Wine Farms - Inspired Living SA

Habits Fashion Meets Wine at De Grendel

Last week I attended a fashion event with a difference! Habits Fashion Meets Wine, held at De Grendel. It was my first ever fashion and wine pairing! What a great idea – two of my favourite things in one room!

Auric Auto, very kindly, chauffeured guests from Claremont, out to De Grendel Wine Estate, in Durbanville, where the event was held. I must admit it was a rather fun experience being chauffeured – something I could quite possibly get used to!

The Habits Fashion Meets Wine, was also a celebration of the new tasting lounge at De Grendel. While the tasting room at De Grendel offers both wine tasting and platters, the new stylish tasting lounge, is exclusively reserved for wine tasting only.

Habits Fashion Meets Wine

We started off festivities with a delicious glass of De Grendel MCC Brut – not entirely sure that there is a better way to start your day!

After a brief welcome, it was over to iconic fashionista Jenny le Roux from Habits. For those of you who do not know, Habits has been a fashion institution in Cape Town, for as long as I can remember!

The fashion items, which were paired with various De Grendel wines, were from the Habits Fashion Week 2015 Collection. Each garment selected was thoughtfully paired with a De Grendel wine, which mirrored or enhanced the character of the design.

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Below you can see the gorgeous Habits designs, from Fashion Week 2015, each displayed with their wine pairing.

The beautiful Variegated Stripe Satin Dress below, was my absolute favourite. It was perfectly paired with the De Grendel Chardonnay. Both the design and the wine are rich and full, with an air of elegance and sophistication!

Another favourite design of mine was the Emperor Satin Caroline Skirt, below, worn with a crisp White Shirt. It was paired with the De Grendel Koetshuis Sauvignon Blanc. The Koetshuis Sauvignon Blanc grapes are handled differently, in the vineyards as well as in the cellar, to ensure a bigger and a bolder wine. This makes it a perfect pairing with the design of the Caroline Skirt, which is bold and dramatic, while still projecting a feeling classic style!

What a truly fun experience was had at the Habits Fashion Meets Wine event! Thank you to Habits for the fabulous fashion and De Grendel for the beautiful venue and superb wine. Not to forget Auric Auto for getting us safely to the venue and back to Claremont again, in BMW style!

Contact & Location:

Habits: 1 Cavendish Close, Cavendish Street, Claremont, 7708. Tel: (+27) 21 671 7330 Fax: (+27) 21 671 5201
De Grendel Wines and Restaurant: Plattekloof Road, Panorama, Western Cape, 7500. Tasting room:
Tel +27 21 558 6280

Disclosure Ranking: 4

Lifestyle, Out & About, Slider, Wine Farms

Discover Pinotage Root Stellenbosch

I recently had the pleasure of experiencing the Pinotage Root in Stellenbosch. The Pinotage Root consists of four of South Africa’s iconic Pinotage producers, all part of the Stellenbosch Wine Routes, who have joined forces to create the Pinotage Root of South Africa. This is the first wine experience, specifically focused on the Pinotage grape – a varietal, which has become synonymous with the South African wine industry.

The Pinotage Root

The four partcipating wine farms are part of the lexicon of premier South African wines. Simonsig Estate, Kanonkop, Beyerskloof and L’Avenir, make up the Pinotage Root. They are all recognised as the crème de la crème of Pinotage producers. Not only have these wineries been top performers in the history of the Top 10 Pinotage Competition but they all play a major role, in promoting South Africa’s Pinotage pedigree.

The idea behind the Pinotage Root, was to create a unique experience for wine lovers. More specficially wine lovers, who wish to focus on wines made from the country’s best-known, indigenous grape variety – Pinotage!

“As a collective, these four wineries are a showcase of the degree of excellence found within the boundaries of the Stellenbosch wine region, and represent one example of why Stellenbosch is deemed as South Africa’s leading wine region in terms of diversity of terroir and wine offering as well as pure excellence,” ~Annareth Bolton, CEO of the Stellenbosch Wine Routes

The relative close proximity of the L’Avenir, Kanonkop, Simonsig and Beyerskloof allows visitor easy access to the best Pinotage wines in South Africa, all within a day-trip. Each farm will be offering visitors a selection of five Pinotage wines from their cellars, with various culinary offerings, varying from snacks to gourmet restaurant meals laid on.

