were revived when it was purchased by Dr. Christo Wiese in 1998. The property also boasts a brand new wine cellar, utilizing technology unique in the Southern Hemisphere, and already pressing more than 1500 tons, where dedicated wine makers ply their trade. Meticulous selection of grapes combined with minimum handling and the use of gravity during vinification form the basis of a singular philosophy of quality. Lourensford Estate offers a unique sensory and taste experience, from delicious nougat and wine tasting, a world class cheesery, a coffee roastery, to a charming restaurant (Oak tree) and art gallery. At Lourensford there’s something for every connoisseur!
Lanzerac: situated in the Jonkershoek valley in Stellenbosch you can find here a very nice wine tasting room on a traditional wine estate with a wonderful renovated manor house and a charming hotel. The atmosphere made me feel at home.
Avontuur: just outside Somerset on the R 44 (connects Somerset West and Stellenbosch). Famous for its marvelous range of wines and excellent thoroughbred of studs. The restaurant offers delicious food and you can sit enjoying the view over the valley from the inside or on the terrace.
Eikendal: also on the R 44 it embraces 25 years of dedicated winemaking by the Swiss family, Saager. Superb wines, a very good restaurant which serves a tasty cheese fondue in “winter”. The wine baptism is an annual festival for everybody to be enjoyed.
Asara: it is an old historic wine estate, that has been extensively reinvigorated under the ownership of Markus Rahmann. In February 2008 the new luxury hotel, gourmet restaurant, cigar & whisky lounge and tapas bar opened to the public. The wine tasting room is very comfortable and at the next door farm stall you can choose from a variety of bread, chees, chocolate, cakes, pralines, ice cream and other delicacies as well as kitchen wear and porcelain.
Backsberg: wine estate with excellent and good tasting wines and superb restaurant, wherer you can enjoy a delicious spit braai lamb and famous roast potatoes or choose from the menu. If you walk past the tasting room the path leads you to Tomes Chocolates. Here you indulge in pralines and chocolates which are hand made. And I as certified choco-holic can tell you that they are excellent (e.g. Amarula or with chilli or apple & cinnamon……..)
Glen Carlou: Glen Carlou was established in 1985 by one of the country’s most revered winemakers, the pioneering Walter Finlayson. In 1994 he was joined by his son David and together the Finlaysons have built the winery’s reputation and stature to become one of South Africa’s premier wine producers. Today it continues to flourish under the ownership of the international Hess Group.
And in the cellar our winemaker David Finlayson and his team join forces with nature to create three distinctive wine ranges. Very very good quality wines in a modern but distingtive wine estate where you can sit and enjoy the view over the complete valley while you pick something from the menu of the Zen restaurant.
Anura: 120 hectares under vineyards with predominately noble red varieties. The farms total production is on average 800 tons of fruit to make top class wines. Taste the forest hill cheese range and/or relax at the Lilly Pad Restaurant.
House of J.C. le Roux: Situated at the end of the picturesque Devon Valley Road, it offers some of South Africa's best sparkling and Cap Classique wines. Daily Cellar tours allow visitors to view the entire Méthode Cap Classique process - a time-honoured method that has been used to make French champagne for centuries - from the creation to the completion of each masterpiece.
Bein Wine Cellar: the smallest wine cellar in the Cape, where former veterinary doctors and now-winemakers Ingrid and Luca Bein create their fine Merlot wines from their own little vineyard in naturally exclusive quantities. Visit them for a tour or even join them for a guided walk on their donkey-trail through the vineyards of the scenic Polkadraai Hills.
Bilton Wines: at the Annandale Road, nice and quiet situated wine farm with a place where children can play, climb, jump and let off steam by running around.
The first vines were planted in 1726 and today an old wine cellar, dated 1824, still graces the Estate. It has been restored and transformed into a stylish tasting room.
Blaauwklippen: situated on the R 44 just before Stellenobshc. Owned by the Arabella group to which also the Paulaner on the Waterfront belongs. That means you can have a German beer at the restaurant, in case you want to drink something other than wine. Of course Blaauwklippen offers a wide varity of very good wins and a large tasting room. You should pay a visit to the horse-drawn carriages in the charming museum or even enjoy the ride.
Delaire Winery: best known as „Vineyards in the Sky“. It is situated on the crest of the Helshoogte Pass (from Stellenbosch towards Franschhoek) and overlooks the magical Banghoek Valley. With the renaissance of Delaire well underway in the shape of a brand new winery and restaurant complex. Sample award winning wines whilst enjoying a wonderful meal in the restaurant with its breathtaking views.
Hartenberg: a large variety of white and red wines (including weisser Riesling). Light lunches can be enjoyed throughout the year. On warmer days they are served in the gardens and on cold days indoors in a cosier setting.
Tokara: award winning wines, olive oil varietals and the Potstill brandy. Indulge in fine dishes prepared by the renowned chef while admiring the picturesque mountains and breathless views.
Waterford: First you see and smell the lemon trees and lavender bushes, than you walk into the courtyard of the estate you could easily think you are in Italy or France. Wine tasting can be combined with chocolate as your taste bud and mood likes it.
Dornier: a boutique wine estate in modern loft style with a magnificent view. The Bodega Restaurant and the wine tasting room in the cape-dutch style building with the choice to sit inside or outside and enjoy the scenery
de Trafford: a family owned winefarm situated at the Mont Fleur farm at the end of the bumpiest road of the region. High quality wines produeced with caring craftsmanship and the Chenin Blanc has a arty label made by Rita Trafford.
Bergkelder – Vinoteque: a very good variety of the different wines: Fleur du Cap,
Fleur du Cap, Neethlingshof, Allesverloren, Alto, Jacobsdal, Nederburg, Le Bonheur, Uitkyk, Zonnebloem, Durbanville Hills, Stellenzicht, Tukulu, Two Oceans... Wine tours on offer. The cellar also house a wine museum, the unique Vinoteque Wine Bank (where you can store your wines) and a shop.
Delvera: wine merchant, nursery, La Masseria cheese, Dirtopia mountainbike and hiking trails.
Vineyards – mountain passes – historical museums
from Paarl to Worcester and Wellington
Drive slowly along the vineyards to Paarl and visit the language monument. Taste wine at one of the numerous wine estates (e.g. Fairview or Seidelber…) or take a guided tour at KWV (KWV was established as a private wine co-operative in 1918 to stabilise the South African wine industry and it markets and produces wine and Brandy worldwide). Visit the Victor Vester Prison, known that is was the last place holding Nelson Mandela in captivity. In the year 1984 Mandela was moved from Robben Island into Pollsmor prison and from there in 1988 to Victor Vester prison, where he lived in a private villa inside the prison complex until his release on 11th February 1990.
To go over the great Drakenstein Mountains you can either take the scenic Du Toits Kloof pass or drive via the Hugenot Tunnel on the N1. There you come to the fruitful Breede River Valley. Drive into Worcester and visit the Kleinplasie open air museum (ideal for youg and old). At the small village Goudini you can cross the Slanghoek Valley on your way to the formidable Elandshoek mountains over the spectacular narrow Bainskloof pass. This pass leads you in the beautiful village of Wellington. Further south you drive through Paarl and back to the guest house.
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