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Winederous 29 November, 2012
EDITORIAL COMMENT
Almost there! Summer has been slow to arrive in our neck of the woods this year and at the same time the year itself seems to be dragging its feet. These days I’m often transported back to those intermina ble car journeys of my childhood, when I would wail at regu lar intervals, “Are we there yet?” Because, quite honestly, I’m beat. It’s definitely time for a holiday and I have to keep reminding myself that we’re almost there. To me, holiday is synonymous with the Christmas season. If I take leave at any other time of the year it might feel like a break but somehow it never feels like a real holiday. The Christmas markets, the decorations, the presents, the festive food and drink – I’m looking forward to it all. So check out the upcoming events on this page and in our diary on page 3, and let’s see the year out on a festive note. Even when you don’t feel like being surrounded by the madding crowd wherever you go, there are more than enough destinations to choose from in this beautiful corner of the world – like the wide open spaces of the Breede kloof and Worcester wine routes, the largely undisco vered charms of the newly launched Elgin wine route or the rural bliss of the Stanford wine route. Until our last edition which appears on 20 December, here’s wishing you all a hap py summer holiday,
hedda.mittner @hermanustimes.co.za
WINE NEWS
Summer in S’bosch Valley This not-to-be-missed holiday highlight takes care of your festive season entertainment when participating wineries in the Stellenbosch Valley – a sub route of the Stellenbosch American Express® Wine Routes – treat holidaymakers and locals alike to a jampacked programme of attractions, including wine and food pairings, markets, braais and entertainment for all tastes and ages. A foremost Winelands destination, Stellenbosch Valley is home to a myriad of renowned wine estates, hotels and restaurants such as Asara, Spier, Brenaissance, Zevenwacht, Jordan, Middelvlei and The House of JC Le Roux, and was crowned South Africa’s finest winegrowing area at the Novare SA Terroir Wine Awards 2012. The diversity of the wine producers in the valley offers a unique wine experience, as they range from small boutique wineries to iconic wine brands and boast scores of local and international accolades. Highlight events on this year’s programme include: . A royal six-course Food & Wine Pairing Dinner on 12 December at Zevenwacht Estate, when the winemaker will pair rare wines with chef
Join us for the R750 000 Avontuur Estate Fililies Guineas
Saturday, 8 December, 12h00-18h00 at Kenilworth Race Course. Choose between stylish VIP tickets, perfect for a group of friends or a year-end function @ R350 pp. (Includes themed venue, buffet, barrista service, wine tasting, cheese corner and access to the parade ring).
or
Bookings: Moerieda at info@avontuurestate.co.za
Bring the whole family for a free fun day with 8 different countries exhibiting, free kiddies entertainment, live music, dancing, arts & craft stalls, a beer garden and great eats! Free entrance.
For more information: +27 21 855-3450
www.avontuurestate.co.za
info@avontuurestate.co.za
Wesley Peters’ signature dishes. The estate will also entice visitors with chocolate truffle & wine pairings throughout the festival. . An interactive Wine & Pizza Pairing Evening on 13 December at Brenaissance’s new Café Blanc de Noir, when estate wines will be expertly paired with a selection of homemade, gourmet pizzas. . A Dinner & Dance hosted at the Devon Valley Hotel on 14 December with SylvanVale wines in aid of Stellenbosch Animal Welfare. . An authentic Pure Food Christmas Market at Asara on 17 December when selected food purveyors will be selling their seasonal delights for you to top up the larder in style. With tables brimming with organic vegeta-
bles, gourmet sausages, local cheeses and artisan beers, this market day is ideal for that last-minute Christmas shopping and with music and kiddies entertainment it is a perfect day out for the family. Other interesting “must-do’s” on the summer programme include sundowners in the vineyards and guided safari-style vineyard tours at Jordan; wine and salt canapé pairings at Die Bergkelder; Swiss delicacies on Polkadraai presented by Bein Private Cellar; a farm market at Dormershire and bubbly pairings at The House of JC Le Roux. Middelvlei will keep families and friends entertained with their popular boerebraai, sunset carols and a steak braai whilst youngsters can enjoy an Introduction to the World of Wine (non-alcoholic experience), boeresport fun and a marshmallow braai. For more information about the 2012 Summer in Stellenbosch Valley contact the Stellenbosch American Express® Wine Routes at 021 886 8275; send an email to events@wineroute.co.za, or visit www.wineroute.co.za. You can also follow Summer in Stellenbosch Valley on Twitter @SBoschValley and Facebook.
Winederous 29 November, 2012
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Diary - December Friday 30 November – Sunday 2 December
Magic of Bubbles: Local Cap Classique producers, along with their French counterparts from the Champagne region in France, will present their best bubblies over three fun-filled, festive days in a grand marquee situated on the manicured lawns surrounding the Huguenot Monument in Franschhoek. Visitors to the festival will be treated to a range of gastronomic delights presented by local restaurants and wineries. Tickets cost R200 and include a complimentary tasting glass and a payment card with 10 tasting vouchers. Children under 18 years enter free. Book through www.webtickets.co.za. For more information visit www.franschhoekbubbly.co.za.
Saterdag 1 Desember
Blue Rock-gospelfees: ’n Fees van musiek, kos, wyn en kindervermaak sal sorg vir ’n onvergeetlike dag wanneer die Blue Rock-gospelfees op die Blaauwklippenwynlandgoed by Stellenbosch gehou word. Bekendes soos Louis Brittz, Rouchelle Liedemann, Neville D, Ivan Siegelaar, Anders, Louis Loock van Romanz, Onbeskaamd en Heinz Winckler gaan by die fees van 10:00 tot 21:00 optree. Daar sal ’n spesiale mark wees met alles van vars produkte tot smaaklike kos en wyn, kuns, handwerk, modes en dekor. Feesgangers kan ’n heerlike piekniek op die gras geniet terwyl die kunstenaars optree. Kaartjies is beskikbaar by Computicket en kos R100 (volwassenes) en R50 (kinders onder 12). Dit sluit toegang vir die hele dag en alle vertonings in. Skakel 079 716 4593 of stuur ’n e-pos na bookings@nuelight.co.za vir meer inligting.
Saturday 1 – Sunday 2 December
Elegantly Elgin Open Wine Weekend: The open wine weekends of the newly launched Elegantly Elgin Wine Route are the perfect way to experience the wines of the valley and discover why this region is fast becoming a most celebrated wine-producing area of the Cape. The theme for December’s open weekend is ‘Chardonnay Celebration’ and the cellar doors of all 17 estates will be open on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 16:00. Combine your visit to the Elgin Valley with the familyfriendly one-day Hope Music Festival on World Aids Day, when the Parlotones and Watershed will be headlining at the Elgin Grabouw Country Club. Bring a picnic or enjoy the gourmet food and wines on offer while relaxing in the beautiful lakeside setting. The concert starts at 15:00 and tickets are R150 per person; R80 for children. Available from Computicket.