L’Avenir

The day started out cold and wet, which could not have been more perfect for red wine drinking! We began our Pinotage Root experience at one of my favourite farms in the area, L’Avenir Estate. L’Avenir has been awarded the ABSA’s Top 10 Pinotage trophy, eight times, making it one of the most awarded Pinotage estates in South Africa.

Having started out on the “Root” quite early in the morning, made it quite a novel experience, especially having cheese and wine for breakfast! Our first tasting at L’Avenir, although not a red wine, as such, was their elegant Brut Rose. A gorgeous pink Rose MCC, which among other varietals contains 25% Pinotage grapes – making it the perfect summer tipple. The MCC is wonderfully fruity, with a crisp finish.

Included in our tasting at L’Avenir was their 2015 Rose, the 2014 Far and Near Pinotage, the Provenance Pinotage and the 2013 Single Block Pinotage. They were all lovely but if I had to pick a favourite, it would have to be the 2013 Single Block Pino. Although a young wine, which would be better matured for a few years, I still thought it was delicious. I loved the full-bodied structure and dynamic rich fruit flavours.

To complement our wine tasting, L’Avenir had a selection of local cheeses for us to enjoy. Great red wine and delicious cheese, in my opinion, are a match made in heaven!

As part of the Pinotage Root L’Avenir offer the following food options:

A pairing of 3 styles of biltong @ R30.00 per person
Picnic basket for 2{including a bottle pf wine from the Far&Near range} @ R300.00 pp
Cheese Platter for 2 @ R120

Kanonkop

The next stop on our tour was Kanonkop, a fourth generation farm, which was originally purchased in 1904. Although familiar with their wine, this was my first time visiting the farm.

After a brief introduction and a bit of background on the farm and wine-makers, we got started on the tasting. The first wine we tasted was the Kanonkop 2015 Kadette Rose, which is a full-bodied dry rose. It is wonderfully fruity with a hint of vanilla spice – a lovely summer wine, which would pair really well with sushi.

We then moved onto the reds. Our tasting consisted of the Kadette Cape Blend, the Kadette 2013 Pinotage, the Kanonkop 2013 Pinotage, as well as their Vintage Pinotage, which has been aged for 10 years.

My favourite was the 2013 Kanonkop Pino, which was first bottle on the farm in 1973{my birth year – it must be a sign!}. It is a complex wine, with flavours of red and black fruit. Again this wine will mature well in the bottle, for at least 20 years.

Simonsig

Next up was another favourite of mine, Simonsig! We were welcomed with a glass of Kaapse Vonkel on arrival – who could resist!

Before our Pinotage tasting, we enjoyed a wonderful lunch at Cuvée, the estates signature restaurant. For main course I decided on the Grass-fed Beef Sirloin, with Celeriac Puree, Leeks, Garlic and a Truffle and Veal Jus. It was utterly delicious and perfect choice for the cold weather. My beef was paired with the Redhill Pinotage, which complemented the meal beautifully.

For desert I could not resist the sound of the Lemon Tart, with Coriander,White Sesame, Roasted Coconut and Lemongrass and Coconut Sorbet. One word – SUBLIME!

After lunch we moved into the tasting room for our Pinotage tasting. The first wine we tasted was the 2013 Pinotage – a full flavoured wine, with berry fruit aromas and flavours. We then tasted the Frans Malan, which is a full-bodied red blend, consisting of 60% Pinotage, as well as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes. My favourite Simonsig Pinotage is the 2012 Redhill Pinotage, which I drank with lunch. This award winning pino has a deep intensity, with perfumed berry and plum fruit flavours.

As part of the Pinotage Root experience, Simonsig offer a Two Course lunch with wine @ R250.00 per person.

Beyerskloof

Last but not least we visited the iconic Beyerskloof Estate. Beyerskloof, if memory serves me correctly, was the first Pinotage I ever drank! It is definitey a brand, which has become synonymous, with Pinotage in SA.

