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Food, Lifestyle, Slider, Taste, Wine Farms

What Makes Avondale A Top Biodynamic Wine Farm

Avondale 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.

Avondale 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.

Avondale Eco Wine Safari

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.

Avondale Eco Wine Safari

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”.

Avondale Eco Wine Safari

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.

Avondale

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.

Avondale Eco Wine Safari

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.

Avondale Eco Wine Safari

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.

Avondale Eco Wine Safari

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

Avondale Lunch Platters

Avondale

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.

Avondale

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.

Avondale

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.

Avondale

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!

DSC_7658

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.

Images: Fiona Rossiter © Inspired Living

Disclosure Ranking:4

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Lifestyle, Taste, Wine, Wine Farms

Babylonstoren Wine Tasting & Cellar Tour

Babylonstoren-Farm Vineyards

I recently visited Babylonstoren; it was my first time! No judgement, please! When I mentioned to most people that I had never been before, they were completely dumbfounded. I knew I had to get there! [Read more…]

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Eating Out, Food, Lifestyle, Restaurant Reviews, Taste, Wine Farms

Sublime Lunch at Harvest at Laborie Wines

Harvest-rump-with cafe-de paris-butter

Grant and I recently snuck away for a wonderfully romantic lunch, at Harvest at Laborie Wines! He had been before, but it was my first time visiting the estate – what a fantastic treat! The weather was rather cold and wet, but we refused to let that spoil our day! [Read more…]

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Events, Lifestyle, Out & About, Travel, Wine Farms

South African Wine Index Awards 2014

SAWi-Awards-2014

I recently attended the South African Wine Index Awards 2014, which acknowledges South African wine excellence. The South African Wine Index{SAWi} gala awards were held at the luxurious Grootbos Private Nature Reserve near Gansbaai.

The Villa at Grootbos

Grootbos not only sponsored the event but also entered into a partnership with SAWi, to exclusively offer the complete range of the ‘SAWi Grand Wines Collection’ (wines scoring 93+ points through the unique SAWi Algorithm of Excellence) at this world renowned Reserve.

The Villa at Grootbos

For those of you who are not familar with the SAWi wine judging Algorithm of Excellence (Arabic tenfold system), it is based on the combined results a wine has achieved over multi vintages, in any of 84 different multi-national wine competitions or reviews (each weighted according to the compilation of judging panels and the number of medals on offer).

Consistency in results, top 10 mentions and trophies won are also taken into account during these calculations. As such, a wine is not judged on one occasion only but its consistency is tracked over a period and built out to a 10 year quality window.

SAWi-Awards-2014

SAWi Platinum is the highest accolade that may be achieved by any single wine. A score of 95 or more, out of a possible 100, will secure this award. These wines are referred to as the ‘SAWI Ambassadors Club’ the top end of the ‘SAWi Grand Wines Collection’ which also include wines which received Grand Gold status for scoring 93 and 94. No score below this attracts any accolades, ensuring that SAWi decorations are aspirational and really the cream of the crop.

The Villa at Grootbos

The day started off with a lovely lunch at the Forest Lodge, giving wine makers and invited guests the opportunity of socialising and getting to know one another.The rest of the afternoon was spent at leisure exploring the beauty of the reserve, indulging in the luxuries of the Grootbos Estate or watching a bit of rugby!

SAWi-Awards-2014

In the evening all the guests, producers and wine makers were treated to a tasting of the winning wines, before the presentation of the awards got under way. The event was a showcase of South African ‘Grand Wines’ – highlighting the value of the SAWi principles and methodology.

SAWi-Awards-2014

Constantia Glen took top honors on the night, receiving the SAWi Trophy for Wine Producer of the Year, with Justin van Wyk (Winemaker) and Ettiene Southey (Vineyard Manager) and his team acknowledged as top achievers for 2014.

SAWi-Awards-20142

De Morgenzon received the 2014 SAWi Trophy for White Wine Producer of the Year.  The Trophy for the 2014 SAWi Red Wine Producer of the Year went to Kanonkop Estate, also from Stellenbosch.

SAWi-Awards-2014

The inaugural Trophy for Best South African Brandy Producer was awarded to KWV.

Chardonnay dominated, with 17 accolades, followed by Shiraz wines with 12, Sauvignon Blanc and Bordeaux Blends with 10 each, Pinotage 8, Pinot Noir 6 and Red Blends 5.

SAWi-Awards-20144

Hemel and Aarde Valley had 14 wine accolades, followed by Constantia with 10 and Tulbach with 7, whilst Elgin, Franshhoek, Paarl, Stellenbosch Kloof, Blaauwklippen and Idas Valley had 5 each. Wines from Stellenbosch West, , Blaauwklippen, Cederberg, Somerset West, Franshhoek  and Durbanville made up the rest.