Donderdag 6 Desember
Die Bergkelder proe-ervaring met JC Le Roux: Proe saam met wynmaker John November die reeks bekroonde J.C. Le Roux Cap Classiques, gevolg deur ’n ligte aandete. Die proe word by Die Bergkelder-wynsentrum aangebied en kos R80 per persoon (ligte aandete ingesluit). Die aand se verrigtinge begin om 17:30 vir 18:00. Bespreek vooraf by
021 809 8025. Hierdie wynproe-aand is deel van ’n reeks proë wat by Die Bergkelder plaasvind. Almal wat op hierdie aande wyne aankoop sal in aanmerking kom vir talle prystrekkings.
Friday 7 December
Carols by Candlelight at Laborie: Celebrate the start of the festive season by heading off to Laborie Wine Farm where Father Christmas will be on hand to entertain the little ones and a beautifully decorated Christmas tree will twinkle along with the stars. CrissCross will keep visitors entertained with popular traditional Christmas carols as they lay out their blankets and picnic baskets on the immaculate and sprawling lawns. The gates will open at 17:00, with the carols commencing at 18:30. Entrance fee is R50 for adults and R20 for children over 12. Booking can be done at www.webtickets.co.za. Picnic hampers, excluded from the ticket price, can be pre-booked and cost R250 for adults (for two people sharing) and R75 for children. Contact Harvest Restaurant on 021 8073095 or e-mail info@laboriewines.co.za. No alcohol will be allowed onto the property, but visitors will be able to purchase wines and Laborie MCC at cellar door prices.
Saturday 8 December
Slanghoek Summer Splash: Round up your friends and family for a day out at Slanghoek Mountain Resort in the heart of the Breedekloof’s picture-perfect Slanghoek Valley. Join Slanghoek Cellar, Opstal Estate and Jason’s Hill Private Cellar for a day of wine tasting, food and wine pairings, and live entertainment from 11:00 to 18:00. Whilst mom and dad are relaxing with a glass of wine and delicious offerings which will be on sale from the deli stalls, the children will be kept busy on the 18-hole putt-putt course situated on a fynbos hill, horserides, jumping castle and jungle gym. Entrance is R100 per person (R40 for children) and includes a tasting glass, tasting vouchers and goodie bag. Tickets are available from www.webtickets.co.za; for more information visit www.slanghoekvalley.co.za.
Avontuur Fillies Guineas: The first R750 000 Avontuur Estate Fillies Guineas race day, combined with the fun and international flavour of the Inter-Continental Village concept, takes place at the Kenilworth Race Course in Cape Town from 12:00 to 18:00. For casual visitors a full day of free activities are laid on. The participating countries will each have a marquee featuring their national dishes for sale as well as arts, crafts, music and dance celebrating their origins. Access to the race course is free and the event is family friendly. For bookings contact Moerieda at info@avontuurestate or call 021 855 3450.
Bright Street Carnival: For one merry summer’s night Somerset West’s arty Bright Street will be transformed by a carnival for the whole family. Shop, eat and enjoy the lively atmosphere while simultaneously supporting the Imibala Sponsor-a-Child programme. Proceeds from this community festival, which takes place for the fourth time this year, will go towards the fund which provides less fortunate children in the Helderberg Basin with all-round support. Your entry ticket includes live entertainment, fire performers, drummers, dancers and a whole range of children’s entertainers. There will be food and wine, and a variety of market stalls will provide a treasure trove for Christmas shoppers. Join the festivities from 16:00 till 22:30 for only R50 per person. All accompanied under 16s gain free entry. Buy your ticket beforehand at Imibala or Chelsea Village in Bright Street, or on the night from the entrance area. For more information, contact Mariette or Sonia on 021 852 0418. Prime Circle & Dan Platansky at the Paul Cluver Forest Theatre: Enjoy an evening of great entertainment in the most unique and awe-inspiring setting when Prime Circle and Dan Platansky return to the Paul Cluver amphitheatre by popular demand. Come and rock the evening away under the stars among the towering Eucalyptus forest that circles the intimate open-air arena. Wine and food available at the venue; alternatively you can pack your own picnic or prebook one from Fresh restaurant by calling 071 563 6020. There are only 600 unreserved seats available on a first come, first served basis. Tickets can be booked through Computicket at R325 per person.
Saturday 8 & Sunday 9 December
Laborie Lazy Days Christmas Market: Stock up on lastminute festive shopping at the two-day Laborie Lazy Days Christmas market. Offering a wide range of lifestyle goods and fresh produce, the market will be open from 09:00 until 15:00 on both days. Patrons can look forward to wonderfully traditional Christmas fare such as Christmas cakes and pork pies, as well as beautiful decorations. For more information contact 021 807 3390, visit www.laboriewines.co.za, join our Facebook page or email info@laboriewines.co.za.
Saturday 8 – Monday 17 Dec
Summer in Stellenbosch Valley Festival: Whether you need to impress the in-laws, spoil those overseas guests, keep the little ones busy or simply want to escape the madding festive rush, this festival is your ticket to the good life. See page 2 for more details.
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Winederous 29 November, 2012
WINE NEWS
The nation’s favourite wine adviser The 33rd edition of the nation’s original and still favourite wine adviser, Platter’s Guide 2013, which was launched on 30 October, features well over 900 South African wine producers, merchants and brands, including 54 new ones, and over 7 300 locally produced wines. The guide’s wine descriptions and star ratings, compiled in association with a team of leading wine experts, make it easy to find the right wine for any occasion, while the good-value indicators highlight those bottlings which are especially budget friendly across all quality levels. Published in hardcopy and a variety of digital formats, the latest Platter’s Guide also packs extensive information on where to go and what to do in wine country. Dining, accommodation and cellardoor tasting options are covered in detail, along with many winery amenities, attractions and activities. A highlight of any new edition is the 5 star line-up and this year a record 62 wines made the cut with, remarkably, one producer (Cape Chamonix) garnering four 5 star ratings, three cellars (Fairview, Mullineux Family and Nederburg) each amassing three 5 stars, and a further six wineries (Boschendal, Fleur du Cap, Jordan, Raka, Sadie Family and Tokara) each
raking in two 5 stars. Twelve wineries received 5 star ratings for the first time, namely AA Badenhorst Family, Alheit, Bon Courage, Cederberg, Dalla Cia, David, Fryer’s Cove, Keets, Mvemve Raats, Nitida, Saronsberg and Von Ortloff. Of the 5 star awarded wines, the red and white which receive the most votes from the judging panel are named Platter’s Wines of the Year. This time the Red Wine Of The Year is Mullineux Family Syrah 2010 (Wine of Origin Swartland), described in the guide as “an icon in the making”, whilst the White Wine Of The Year is Paul Cluver Noble Late Harvest 2011 (Wine of Origin Elgin), a botrytised riesling dessert wine noted as “a thing of beauty”. In an ongoing focus on value for money, Platter’s identifies a number of entry-level wines which are exceptionally drinkable and well priced. For the first time since 2007, the superquaffer of the year is a red wine – Melck’s Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 by Muratie Estate, noted in the guide as “a model of lively drinkability”, showing “a curvaceous smoothness”. The names of the 11 other top quaffers appear in the new guide under the heading “Wines of the Year” along with the 62 five stars, 98 Highly Recommended wines (which
Francois Conradie (Superquaffer of the Year Award for the Melck’s Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 from Muratie Estate), Gottfried Mocke and Emul Ross (Winery of the Year Award for Cape Chamonix), Andries Burger (White Wine of the Year Award for Paul Cluver Noble Late Harvest 2011), and Andrea and Chris Mullinex (Red Wine of the Year Award for Mullinex Family Syrah 2010). missed 5 stars but are nonetheless extremely fine and collectable in their own right), and 134 reds and whites showing particular potential for cellaring under the banner “Buy Now, Drink Later”. Platter’s prestigious Winery of the Year award is the editor’s personal selection after considering a variety of criteria, the aim being to showcase a producer who epitomises the best of South African winegrowing today. Cape Chamonix’s ever-improving performance, culminating in an exceptional four max-
imum ratings (out of five nominations) this edition, made them the obvious choice for 2013 Winery of the Year. Platter’s 2013 print version is now available at selected bookstores and retailers countrywide. The book can also be ordered online from Platter’s website (www.wineonaplatter.com), Kalahari.com (www.kalahari.com) and SA Wines Online (www.sawinesonline.co.uk). The web-based version of the guide is available at www.wineonaplatter.com.