The commitment and passion of award winning winemaker, Beyers Truter, has earned Beyerskloof, local and international acclaim!

When we visited the farm, it was actually officially closed for renovations, which include a stunning new deck area. I cannot wait to see once it has been completed!

The first two wines we tasted were the Beyerskloof Chenin Blanc an the 2014 Pinotage Dry Rose. Next up was the iconic 2014 Beyerskloof Pinotage, which as I mentioned was the first ever pinotage wine, I drank. We also tasted the Synergy Cape Blend, which is 40% Pinotgae, 29% Cabernet and 29% Merlot. My favourite tasting was next, the Pinotage Reserve, which is matured in oak barrels, for 12 months.

We also had the treat of tasting the Beyerskloof Lagare, which is a port style wine – I think it would be perfect for cold winter evenings! Another treat was sampling the Estates Pinotage Salami – you can honestly say Beyerskloof is all things Pinotage!

As part of the Pinotage Root experience, Beyerskloof offer a Two Course lunch with wine @ R180.00 per person.

Details & Location:

This was such a great experience, especially if like me, you love red wine! I highly recommend you give it a try! You can tailor make your experience, visit the four wine farms and choose where you would like to stop for lunch. The Pinotage Root departs from the Stellenbosch Wine Routes Vistors centre at 10 am and arrives back at 4.15pm. Transport and wine tasting is R620 pp for 2 and R470 pp for 3 or more. So it is a great idea to get a group of people together and enjoy the experience together!

For more information, call 021 886 4310, or [email protected]. Stay connected and visit their Facebook Page or follow them on Twitter.

Images: All images in exception to certain of the Beyerskloof images are ©Inspired Living.

Disclosure Ranking:4

Out & About, Wine, Wine Farms

Season of Sauvignon Durbanville Wine Valley

Season of Sauvignon

This weekend Durbanville Wine Valley is hosting a Season of Sauvignon. The festival takes place on the 24th and 25th October. Season of Sauvignon celebrates spring, as well as a selection of amazing Sauvignon Blanc’s from the area.

Nestled in the Tygerberg Hills, a mere 20 minutes drive from Cape Town, lies the Durbanville Wine Valley. Perhaps not one of the most well known wine routes, the Durbanville Wine Valley, has become a force to be reckoned with in the wine industry! With hectares of flourishing vineyards, award winning wines and hospitable atmosphere, this wine route is fast becoming the Cape’s destination of choice.

The Durbanville Wine Valley consists of twelve wineries, each offering the finest in wines. Durbanville wine farms, also offer some of the best fine dining restaurants and intimate country kitchens in the region. Having only visited a handful of the participating farms, myself, I am really looking forward to exploring more of the valley!

Below you will find a list of the farms participating in the Season of Sauvignon, as well as more details on the their offering. Along with wine tasting, the farms will offer delicious food, ranging from spit braai to sushi, so there will be something to please every palate.

As well as delicious food and wine, you can enjoy a festive atmosphere, with live music and plenty of supervised entertainment for the kids! If you are keen on a bit of adventure, you can indulge in a Heli-hop between De Grendel, Durbanville Hills and Meerendal, with Base4 Aviation. {see contact details below to book}

The map below will help you plan your route and decide which farms you would like to visit first.

I hope to see you there! Please remember drink responsibly and DO NOT Drink & Drive!

Contact details: For a details and information on the Season of Sauvignon, as well as ticket sales visit www.durbanvillewine.co.za. Heli-hop between De Grendel, Durbanville Hills and Meerendal with Base4 Aviation contact tel 021 934-4405 or [email protected]

Lifestyle, Wine Farms

Franschhoek Uncorked Festival 2015

We were invited to attend the Franschhoek Uncorked Festival at the end of last month. Like many other adventures this year – a first for us! Wine tourism has become such an integral part of the wine and tourism industry in SA and I love to celebrate it whenever possible! If you for some reason you did not managed to attend the Festival this year, then it is a definite must for next year!