Once again, outlying wine pockets like Cederberg, Tulbach, and even Barrydale featured prominently.

Since the start of the SAWi Ratings four years ago, only 32 wines out of a total of 914 which were rated have scored 95+ points, with repeated good performances by the majority of these wines. This year another 13 wines were added to this category.

SAWi also welcomed a number of new wineries to its honors list in 2014, including Constantia Glen, De Morgenzon, De Grendel and Journeys End Vineyards.

What an amazing evening spent enjoying and celebrating some of the most accomplished wines offered in South Africa, in one of the most beautiful settings in the Cape!

AWARD HIGHLIGHTS
Top scoring wines
99 points – Hamilton Russell Vineyards Chardonnay, Saronsberg Cellar Full Circle, Rijks Private Cellar Pinotage and Kanonkop Estate Paul Sauer

98 points – Eagles’ Nest Shiraz and Stellenrust Wine Estate “48” Chenin Blanc

97 points – Bouchard Finlayson Galpin Peak Pinot Noir, Diemersdal Wine Estate Pinotage Reserve, Hamilton Russell Vineyards Pinot Noir, Spier Wines Creative Block 3 Rhone Blend and KWV The Mentors Shiraz and Raats Mvemve Raats de Compostella Bordeaux Blend.

Top Wine Producers
Constantia Glen
Kanonkop Estate
Groot Constantia
Bouchard Finlayson
Saronsberg
De Morgenzon
Hamilton Russell Vineyards
Rustenburg Wines
De Grendel
Cederberg Private Cellar
Joubert Tradouw
Cape Chamonix
Eagles Nest
Raats Family Wines

 Images: Event ~ [email protected], Grootbos Villa ©FAR Photography

Disclosure Ranking: 4

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Gift Guide, Gift Ideas

Fathers Day Gift Out The Box

Father's day Somerset House

You may remember me sharing my post on Gift Out The Box recentlty, which you will find here. Well I thought I would share the Gift Boxes they recommend as Fathers Day Gifts:

GOTB-18-Holes-for-Two

18 holes for 2 : Western Cape
This package offers you and a golfing partner a round of 18 holes + a lunch, golf cart rental etc. at one of our pre- selected prestigious golf courses.
o Devonvale Golf Club
o Durbanville Golf Club
o Mowbray Golf Club
o Paarl Golf Club
o Somerset West Golf Club

 

GiftForHim-frontresize
Gift for Him : Western Cape & Gauteng
Offering a variety of experiences specifically for men, from spa treatments to surfing and archery lessons, absolutely perfect for any man…
Western Cape :
• Anura Vineyards – tasting experience
• Creation Wines – tasting experience
• Glasshouse Rejuvenation for Men – spa experience
• Morgenster Wine & Olive Estate – tasting experience
• Paarl Archery Academy – archery lesson
• Personal trainer – training session
• SA Golf Institute – golf lesson
• Saggy Stone Brewery – brewery experience
• Surf Emporium – surf lesson
• Van Ryn’s Distillery – brandy experience
• Winelands Fly Fishing – fly fishing lesson
Gauteng :
• Alex Dlamini, Personal Trainer – Training session
• Bikram yoga -Yoga session
• Doppio Zero @ Rosebank – Food experience
• Floyd’s 99 Barbershop – Barber experience
• Paintball City – Paintball session
• Pepe Charlot – Tasting experience
• Scad Freefall SA – Adventure experience
• Sundowner Adventures – Fly fishing lesson
• The Green Bean Coffee – Coffee tasting

GOTB-The-Cellar-Experience

The Cellar experience : Western Cape
So many Cellar experiences in the most beautifully situated areas. Try out wine, brandy, champagne and relaxing picnics…
• Die Bergkelder – wine & cheese experience
• Klipdrift – brandy & food experience
• Nederburg – wine & cheese experience
• Plaisir de Merle – wine & cheese experience
• J.C. Le Roux – bubbly & canapés experience
• Van Ryn’s Distillery – brandy & cheese experience
• Nederburg – activity experience
• Durbanville Hills – wine & tapas experience
• Drostdy Hof – wine & tapas experience
• J.C. Le Roux – restaurant offering

For more info visit the Gift Out The Box website or their Facebook page.

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Meet Fiona Rossiter

Hi, I am Fiona Rossiter, from Cape Town, the writer and photographer behind Inspired Living SA Blog. If you love good Food and Wine, reading amazing Travel Adventures, keeping Fit and Healthy, as well following Decor Trends – then Inspired Living SA is just the place for you! Read More…

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