SA Wine Tourism Awards La Motte Wine Estate has, for the second year in succession, been awarded South Africa’s Best of Wine Tourism champion. The 2013 winners of the annual competition were announced last month in Florence, Italy by the Great Wine Capitals (GWC), a network of the world’s leading wine-producing countries that shares international best practice to advance standards in wine tourism across the world. As South Africa’s national winner, the 300year-old La Motte Wine Estate joins the illu-
strious company of some of the world’s most famous wine producers in France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Argentina, New Zealand and the US. As the 2013 winner of this annual competition, La Motte once again came out narrowly ahead of the Helderberg’s biodynamic winery, Waterkloof Estate. La Motte’s win was based on its overall performance, taking first place in the Sustainable Wine Tourism category, and second position in both the Arts & Culture and in the Wine Tourism Services ca-
Its historic charm and culture of excellence makes La Motte an enchanting destination.
tegories. Last year the estate earned the top score in the Arts & Culture category. In addition to coming second in the Sustainable Wine Tourism category, Waterkloof clinched South Africa’s Best Architecture and Landscape title for the second consecutive year and also excelled with second place in the Wine Tourism Restaurants category. This title went to Tokara Restaurant, Waterkloof’s impressive architecture with massive walls and the Tokara Wine Estate also ca- of clear glass create a majestic sense of space through me second in the Architecture and the uninterrupted views. Landscape category. Grande Provence was the winner of the Arts & Culture Innovative Wine Tourism category. The wineaward, with second place in the Accommoda- ry also won the Yin & Yang Award for best tion and third place in the Architecture & food and wine pairing on a wine farm at the Landscape categories. The winner in the Ac- #KLINK Awards. “It is very encouraging to see that since the commodation category was Doolhof Grand Dèdale, which also won the Country Comfort inception of the competition over a decade Award for boutique accommodation on a wi- ago, there has been a steady advance in the quality and sophistication of wine tourism exne estate at the #KLINK Awards. The Hemel-en-Aarde area was represented periences entered for consideration,” said Anin the local GWC competition for the first ti- dré Morgenthal, spokesperson for the SA me, with Creation taking top position in the Wine Tourism Awards.
Winederous 29 November, 2012
WINE NEWS
Diners Club Winemaker of the Year Nederburg cellar master, Razvan Macici, crowned the 2012 Diners Club Winemaker of the Year on 3 November, says winning the coveted title marks one of the most significant achievements in his career. His triumph sees the Diners Club title return to Nederburg for the third time after an interval of nearly 30 years. It was previously won by Günter Brözel in 1983 for Rhine Riesling and in 1985 for his Gewürztraminer. This year was the first time Macici entered the competition, which annually identifies a particular varietal or wine style as its single category for entry. The only competition of its kind, it is now in its 32nd year. Dessert wines have never been featured as a category before. This year, the top-scoring wine was Nederburg’s Private Bin Eminence 2007, a wine made exclusively for sale on the Nederburg Auction. Macici also received top honours for two other wines, the 2010 and 2011 vintages of the Winemaster’s Reserve Noble Late Harvest. Both wines are also rated five stars
in the Platter’s South African Wine Guide. This prestigious title was followed by yet another accolade when Nederburg was announced as the 2012 International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) SA Wine Producer of the Year. The trophy for best Sauvignon blanc of the show was won by the 2010 Private Bin D234 Sauvignon Blanc. The wine, as best in its class, also won a gold outstanding medal, the equivalent of a double gold. Other 2012 IWSC gold outstanding Nederburg wines were the 2008 Eminence, the 2007 Eminence and the 2009 Edelkeur. Nederburg’s 2012 IWSC golds were for the 2011 Winemaster’s Reserve Noble Late Harvest, a wine that is following in the footsteps of the highly celebrated 2010 vintage, as well as for the 2010, 2008 and 2007 vintages of Edelkeur. There were seven IWSC silver outstanding medals awarded to wines across the spectrum of Nederburg’s multi-tiered range as well as 13 silvers. Macici said the news was a spectacular way to round off 2012. “It has been a full and exciting year and we are thrilled that so many of our wines have been acknowledged across the range.”
Enjoy high tea & tapas at Blaauwklippen Blaauwklippen Vineyards, situated on the R44 between Stellenbosch and Somerset West, has already been awarded the Family Day Out Award for the best child-friendly venue on a wine farm by Wine Tourism South Africa’s #KLINK Awards. As one of our oldest and most loved wine farms, Blaauwklippen also received the Supernova Award as the venue with the most votes. Now visitors can enjoy a sumptuous high tea with a twist as well as a tasty tapas sundowner experience as part of Blaauwklippen’s list of attractions. Spend time with friends, family and loved ones with a selection of delicious afternoon tea treats in the herb garden courtyard, weather permitting, or in the Zinfandel Room on cooler days. As a delicious twist you can also sample the award winning Blaauwklippen before & after aperitif or one of their award winning Noble Late Harvests
as part of your experience. High tea is served from Monday to Friday 14:30 – 17:00 and R85 per person buys you 10 different delectable sweet and savoury treats including your choice of tea and coffee. The tapas sundowners can be enjoyed lounge style on the duck pond terrace from Wednesday to Friday 16:00 – 19:00 and some of the snacks to look forward to include: Fried jalapeno poppers, panco fried mozzarella balls with coriander aioli, five spice seared tuna with wasabi mayo, fresh chucked oysters with marinated celery spaghetti and bloody mary granite, cheese straws wrapped in Parma ham with wild garlic aioli, focaccia bread with duck liver parfait, humus and peppadew cream cheese, a selection of cold cut meats and cheeses. The price range varies from R14 for an oyster to R65 for a 6 piece platter. Blaauwklippen can arrange bookings and gift vouchers for an experience that will delight family, friends, colleagues and clients alike. Call 021 880 8222 for reservations or visit www.blaauwklippen.com for more information.