Franschhoek Uncorked

The Franschhoek Uncorked Festival, took place on the 26th and 27th of September. To celebrate Braai4Heritage, Franschhoek wineries opened their doors to the wine loving public.

What better way to celebrate your heritage, than with a glass or two of Franschhoek wine! Wines featured at the festival where selected by the winemakers, of the participating farms. Wines were then paired with delicious food and cooked over an open flame – a braai, as we know it!

We started out our wine adventure at Vrede en Lust. After collecting our weekend pass and our wine glasses, we got stuck into the wine tasting. Then it was time for a bite of lunch.

Attending a festival like Franschhoek Uncorked, is a great way of experiencing farms and wines, which you may have overlooked before. It also gives you the opportunity of spending time, soaking in the beautiful valley that is Franschhoek!

One of the highlights of the festival for us was visiting Maison, which we both love. The atmosphere was wonderfully festive and the setting gorgeous! I also picked up a few bottles of the Blanc De Noir which is delcious!

After the Festival we were invited to attend the Protea Party, at Anthonij Rupert Wines. The Protea Party started at 18:30pm, to take advantage of the sun setting over the Franschhoek valley.

Held in a marquee, on the lush lawns of the Anthonij Rupert Tasting room, one could not have asked for a more magical setting! Dining under the stars, with the majestic Drakenstein Mountains as your backdrop – stunning…

Booking for the Protea Party is essential, as seating is limited. Tickets are available for purchase online and are in addition to the cost of the Uncorked Festival tickets.

I am not usually one to write about an event after the fact but we had such fun! I really recommend you pencil in Franschhoek Uncorked for next year, as it is well worth the visit. I know we will be back! Be sure to do what we did and make a weekend of it – stay over! We spent the night at the Le Franschhoek Hotel, which was wonderful!

Your Uncorked Weekend Pass, costs R120 per person and allows you access to the participating farms, as well as a complimentary tasting glass and free wine tastings.

For more info contact the Franschhoek Wine Valley offices on 021 876 2861 or visit the Franschhoek Uncorked Website.

Disclosure Ranking:2

Food, Lifestyle, Slider, Taste, Wine Farms

What Makes Avondale A Top Biodynamic Wine Farm

One of my favourite outings of late, was to Avondale Wine Farm in Paarl. Not only was it my first time visting the farm but it was my first time experiencing a Eco Wine Safari.

I thought we would take look at What Makes Avondale A Top Biodynamic Wine Farm, as well as what made this experience so special.

What Makes Avondale A Top Biodynamic Wine Farm

Situated in Paarl in the Cape, Avondale Organic Wine Farm, is as picture-perfect as landscapes get. The 300-year-old farm is set at the foot of the Klein Drakenstein mountains and is an easy drive from Stellenbosch and Cape Town.

Visitors to Avondale can enjoy a guided tasting of the farm’s seven hand-crafted, classic wines, known as ‘Avondale’s Magnificent Collection’. Their hand-crafted slow wines are created holistically, through a combination of time-honoured wisdom, natural farming practices and modern science.

Eco Wine Safaris

One of the highlights of my visit to Avondale, was the Eco Wine Safari. The farm’s Eco Wine Safari provides visitors, with the perfect way of getting acquainted with Avondale’s ethos of Terra Est Vita, which means ‘Soil is Life’. This ethos is the basis upon which proprietor and viticulturist Johnathan Grieve, has built the farm. In essence he believes that healthy soil, produces healthy plants.

The idea behind the Eco Safari, is to take guests on a fun, interactive and informative tour of the farm. One of the main aims of the safari, is to give visitors a better understanding of the biodynamic agriculture practices, which the organically certified farm incorporates, into the production of its wines. In true “farm-style”, all this happens on the back of a typical farm-style vehicle.

After a welcoming glass of the Armilla Blanc de Blanc, Avondale’s deliciously fresh and lively Méthode Cap Classique, we set off on our adventure aboard our “farm chariot”.

The Eco Safari, which winds around the farm, explores over 300 hectares of cultivated land and indigenous terrain, including the natural wastewater system, which is made up of three interlinking dams.

