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Visit us: Spier Wine Farm @spierwinefarm #spiermemories t: 021 809 1100 www.spier.co.za
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A recipe for a hearty warm leek and potato soup from Charl Coetzee, the head chef at Eight restaurant. WELCOME TO THE SPIER WERF If you go down to the Werf today, you’re sure of a big surprise: oak trees; rolling lawn; a kitchen garden bursting with fruits and vegetables. And all surrounded by the dazzling embrace of Cape Dutch buildings.
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21 Gables Range, a celebration of Spier’s winemaking heritage.
Find out what’s happening on the farm this quarter.
THE WERF RESTORATION
Welcome to Spier’s newly renovated farmyard – the historic heart of a farm that can claim a recorded history dating all the way back to 1692. Once home to moyo restaurant, the Werf was lovingly restored in late 2014. “We’re delighted that picnickers and visitors to our restaurants are able once again to laze on the Werf’s lawns under the ancient oak trees, enjoying views of the historical buildings which surround them,” says Mariota Enthoven, daughter of Dick Enthoven who bought Spier in 1993. A M E T I C U L O U S R E S T O R AT I O N After the closure of moyo restaurant, the Werf and some of the buildings adjoining it were in need of repairs. Fast-growing alien hedges, concrete beds, gravel and some sections of paving that formed part of the outdoor restaurant were removed. Extensive patches of grass were planted and tree specialists administered some care to the old oak trees. Restoration work was done to two structures. The first is the Jonkershuis, which is made up of three buildings. The first is believed to have been the living quarters of the eldest son, farm manager or widowed mother of Albertus Myburgh who built it in 1778. Research by archaeologist Hennie Vos suggests that the second structure, built in 1817, was an outbuilding used for storage and for keeping animals. The third building is an extension built in the late 20th century. The second structure requiring changes is thought to have been the Old Kitchen built by the Van der Byl family in 1812. It was important for Spier to use methods that were historically appropriate when restoring these structures. Lime-plastering was applied to damaged sections of the walls (better suited to cover the brickwork than modern cement-based plaster) and walls were also painted with limewash. Both lime-plastering and limewashing were techniques used at the time of the buildings’ construction. Specialists also did extensive restoration of timber work, including ceilings windows, frames and doors.
Visitors can now enjoy lazing on the lawns of the newly restored Werf — the historic heart of Spier Farm. O L D S PA C E , N E W B E G I N N I N G S The aim of the restoration has been to transform the space into one that is both relevant and sensitive to its historical uses – reconnecting the Werf to its past so that it once more becomes a hub of activity, where agriculture, artisan food and creativity find expression. Over the past few months, the Werf and its adjoining buildings has hosted a number of exciting offerings. During the summer, the Jonkershuis was home to a wine bar as well as Lutge, a pop-up gal-
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R 2320 P ER NIGHT The farm air. Peace. Quiet. Getting out and doing things together. On Spier Farm being a family is easy. Your children are made to feel welcome, and we have plenty to keep them happy. And even more to stir up their sense of wonder. Step into the world of Eagle Encounters, have a picnic and a proper farm dinner; farm-to-table eating at Eight Restaurant. A relaxed round of wine tasting. Fun grape juice tasting for the children. Ice-creams at Eight-to-Go. All this for all of you, all included.
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lery showcasing furniture made using reclaimed antique wood as well as ceramics and art by Cape creatives. The Old Kitchen hosted Décor-Z, a collaborative exhibition curated by internationally acclaimed artist Liza Grobler. The show invited visitors to explore its playful, offbeat take on interior spaces and featured collaborations with leading artists that included Barbara Wildenboer, Jeanne Hoffman and Daniella Mooney. The Werf’s old rose garden has been transformed into a food garden with herbs, fruit and vegetables. These supply Eight, Spier’s farm-to-table restaurant, and the Spier Hotel. The plants are being grown according to organic and biodynamic principles — without the use of pesticides and artificial fertilisers. “The Werf is our heart, and its restoration is the beginning of a new chapter in the story of this historic space,” says Mariota. “The artisanal experiences we offer visitors here will evolve as we reconnect with our roots, inspired by how things were done in the past – but in a way that is relevant to contemporary life. Whatever we do here, we want it to be underscored by integrity and love – and accessible to all.”
Book: reservations@spier.co.za or 021 809 1100. / PA G E 1