Razvan Macici, Nederburg cellar master, is the 2012 Diners Club Winemaker of the Year.
Glam makeover for The House of JC Le Roux Get a taste of le good life when The House of JC Le Roux, South Africa’s leading home of sparkling wine, reopens its doors with a glamorous new look, just in time for the festive season on 3 December. The inviting new outside deck will surely become a favourite spot during the festive season. Bubbly lovers can also continue their tasting experience in the flirty pink La Fleurette Room, the golden La Vallée Room or the Scintilla lounge. Completing the home of the perfect bubble, the restaurant at The House of JC Le Roux will reveal a brand-new look with a stunning new under-cover terrace seating area and a summer gourmet braai area. The House of JC Le Roux is open seven days a week from 3 December 2012. The restaurant is open from 09:00 until 16:00, with breakfast served between 09:00 and 11:00, and lunch from 12:00 till 15:00. Call 021 865 8200 or visit www.jcleroux.co.za or www.facebook.com/HouseofJCLeroux.
One lucky winner can win a marshmallow, meringue and bubbly tasting for him/her and three friends at The House of JC Le Roux by answering the following question: What is the name of JC Le Roux’s flirty pink tasting room? Mail your answers to hedda@winederous.co.za before 13 December.
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Winederous
29 November, 2012
WORCESTER: WYNENOLYFROETE
i e l l a Nuyv
Maak kennis met die
HEDDA MITTNER
Die Worcester Wyn-en-Olyf-roete bestaan uit tien wynkelders en drie olyfplase wat verdeel is in vier streke – Aan-de-Doorns, Hexriviervallei, Scherpenheuwel en die Nuyvallei. Hier is wynmaak ’n tradisie wat meer as 250 jaar oud is. Meeste van die plase is al vir generasies in dieselfde familie en wynmaak is ’n passie wat oorgedra word van oupa na pa na seun.
Die skaal van die berge en die natuurskoon van die uitgestrekte landskap in die prentjiemooi Nuyvallei is net so oorweldigend soos die hartlike gasvryheid waarmee besoekers hier verwelkom word. Liepzig Country House Die een familienaam wat mens baie in hierdie vallei hoor, is Rabie – afgelei van die Duitse woord “Rabe” wat “raaf” of “kraai” beteken. En dié kontrei se Rabies het hulle oorsprong by Leipzig. Hierdie geskiedkundige ou plaas dateer uit die middel 1700’s toe twee Rabe-families van die Duitse stad Leipzig na Suid-Afrika gekom het. Volgens oorlewering het een van die Rabe-eggenotes haar vervies vir die feit dat hulle pos altyd deurmekaar geraak het met die ander Rabe, wat ongeletterd was. Sy het die “i” by die naam gevoeg om tussen die families te onderskei, en so het Rabe Rabie geword.
Nuy se gesogte Muskadel-wyne
Wynmaker Christo Pienaar van Nuy
I
n een van die mooiste dele van die Worcester Wyn-en-Olyfroete, aan die voet van die Langeberg, lê die lowergroen Nuyvallei. Dis ’n boomryke oasis met uitgestrekte wingerde en olyfboorde so ver soos die oog kan sien, kronkelende riviere, uitbundige pienk en geel rose en spatsels kleurvolle bougainvillae.
Alida Smit van Leipzig Country House in die ou kelder wat nou dien as funksielokaal.
Leipzig se roostuin
Al die Rabies wat vandag nog in die vallei boer – sommige reeds die negende geslag – kan hulle herkoms teruglei na die pionier Hans Rabie en sy Belgiese vrou, Susanna Catharina, wat hier in die skadu van die Rabiesberg die eerste druiwe geplant het van wingerdstokkies uit Constantia. Tot 1962 is daar wyn gemaak in die ou kelder, wat nou omskep is in ’n funksielokaal, en sedertdien word druiwe gelewer aan die Nuy Koöperatiewe Kelder. Met Leipzig se nuwe kelder wat pas voltooi is, sien die eienaars, Lida (gebore Rabie) en Francois Smit, uit na die herlewing van spogwyne met die 2013-oesjaar – die eerste in 50 jaar vanuit Leipzig se eie kelder. Lida en haar dogter, Alida, bedryf Leipzig Country House as ’n gastehuis en funksielokaal. Dit bied die ideale afskopplek vir ’n besoek aan hierdie besonderse vallei, en uitstappies na die ander besienswaardighede soos die Nuy-wynkelder, Conradie Family Vineyards en Willow Creek-olyflandgoed. Die eienaars bewoon die historiese ou plaashuis wat sorgsaam opgeknap is, en die gerestoureerde plaasstalle en ander buitegeboue bied akkommodasie met 20 luukse gastesuites. Die ou kelder is omskep is in ’n fabelagtige onthaallokaal waarvan die mure bedek is met fresko’s wat die verhaal van die Rabie-familiegeskiedenis uitbeeld. Daar is ook moderne konferensiegeriewe wat groepe van tot 160 mense kan akkommodeer. Die ou brandewynkelder, wat in ’n atmosferiese kapel omskep is, en die pragtige tuine maak dit die ideale trou-venue – daar is ’n amfiteater, reuse-grasperke vir markiestente en ’n roostuin met meer as ’n 1 000 roosbome. ’n Deli met die gepaste naam Ravenous (afgelei van “raven”) is naweke oop vir die publiek en verskaf ligte middagetes en wyn. Kontak Leipzig Country House by 023 347 8422, stuur ’n e-pos na info@leipzig-
Winederous
29 November, 2012
countryhouse.co.za of besoek www.leipzigcountryhouse.co.za. Nuy-wynkelder Die Nuy-wynkelder wat in 1963 gestig is, omvat dít waarvoor die Worcester-wynroete bekend is – topgehalte en veelbekroonde wyne wat ook uitstekende waarde-vir-geld bied. Hoewel die vallei in ’n lae-reënvalgebied val, verskaf die Keeromdam reg deur die jaar genoegsame water. Gedurende die winter- en lentemaande bly die temperatuur laag, danksy die sneeubedekte berge. Dit bevorder ’n stadige rypword-proses wat gesonde, volryp vrugte lewer. Die druiwe word met die hand gepluk en in topgehalte vate verouder. Nuy-wynkelder lewer ’n verskeidenheid wynvariëteite, waarvan Chenin blanc, Sauvignon blanc, Colombard, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon en Shiraz die vernaamste is, asook wit en rooi Muskadel. Wynmaker Christo Pienaar is reeds tien jaar by Nuy. Hy het internasionale ondervinding opgedoen in verskeie wynproduserende lande soos Australië, Frankryk, die VSA en Duitsland. Sy besonderse kennis en passie, gekombineer met Nuy se uitstekende terroir en toegewyde druiweprodusente, lewer unieke wyne wat reeds op verskeie wynskoue bekroon is. Nuy produseer wyn wat in verskeie groothandel-wynreekse versny word en slegs sowat 2% word onder die Nuy-etiket verkoop. “Van die 20 000 kiste wat jaarliks geproduseer word, word ongeveer 75% direk aan lojale klante oor die hele land gelewer,” sê Christo. Nuy wyne is slegs by die kelder of deur aflewering bekombaar, en word glad nie in drankwinkels verkoop nie. Dit waarborg die eksklusiwiteit van hul produk, en ook die uitstekende waarde vir geld, sê Christo. Die proelokaal by Nuy-kelder is Maandag tot Vrydag oop vanaf 08:30 tot 16:30 en Saterdag van 08:30 tot 12:30. Bel 023 347 0272 of stuur ’n e-pos na wines@nuywinery.co.za. Conradie Family Vineyards Nadat daar vir 40 jaar geen wyn geproduseer is op die plaas Werda nie, het CP Conradie, die vyfde geslag wingerboukundige en wynmaker, besluit om in sy oupa se voetspore te volg en die trotse familietradisie voort te sit deur kwaliteitwyne in die boetiekkelder te produseer. Reeds met sy eerste poging is hy met goud bekroon by die Michaelangelo Internasionale Wyntoekennings.