Guests are also able to witness a few of the biodynamic methods and preparations used by Grieve, such as the field broadcaster energy device, which works with natural cosmic energies to improve soil quality and stimulate healthy growth in the vines.

Although our ride was a tad bumpy, the picturesque view, as well as the wine stops along the way, made up for any discomfort! During our tour we tasted a further five wines from the Avondale collection – Camissa, a rosé; Cyclus, a refreshing white blend; Anima, a lively Chenin Blanc; La Luna, a classic red blend; and Samsara, a Syrah. This was particularly special, as we tasted the wines among the vines, in the particular vineyard blocks where the grapes were grown.

Among other interesting practices, Avondale is also making efforts to restore and re-establish indigenous fynbos species on the farm, clear alien vegetation, as well as plant hundreds of indigenous trees. This all forms part of their endeavours, as a member of the WWF Biodiversity and Wine Initiative (BWI). As well as the beautiful plant life, the farm is home to various species of birds and mammals.

Grieve’s dynamic BioLOGIC^®system is more easily understood, when seeing in action in the vineyards and surrounding land. The farm’s herd of Angus cattle and delightful team of snail-guzzling ducks, are employed as part of the natural solution to managing soil health and dealing with pests, without the use of chemicals. These are just a few of the remarkable ways, that Avondale produces extraordinary wines – approved by Mother Nature!

Avondale Lunch Platters

Following our inspiring safari, we were whisked off to the tasting room, to sample the Avondale Lunch Platters. Avondale’s mouth-watering new lunch platters, have been created by renowned chef Matt Manning. The emphasis is on fresh, locally sourced and seasonally available produce.

The lunch platters provide an assortment of tantalising flavours, which are harmoniously paired with Avondale’s food-friendly wines. The full range of wines can be purchased by the glass or bottle. My favourite wine of the day was the Samsara, a beautifully intense, ruby red Syrah. Samsara means ‘to flow on’ and pass through the states of life and death.

Admittedly by the time we were seated for lunch I was ravenous – it must have been all the fresh air! The menu for lunch was simple, yet absolutely delicious and perfect for sharing. Each platter is sufficient for two hungry guests.

When the platter arrived, laden with all sorts of wonderful goodies, it was difficult to know where to start. The first thing that caught my eye, was the selection of beautifully wrapped sandwiches. They were filled with a choice of tender Springbok Carpaccio with Huguenot Cheese and creamy Truffle Mayo, Smoked Rainbow Trout with Cream Cheese and Spring Onion, or Smoked Free-range Chicken Breast with Herb Mayo and Rocket. My favourite was definitely the Springbok Carpaccio with Huguenot Cheese and Creamy Truffle Mayo!

The platter also included warm Truffle and Parmesan, infused Risotto Balls, which melt in the mouth, Lightly Spiced Kingklip and Salmon Fishcakes with a Chilli-spiked Aioli for dipping, and juicy Lamb Kofta served with herb mayonnaise. The Lamb Kofta was sublime, I lost count of how many I consumed! There was also a fresh Salad of crisp garden greens, a spread of ripe Dalewood Cheeses, as well as an assortment of home-bottled Pickles and Compotes. Vegans and vegetarians can be accommodated on request.

This experience was truly magical and I would highly recommend a visit to the farm, as well as the Eco Safari and naturally, one would not want to miss the chance of enjoying a delectable lunch platter! Thank you Avondale for a wonderful day!

Details and location:

Wine tastings at Avondale are available by appointment Monday to Saturday 10am to 4pm. Priced at R50 per person.

The Eco Wine Safaris are held by appointment Wednesday to Friday 10am to 3pm. The duration is approximately 2 to 3 hours, and includes a tasting of 6 wines. Priced at R200 per person. To book, call 021 863 1976 or email [email protected].

Lunch platters are served Monday to Saturday 10am to 4pm. Priced at R320 per platter (suitable for sharing). Booking is recommended – call 021 863 1976 or email [email protected].

Location: Avondale is situated on Lustigan Road, Klein Drakenstein, Paarl – on the slopes of the Klein Drakenstein Mountains. Contact: For more information, visit the Avondale Website or call 021 863 1976.

Disclosure Ranking:4