16
WINE REAL
My Summer GUIDE 2019
ESTATE
GUIDE TO THE HEMEL-EN-AARDE T
he Walker Bay wine district’s most important road, the Hemel-en-Aarde R320, winds its way through South Africa’s premium cool climate wine region. It offers visitors to the area the opportunity to experience world-renowned Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, as well as some of our country’s best Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz, as well as innovative blends. The R320 Wine Route unites the passion and reputation of many wineries, each producing small volumes of uncompromising, premium quality wines. With vineyards deriving maximum beneit from the high elevation and cool sea breezes, this region is celebrated for its unique terroir and maritime climate that results in countless local and international accolades and awards for its wines. Carefully and sustainably managed vineyards, the unspoiled natural beauty of the mountains, ocean and blue skies of Walker Bay, guarantee visitors a thrilling, memorable experience. You will be warmly welcomed at the tasting venues on the various wine estates along this route, with each of them offering one or more of the following – wine tastings, platters, meals, nature walks and cellar tours. WINE VILLAGE The wine route is reached by way of the Sandbaai trafic lights, where the R43 to Hermanus and the R320 to Caledon intersect. Turning towards Caledon, you can look forward to a smooth ride – the gravel road is a thing of the past and the entire route is now tarred. The gateway to the wine route is The Village, where you will ind the irst two wineries, as well as Wine Village. This iconic wine shop is owned by Paul and Cathy du Toit who, over the past 20 years, have built up one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of South African wines.
Southern Right produces a popular Sauvignon Blanc and a Pinotage with labels depicting the Southern Right Whale. A portion of the proceeds of the sales of these wines goes to the conservation of their namesake.
WHALE HAVEN
BOUCHARD FINLAYSON
The cellar is open Monday – Friday 09:00 – 17:00 and Saturday 10:00 – 14:00. Closed on Sunday, 25 & 26 December and 1 & 2 January. Call 028 312 1318. BARTHO EKSTEEN WIJNSKOOL Whalehaven was named after the protective bay that shelters breeding Southern Right Whales in the cool Cape winter months. Wines here are made with grapes from the Bottega family farm, Da Capo Vineyards in Somerset West, and their vineyards in Hemel-en-Aarde. At the Wine Experience Centre in The Village interesting pairings are offered – try the artisan chocolate pairing or the jam pairing for something different. To book call 028 316 1633. Open for tasting and sales, Monday - Saturday 10:00 – 17:00 and Sunday 10:00 – 16:00. Closed on Christmas Day.
Bartho Eksteen Wijnskool is opposite the entrance to Southern Right. Here you’ll ind award-winning wines in a picturesque location that echoes the beauty of the offerings. The Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, home to the Bartho Eksteen farm, is where Bartho, his wife Suné and their son Pieter Willem run their business, 4 km from the Atlantic Ocean and the pretty coastal town of Hermanus, in the Walker Bay Wine Region. The area has been dubbed South Africa’s Monaco and the best land-based, whale-watching location in the world.
HERMANUSPIETERSFONTEIN Hermanuspietersfontein, also in The Village a little further down Village Lane, is known for its remarkable Sauvignon Blancs, Bordeaux, and for its iconic Afrikaans wine names. An interesting selection of wine tastings – with quirky titles that include Kaalvoet Meisie and Skoonma, to name only two - range from R10 per wine to R50 for four to ive wines. And ask about the Macaroon Tasting.
LA VIERGE Open Monday – Saturday 10:00 – 16:00 for wine tastings, light meals and a scenic view. Try Mana’ for farm-fresh, homemade, dishes served with old-fashioned hospitality - and Die Meester’s exceptional wines. Open Thursday - Saturday 12:00 – 15:00. To book call 076 760 1104 or 072 323 5060 or email wijnskool@hermanus.co.za HAMILTON RUSSELL VINEYARDS
Hamilton Russell Vineyards is recognised for planting the irst vines in the Hemel-enAarde Valley, in 1975. The famed estate specialises in producing two acclaimed wines – Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The elegant and highly individual wines are world-renowned and can be tasted on the stoep of the charming tasting room overlooking a dam.
SOUTHERN RIGHT
Wine Village is open every day, Monday Friday 09:00 - 18:00, Saturday 09:00 - 17:00 and Sunday 10:00 - 15:00... or until the last customer leaves! It will be closed on Christmas Day. Call 028 316 3988 or email wineofice@hermanus.co.za
Bouchard Finlayson’s lagship wine is the Galpin Peak Pinot Noir, for which celebrated winemaker Peter Finlayson has won many awards. Repeated vintages of this path-blazing wine continue to relect a true celebration of Pinot-crafting. Other varieties include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, a popular white blend and hearty reds. Charcuterie and cheese platters are available for between tastings or after a hike along the fynbos trails. There are three route options and energetic holiday hikers can choose between a guided or self-guided walk, but be sure to pre-book. The tasting room is open Monday - Friday 09:30 – 17:00 and Saturday 10:00 – 13:00. Closed on Sunday, and all public holidays. Call 028 312 3515.
Open Monday – Friday 09:00 – 17:00 (last tasting starts at 16:15). Die Markie - a food and wine market that comfortably seats up to 400 guests - is open on Saturday 09:00 – 14:00. Closed on Sunday and on 24 & 25 December as well as on 31 December and 1 January. Call 028 316 1875. Together with their friendly and knowledgeable staff, the Du Toits will help you ind the right wines, as well as brandies, gins and spirits, to suit your taste and pocket. They also offer daily tastings and can deliver to your door worldwide.
14:00. Closed on Sunday, 25 & 26 December and 1 & 2 January. Taste four wines at R50 pp. Call 028 312 1791.
La Vierge specialises in producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from their grapes, grown in Hemel-en- Aarde Ridge. The range also includes a Bordeaux blend, Sangiovese, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling. La Vierge Restaurant and champagne Veranda offer breath-taking views – ideal for a romantic sundowner and a game of boule. From 15 December – 15 January it is open daily for wine tasting 10:00 – 19:00 (a selection of four wines at R30 pp). The restaurant (Chef Bruce Henderson) is open for lunch every day 11:00 – 16:00, and for dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings (unless there is a private function). It will be closed on 25 December and 1 January, and after 8 January the restaurant will be closed on Monday. To book call 028 313 2007.
Open for wine tasting and sales, Monday - Friday 09:00 – 17:00 and Saturday 10:00 –
10
Seven Springs
17