Wynmaker CP Conradie
Die plaas is sedert 1871 in die Conradie-familie se besit en daar is 90 ha onder wingerd – Sauvignon blanc, Chardonnay, Chenin blanc, Colombar, Riesling, Nouvelle, Cabernet Sauvignon en Pinotage. Die unieke terroir aan die voet van die Langeberg, die kombinasie van verskillende grondtipes en beheerde besproeiing maak die Conradie Family Vineyards uiters geskik vir die kweek van premium druiwe waarvan uitstekende kwaliteit wyne gemaak word. Die druiwe word met die hand gepluk en slegs klein hoeveelhede wyn word geproduseer, wat die naam “private cellar” op hulle etiket regverdig. Onder die wakende oog van CP het hierdie eksklusiewe wyne al menige nasionale en internasionale toekennings ingeoes. Nuyvallei-gasteplaas CP se ma, Irma Conradie, en sy broer Pieter bedryf die Nuyvallei-gasteplaas, wat plattelandse verblyf met ’n knus, warm atmosfeer bied. Daar is 18 en-suite-kamers in die oorspronklike Kaaps-Hollandse huis met sy pragtige tuin, en buitegeboue met asemrowende uitsigte oor die rivier, wingerde en berge. ’n Unieke kenmerk van die gasteplaas is die nege beton-wyntenks in die ou kelder wat ingerig is met stapelbeddens en bekostigbare akkommodasie bied aan toergroepe en backpackers. Die restaurant het daagliks ’n a la carte spyskaart van 08:00 tot 17:00. Daar is ook konferensiegeriewe en vir spesiale funksies word spyskaarte ontwerp om by die geleentheid te pas. ’n Buffet-ete word Sondae aangebied met heerlike, tradisionele boerekos. Troeteldiere is welkom by die Nuy-gasteplaas en dis ’n rolstoel-vriendelike omgewing. Hoewel dit die ideale plek is om net te ontspan en die natuurskoon te geniet, is daar oorgenoeg aktiwiteite om die meer avontuurlike besoeker besig te hou, soos staproetes in die berge, 4x4-roetes, bergpoele en forel-vang. Kontak Conradie Family Vineyards by 023 342 7025 of besoek www.conradie-vineyards.co.za. Om ’n bespreking te maak by die Nuyvallei-gastehuis, bel 023 342 1258, stuur ’n e-pos na info@nuyvalley.co.za of besoek www.nuyvallei.co.za. Willow Creek Nog ’n Rabie-familieplaas, Wilgerivier, het vroeër jare gepryk met wingerde, uitvoerdruiwe en koring. Met die geesdrif van ’n nu-
we geslag, het Andries Rabie besluit om die boerdery te diversifiseer. Die tipies Mediterreense klimaat van die Nuyvallei met warm somers, koue winters en beperkte winterreën, en die gunstige terroir met sy besonder kalkryke grond, het die verbouing van olywe na ’n goeie moontlikheid laat lyk. In 1999 het Andries die eerste olyfbome tussen die wingerde en tafeldruiwe geplant. Teen 2002 is die eerste olyfolie met groot opgewondenheid gepars en in keramiek kraffies gebotteleer. Die plaas se naam, Wilgerivier, is intussen ver-Engels en Willow Creek se eerste oesjaar ekstra suiwer olyfolie is bekroon met die eerste prys in die Alfa Laval-kompetisie. Vandag beslaan die Willow Creek-landgoed 270 hektaar, met 173 000 olyfbome, en die prentjie van die rye silwergrys olyfbome teen die agtergrond van die Rabiesberg is skilderagtig mooi. In skaars tien jaar het hulle gegroei tot een van die grootste olyfolie-produsente in die suidelike halfrond, met ritse nasionale en internasionale toekennings agter hul naam. Die oorspronklike geboue op die plaas is sorgsaam gerestoureer om ’n deli, bistro, funksielokaal en konferensiegeriewe te huisves. Besoekers is welkom om die hele reeks produkte in die deli te proe. Dit sluit die verskillende olyfolies in, asook balsamiese asyn, gegeurde tafelolywe, tapenade en olyfpesto. Die bistro is gelisensieer en besoekers kan binne of buite op die onderdakstoep ligte maaltye van die olyf-geïnspireerde spyskaart bestel en die luilekker rustigheid van die vallei geniet. Besigheidsure is Maandag tot Vrydag 08:30 tot 16:30 en Saterdag van 09:30 tot 14:00. Kontak Willow Creek by 023 342 5793 of 082 096 3789, stuur ’n e-pos na deli@willowcreek.co.za of besoek www.willowcreek.co.za vir meer besonderhede.
Andries Rabie van Willow Creek
Die jaarlikse Nuyfees bied die ideale ge leentheid vir besoekers om van nader te kom kennis maak met die vallei en sy mense. Van 10 tot 11 Mei sal Leipzig Country House, Nuywynkelder, Conradie Family Vineyards en Willow Creek ’n na week van kos, wyn en musiek in die na tuurskoon van die vallei aanbied. Hou www.nuyvalleyfeast dop vir besonderhede.
Die oorspronklike Kaaps-Hollandse plaashuis van die Conradies, wat nou deel vorm van die Nuyvallei-gasteplaas.
