You may recall me mentioning a visit Excelsior Wine Estate during the Roberston Slow Food and Wine Festival. I subsequently paid the farm another visit, this time to spend the night at
Excelsior Wine Estate
Excelsior Wine Estate, in Robertson, has been in the De Wet family since 1859. It was Koos de Wet who originally settled on the farm, and set about clearing the veld of the Little Karoo.
A while after establishing himself at Excelsior Estate, Koos decided to divide the farm between his sons. They went on to breed horses, as well as plant vineyards. Jacobus Stephanus, the third brother, (known as Kowie) inherited Excelsior. He carried on producing wine and also became one of the most successful ostrich breeders in the Robertson district.
The Wine
Today, Excelsior Wine Estate exports its wine to over 20 countries around the world. The farm has 220ha under vine, which includes Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as small plantings of blending varietals such as Petit Verdot and Viognier.
What you can expect from Excelsior are full-bodied wines, with intense fruit, achieved by using strict vineyard practices to ensure a healthy, well-ripened crop, and hand-picked grapes allow to better quality
Having visited briefly earlier in the year for the Roberston Slow Food and Wine Festival, I was excited to explore more of the Estate and taste their full range of fantastic wines.
Wine Blending
As well as standard wine tasting, oenophiles can blend, bottle and label their ‘Own Wine Creation’ in Excelsior’s tasting room, which I had the opportunity of doing during my stay.
The blend consists of three red varietals, being Merlot, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. Before deciding on the split of “your blend”, it is vital to taste each of the individual components. Recipe perfected, your wine is blended, bottled and corked. Then it is time to get creative and design and print a label for your wine. It is such fun experience and something I would highly recommend doing.
Graze@excelsior
Graze Deli, famous for their freshly baked ‘roosterbrood’ sandwiches, is ideally located to enjoy the best views on the Estate. Traditional “braai-breads”, baked every morning in a wood-fired oven, are served with a choice of gourmet fillings. The menu changes monthly to ensure that there is always something new to try.
As I mentioned the views are stunning and the Deli is the perfect spot to enjoy
There is also a large lawned area, perfect for the kids to play. Not to forget a jungle gym, sandpit, as well as feeding the horses, to help keep your little ones occupied. During Summer there is a child-minder to take them fishing off the dam’s jetty.
Stay at Excelsior Manor Guesthouse
During my most recent visit, I had the opportunity of spending the night at the Excelsior Manor Guest House. The Guest House offers luxury farm-style accommodation, located in the heart of the Robertson Wine Valley. Excelsior being a working wine farm serves as the perfect backdrop for a “country escape”.
The traditional style Cape Dutch Revival Manor, which was once a family home, has been lovingly restored. Guests can choose from nine classically decorated en-suite bedrooms, one of which has facilities for the disabled.
I found the perfect spot to spend hot Summer days! The swimming pool, situated on an elevated, wooden deck has breathtakingly panoramic views of the vineyards and the Langeberg Mountains ranges. For a bit more adventure, explore Excelsior Wine Estate and its scenic viewpoints by mountain bike or golf cart.
Breakfast, included in the room rate, is served in the dining room from 8 am to 10 am or outside on the deck overlooking the vineyards. Enjoy a full ‘farm style’ breakfast, including freshly baked muffins, platters of cheese and cold meats, cereals, yoghurts, as well as fruit salad. Guests can also opt for a cooked breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausages, tomatoes and mushrooms.
Contact Details
For more information on rates, reservations and email [email protected] or via Telephone: +27 (0) 23 615 2050 or +27 (0) 82 850 2267.
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Accommodation and meals were complimentary. We have no material connection to the brands, products, or services mentioned in this post. Care has been taken to ensure that all information provided, including prices, are deemed correct at time of publishing. Please note that all opinions, content, and images are the property of Inspired Living or Fiona Rossiter unless otherwise stated. To see more, read the full PR & Disclosure Policy below.
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