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Winederous
29 November, 2012
SIMONSIG: DEBBIE THOMPSON
d n a Bol
Van Namakwaland na die HEDDA MITTNER
M
oenie dat haar Engelse naam jou flous nie – Debbie Thompson is ’n regte boeremeisie. Met haar voete plat op die aarde. En haar voorkoms, kom mens gou agter, is ewe bedrieglik. Sy is blond en modelmooi met fyn gelaatstrekke, maar haar sterk persoonlikheid word weerspieël in Simonsig se bekroonde reeks rooiwyne – beide het diepte en erns, goeie struktuur en balans, en ’n bekoring wat mens lank ná die eerste kennismaking bybly. Om in Frans Malan, een van die pioniers van die Suid-Afrikaanse wynbedryf, se voetspore te volg sit nie aan enigeen se broek nie. En Debbie was nog ’n finalejaar student toe sy in 1999 aangestel is as rooiwynmaker op Simonsig. Debbie is gebore in Oranjemund en haar pa is oorlede toe sy in st. 1 was. Die gesin – Debbie, haar ma en twee ouer broers – het Springbok toe getrek, waar sy in 1995 aan Hoërskool Namakwaland gematrikuleer het. Wynmaak was glad nie deel van haar verwysingsraamwerk nie, lag Debbie. Sy was lief vir diere en wou veearts word. Met dié doel het sy haar ingeskryf vir ’n BSc-graad by Universiteit Stellenbosch en afgesit Boland toe. En dis hiér waar die wynlande haar toekomsplanne van koers laat verander het. As koshuisstudent (Huis Neethling) het Debbie en haar medestudente dikwels op wynplase gekuier en wyn geproe. Kort voor lank het Debbie oorgeslaan na BSc Landbou en gespesialiseer in wynkunde, met chemie en mikrobiologie as haar hoofvakke. “Ek het dadelik geweet ek het die regte keuse gemaak,” vertel sy. “Ek het floreer, al was chemie so ’n moeilike vak en dat daar op die ou end net drie van ons oor was wat klaargemaak het.” Tussendeur het Debbie by Delaire en Neethlingshof se proelokale gewerk, en vir haar prakties het sy by Ronel Wiid, die wynmaker van Hazendal, aangesluit. “Ek onthou daar was daai jaar ’n hittegolf en arme Ronel was sewe maande swanger – ek het nog nooit ’n vrou so hard sien werk nie!” (Ek vermoed Debbie se waardering vir Ronel se moeite het intussen verskerp sedert sy self ’n baba gehad het en onverpoos voor
Simonsig se rooiwynmaker, Debbie Thompson. en ná haar eersteling se geboorte gewerk het. Sy is juis nou weer swanger en verwag haar tweede kind om en by die 2013-oesseisoen.) In haar finale jaar het sy reeds begin soek na ’n permanente aanstelling, vertel sy. “Ek het ’n studielening gehad wat ek moes afbetaal en ek was angstig om my toekoms te beplan, want ek is nie die impulsiewe broek-op-dieknieë tipe nie.” Toe sy hoor Simonsig is op soek na ’n rooiwynmaker, het sy aansoek gedoen vir ’n pos as assistentwynmaker. Maar ná hulle onderhoud was die keldermeester Johan Malan so beïndruk met Debbie dat hy haar ’n tweede keer laat terugkom het en haar die wynmakerspos aangebied het. “Ek kon dit nie glo nie – ek was nog so
groen!” lag sy. En toe moes sy boonop rooiwyn maak in ’n stadium toe haar belangstelling eintlik meer by witwyn, en spesifiek Sauvignon blanc, gelê het. “Ek moes baie vining leer,” sê Debbie. “Ek moes nie net die rooiwyn maak nie, maar was ook in beheer van die parskelder, so ek het soos ’n malkophoender rondgehardloop. “Dit was die eerste keer dat dié span met ’n vrou moes werk en ek moes aan hulle bewys dat ek als kan doen wat die mans doen – ek het tot pompe reggemaak en bottels gepak op die botteleringslyn. My eerste pars op Simonsig was baie stresvol – ons sekretaresse het agterna vir my gesê my gesig was altyd spierwit en my oë so groot soos pierings. Dit was ’n enorme verantwoordelikheid.” Al was daar diegene wat destyds voorspel het sy “gaan dit nie maak nie”, is Debbie nou reeds 13 jaar by Simonsig. “Die mense hier is soos my familie,” sê sy. “Die werkers kom en gaan nie soos op ander wynplase nie – hulle bly lank. En dis vir my lekker, want om rooiwyn te maak is uiteraard ’n langsame proses en hier het ek die geleentheid om my wingerd goed te leer ken.” En hoe voel sy nou oor rooiwyn? “Ja, ek het begin by soetwyn, toe witwyn en nou is ek natuurlik versot op rooiwyn,” sê Debbie. “My eerste liefde is Shiraz, maar ek is ook ’n sucker vir Pinotage. Om ’n goeie Pinotage te maak is ’n groot uitdaging. Mense wil gewoonlik nie eers proe nie, dan sê ek: man, probeer net dié een. Dis vir my te lekker om hulle te convert, want hulle reaksie is gewoonlik: ‘Jis, ek het nie geweet dit kan só lekker wees nie!’” Die lekkerte van Simonsig se Redhill Pinotage is nou al amper so bekend soos hulle vonkelwyn. Die Redhill 2010 het vroeër vanjaar onder dieAbsa Top 10 geëindig – die vyfde jaar in ’n ry dat Debbie se Pinotage hierdie besonderse prestasie behaal. Dieselfde wyn is met goud bekroon by Veritas, terwyl die Redhill 2009 ’n gesogte dubbel-goud verower het. “Die area is ideaal vir Pinotage,” sê Debbie. “Daar is ’n strook wat
hier deur die Simonsberg loop van Beyerskloof tot by Kanonkop, waar die skaliegrond aan die wyn ’n besonderse ‘parfuum’ gee. En jy weet, mens kan nie goeie wyn maak van slegte druiwe nie. Dis hoekom ek so baie tyd in die wingerd deurbring. “Dit is krities dat die druiwe op die regte tyd gepluk word wanneer hulle optimaal ryp is. Soms moet ons geduldig wees en soms moet ons vinnig spring – ek het al gevind dat ’n gedeelte van ’n blok kan reg wees, terwyl die res nog ’n dag of twee nodig het. Ek moet aanpas by elke jaar se omstandighede en daar kom altyd daai curved balls wat nuwe uitdagings bied. Veral as jou wyne begin goed doen, dan is jy onder nog méér druk om te perform.” Perform is iets wat Debbie hierdie jaar met mening reggekry het. Afgesien van die Redhill Pinotage se indrukwekkende vertoning, het die Tiara, Simonsig se vlagskip rooiwyn versnit, vanjaar ook goud verower by Veritas. Hierdie Bordeaux-styl versnitwyn van Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec en Petit Verdot, is Tiara genoem omdat dit gepas is vir ’n koningin. Met die maak van hierdie ikoniese wyn speel die verouderingspotensiaal ’n groot rol. “Jy moet ’n ‘siener’ kan wees,” sê Debbie. “Die groot uitdaging is om te weet hoe ’n versnit oor ’n paar jaar gaan proe.” Die derde grote in Simonsig se rooiwynstal is die Merindol Syrah, vernoem na die Merindol-familiewapen van die Franse dorpie waar die Malan-familie sy oorsprong gehad het. Met sy intense dieprooi kleur, vrugte-tapesserie van donker bessies en kersies en ondertone van tabak, speserye en eikehout, is hierdie nóg ’n wyn wat gemaak is om te hou. En jy hoef nie ’n siener te wees om te weet dat hierdie wyn met die tyd net beter en beter gaan raak nie – net soos die delikate meesterhand wat hom geskep het. Kontak Simonsig by 021 888 4900 of besoek www.simonsig.co.za vir meer inligting.
Winederous
29 November, 2012
Simonsig se proelokaal, restaurant en skaduryke stoep is ’n gewilde kuierplek.
Cuvée: Ontmoet die sjef Die bedrywige proelokaal en restaurant (met die gepaste naam Cuvée) maak Simonsig ’n gewilde bestemming onder plaaslike en oorsese besoekers. Aan die roer van sake in Cuvée se kombuis is sjef Lucas Carstens, wat daarvan hou om te eksperimenteer en disse op te tower wat avontuurlik is “sonder om te ingewikkeld te wees”. Die wagwoord in hierdie restaurant is simplicity and complexity en dit geld ook vir die dekor, wat ’n speelse kombinasie is van tradisionele Kaaps-Hollandse en moderne gesofistikeerde elemente. Lucas het in Nelspruit grootgeword en ná skool opleiding ontvang by die ICA (Institute of Culinary Arts) in Stellenbosch. Voordat hy by Cuvée aangesluit het, het hy saam met befaamde sjefs gewerk by onder meer die One & Only in Kaapstad, Reuben’s in Franschhoek, en Terroir en Kleine Zalze in Stellenbosch. Omdat hy so baie daarvan hou om met seisoenale bestanddele te kook, verander die spyskaart by Cuvée gereeld. Met my besoek het hy ’n vars voorraad sampioene gehad en vir my die sjef se spesialiteit van die dag voorberei – ’n gerookte eend carpaccio met gebraaide cep-sampioene, truffel arancini en ’n suurlemoen ghee vinaigrette. Saam met ’n glas Simonsig Chardonnay 2010 was dit ’n smaaksensasie wat my tone laat krul het van lekkerte. Cuvée is Dinsdae, Donderdae en Sondae oop vir middagete, en Woensdae, Vrydae en Saterdae vir beide middag- en aandete. Gedurende die vakansieseisoen bied Cuvée ook elke Saterdag tussen 15:00 en 18:00 Simonsig se befaamde Cap Classiques – die Kaapse Vonkel, Kaapse Vonkel Rosé en Cuvée Royale – aan met vars Weskus-oesters wat op die stoep of die grasperk geniet kan word met plaaslike musiek in die agtergrond. Bel 021 888 4932 vir besprekings.
Lucas se gerookte eend carpaccio met gebraaide cep sampioene, truffel arancini en ’n suurlemoen ghee vinaigrette.
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Winederous 29 November, 2012
HARTENBERG: SUMMER PICNICS
Happy days are here again HEDDA MITTNER What better way is there to while away a lazy summer day than relaxing on the soft grass under a shady tree with a picnic basket? Sure, you can pack your own, but many wine farms offer the most idyllic settings that can be enjoyed this summer with a pre-ordered picnic basket brimming with country goodness and highly quaffable wines. The Hartenberg Estate, situated on the Bottelary Road off the R304 to Stellenbosch, enjoys a charmed setting that comes complete with its own pristine wetlands system that is home to an abundance of animal and bird life. Add to that the voluptuous garden, immaculate sprawling lawns and large shady trees, and you have the perfect setting for a winelands picnic. Visitors are even given large comfy cushions to facilitate that unavoidable indulgence of an after-lunch nap, while surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature. The picnic basket holds a few surprises of its own – all pleasant to say the least. It comes accompanied by linen napkins, wooden cutlery, wine glasses, an ice bucket containing a bottle of estate wine (a choice of red or white, or grape juice) and a jug of iced water. Unpacking the basket is akin to opening presents under the Christmas tree, and this is what it revealed: freshly baked farm bread and rosemary focaccia; artisinal cheeses; Eleanor’s famed snoek pate; a beetroot and cumin pate; homemade lamb and pork terrine with a chicken breast centre served with balsamic onion relish; roast tomato, bocconcini and basil salad; new potato salad with wholegrain mustard vinaigrette; a smoked chicken and thyme tart and nutty chocolate brownies. The basket is intended for two adults and the portions are most generous – we seemed to eat and eat and still there was more. It was much easier polishing off the refreshing Hartenberg Sauvignon blanc, and the iced water came in handy too. This is a very child-friendly venue, with a playground area, rolling lawns, gentle brooks and a wetland trail for the more adventurous. The wetland occupies 65 of the farm’s 170 ha and forms part of the estate’s intensified conservation efforts through the responsible and sustainable use of all its natural resources. It’s a natural paradise with a proud tradition going all the way back to 1692 when the farm was founded and the first vines were planted. Het Hartenberg, as the farm was known back then, was joined together with Weltevrede farm in the 1700s to form the estate as it is today. But the true potential of the farm was only developed when Dr Mauri-
ce Finlayson and his wife, Eleanor, purchased the farm in 1948. Their two sons, Walter of Glen Carlou fame and Peter of Bouchard Finlayson, went on to become renowned winemakers in their own right. And the tradition is still continuing today, with the children of both brothers engaged in winemaking in the Overberg region. The current owners are the daughters of Ken Mackenzie, who took over the farm in 1987 and, under the expert guidance of cellar master Carl Schultz, set Hartenberg firmly on its path as one of South Africa’s foremost producers of award-winning Shiraz. Other highly acclaimed wines in the Hartenberg stable include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Riesling and Sauvignon blanc. The peaceful atmosphere at Hartenberg is reflective of the enduring quality of this historic piece of land, and the time-honoured tradition of winemaking that has continued over the centuries. It truly is a special place. If you haven’t been there, go and experience it for yourself. The picnic basket for two is R290 (including the bottle of wine) and worth every cent. Pre-booking is essential – call 021 865 2541 or send an email to info@hartenbergestate.com. The tasting room is open seven days a week, Mondays to Fridays from 09:00 to 17:15 and on weekends from 09:00 to 15:00. During the summer months, winetasting can also be combined with a cold luncheon platter served in the garden setting surrounding the tasting room, and cellar tours are available by prior arrangement.
Winederous 29 November, 2012
A choice of wineland picnics Nederburg Nederburg’s picnic season has been in full swing since 1 October and offers visitors crisp country air, scrumptious food and award-winning wine matched by unspoiled views of the majestic Drakenstein Mountains. After enjoying a complimentary glass of Nederburg’s refreshing sparkling wine on arrival, visitors can relax on the generous lawns surrounding the historic manor house and feast on the top nosh to be found in Nederburg’s Flavours of the Cape picnic baskets. These come brimming with freshly-baked bread, locally-produced cheeses, an assortment of crackers, preserves, cold meat, marinated kebabs, smoked Franchhoek salmon trout, pâté, couscous salad, a savoury tartlet, koeksisters, fudge and a cranberry and chocolate biscuit. There’s even mineral water. Nederburg wines are available for purchase to enjoy with your picnic. End off your lazy afternoon with some freshly brewed coffee or a cup of tea. A vegetarian picnic option is available, and kiddies’ picnic baskets are also on offer. They include a home-made beef burger with creamy mayonnaise, fresh seasonal fruit, crisps, jelly sweets, yoghurt, fruit juice, a complimentary toy, and a glass of sparkling grape juice to join in the fun. Flavours of the Cape picnic baskets, each serving one person, are available at a cost of R160 for regular and vegetarian options. Kiddies’ picnic baskets are priced at R70 each. The picnic season at Nederburg runs seven days a week until April 2013. Book your picnic basket two days in advance by contacting Nederburg on 021 862 3104 or on nedwines@distell.co.za.
Holden Manz Holden Manz, the boutique wine estate nestled between the Franschhoek and Stony Brook rivers, offers a glorious indulgence for sunny days with a brand new picnic menu. The delicious eats can be enjoyed under stately oaks at the tables provided or on your own picnic blanket. Each picnic basket includes all the essentials needed for the perfect picnic, such as a table cloth, napkins, cutlery and plates. Tuck into local artisanal cheeses and charcuterie, juicy skewered chicken and beef satays, savoury mushroom quiche, smoked salmon pate, as well as tomato chutney, chicken liver pate, seasonal farm jams, crisp garden salad and soft homemade bread, and end this scrumptious al fresco meal with sweet delights of yummy doughnuts and chocolate brownies.
The picnics at Holden Manz cost R160 per person. Each basket for two includes a bottle of mineral water. Fine Holden Manz wine can be purchased additionally from the cellar. The picnics are offered daily from Tuesdays till Sundays but booking is essential. Call 021 876 2729, email restaurant@holdenmanz.com or visit www.holdenmanz.com. To reach Holden Manz, turn right at the Huguenot Monument in Franschhoek and follow the signs for two kilometres. Uitkyk Stellenbosch wine estate Uitkyk also offers delightful picnics for the whole family this summer. Relax on the sprawling lawns surrounding the estate’s neo-classical manor house dating from 1788 while the kids keep themselves entertained on the Dreamweavers jungle gym. Gourmet picnic baskets, serving two, cost R300 and include a bottle of wine from the estate’s Flat Roof Manor lifestyle range. The baskets are packed to the brim with artisanal fare such as home-baked breads, spreads, cheeses, bobotie spring rolls, skewers with sausage, cold meats, savoury tarts, crudités with tzatziki, salad, fruit, dark moist chocolate brownies and mineral water. Picnic baskets must be booked 24 hours in advance by contacting Bianca Brand on 021 884 4416 or bbrand@distell.co.za. Guests are welcome to bring their own picnic baskets, in which case a R50 entrance fee will be applicable. This fee will, however, be waivered if more than R100 is spent on wine purchases at the estate’s tasting centre. Guests may also bring picnic blankets and chairs, although picnic blankets can also be booked at no cost. Uitkyk’s festive trading hours are Mondays to Fridays from 09:00 to 17:00 and Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 to 16:00.
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Winederous 29 November, 2012
DOOLHOF: THESEUS SE AVONTUURLIKE GEES
Geen draaitjies in dié doolhof DE WAAL STEYN
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Labirint is ’n doolhof wat geen afdraaipaadjies of doodlope het nie. Dit het ’n ondubbelsinnige roete na die middel en terug en is ontwerp om nie moeilik te wees om te navigeer nie. Só ook is die Doolhof-landgoed, geleë in die historiese Bovlei-vallei net buite Wellington, se nuutste toevoeging tot sy vlagskip-reeks, die Theseus. Genoem na die mitiese koning van Athene en in pas met die Griekse mitologie-tema van die Legendes van die Doolhof-wynportefeulje, is hierdie wyn ondubbelsinning in sy bestaan – ’n wyn wat maklik die pad na jou palet vind. Bekend vir sy avontuurlike gees het Theseus baie gereis op soek na sonderlinge gebeurtenisse. Een van sy bekendste reise het die dood van die Minotaur in die doolhof van Kreta ingesluit, waar hy bygestaan is deur Ariadne, Dark Lady van die Doolhof wat later getroud is met Bacchus, god van wyn en die goeie lewe. Die 2009 Theseus-vlagskipwyn is ’n goed gebalanseerde Bordeauxstyl versnit, gemaak van Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon en Cabernet Franc, met klein hoeveelhede Malbec en Petit Verdot. Die vrystelling van hierdie wyn sluit ’n jaar vol toekennings vir Doolhof af, wat ook in 2012 sy 300ste bestaansjaar vier. Hierdie nuwe toevoeging deur Doolhof se wynmaker, Friedrich Kühne, is ’n viering van ’n besonderse oesjaar en toekomstige vrystel-
lings sal slegs in uitsonderlike oesjare vrygestel word. Die Legendes van die Doolhof-portefeulje sluit in die Lady in White (Atheense maagd), ’n gehoute wit versnitwyn; Lady in Red (hoë priester van die Doolhof), ’n klassieke, maklik drinkbare Bordeaux-styl versnitwyn; asook die Dark Lady of the Labyrinth (Ariadne), ’n mokka-sjokolade Pinotage-genieting. Dennis Kerrison, eienaar van Doolhof, het by die bekendstelling van die wyn by die Cape Grace-hotel gesê dit is vir hom ’n voorreg om die bewaarder van só ’n pragstuk Die Grand Dédale-gastehuis op die Doolhof-landgoed. van Suid-Afrikaanse in sy eerste oesjaar, asook ’n 4-ster Platter’s wyngeskiedenis te wees. “Ons is toegewy om die volle potensiaal 2013-toekenning. Die Signatures Pinotage het van die landgoed te ontgin in die maak van ook ’n internasionale trofee ontvang by die uitstekende wyn. Ons mees onlangse toe- Decanter Wine Awards, asook ’n Michelangekennings bevestig hierdie belofte en onder- lo International Wine Awards goue medalje. skryf die sukses wat ons deur die afgelope Doolhof het ook eer ontvang vir sy Malbec. jare bereik het. Ons hoop hierdie nuwe toe- Die 2010-oesjaar is gekies as ’n nasionale wenvoeging sal waarlik die Doolhof-terroir ner by die Terroir Toekennings én die wyn het ook op die lys van Top 100 Suid-Afrikaanse weerspieël.” Van die mees onlangse toekennings sluit Wyne verskyn. Die gastehuis op die plaas, Grand Dédale in: The Minotaur 2009 se dubbelgoue medalje by die Michelangelo International Wine (die Franse woord vir doolhof) het onlangs die Awards; die Signatures Cabernet Franc 2009 Country Comfort-toekenning vir boetiek-akse Winemakers Choice Diamond-toekenning kommodasie op ’n wynplaas ontvang in die
#Klink! Wine Tourism-toekennings en is ook aangewys as die streekswenner in die Great Wine Capitals Best of Wine Tourism-toekennings. ) Cratus, die Griekse god van krag en mag, het ook gesig gewys tydend die bekendstelling in die vorm van ’n BMW 750i. Die soepel lyne en kragdadige bul van ’n enjin maak ’n rit na enige wynbestemming ’n uitsonderlike ervaring. Die heerlike vermenging van goeie wyn en bestuursgenot was soos ’n besoek aan die Elisiese Velde. Helderview BMW is die amptelike vervoerverskaffer aan Winederous.