The coordinates will take you to the entrance of the cellars of a
special wine estate. Cache is through the door.
No GPS signal inside.
Hours: Mon - Fri. 9-5.
Sat. & Pub. Hols. May - Sept. 9-3
Oct - April. 9-4
Closed: Sundays, Christmas Day, Good Friday & New Years Day.
The farm itself was established in 1694, when the first
Vryburgers settled in the Stellenbosch area.
Currently owned by the Jean Engelbrecht, it started developing into
the premium red wine estate that it is today in 1978. First wines
produced in 1979.
This was the 10th wine estate to be established in the Stellenbosch
area and houses the first underground cellar in the country. (Rated
"Blue Chip" by John Platter)
Winemaker Etienne Malan has recently taken over from Louis
Strydom.
The estate specialises in only 3 cultivars – Cabernet
Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot.
Their Flagship Wine – The “Estate Wine” –
is a carefully nurtured blend of these 3.
Proudest achievements has been to be the first red wine to be
included in the Top 100 Wines in “Wine Spectator
Magazine” for 4 consecutive years. Considering that this
American magazine’s focus is mainly on French and American
wines, this is achievement indeed !
Their 1989 Merlot was also served at the Nobel Peace Prize dinner
in Oslo when F W de Klerk and Nelson Mandela had this prestigious
honour bestowed upon them. (Chosen by Madiba himself.)
The most expensive wine is the 2002 “Estate” at R270,
while the least expensive is the 2004 Merlot for R115.
If the tasting area is not too busy, ask to be shown the maturation
and casking cellars.
Also ask about their “archive” cellar.
The processes are most interesting – even for novices like
ourselves.
Do taste the wines too.
Contents : Pen , Log Book, Read me, usual swop goodies.
Don't go hunting around the stainless steel equipment behind the
winetasting counter. The winemaker will be upset!
You will need to head into the dark and coolness.
Be careful not to knock over one of the huge bottles, or you'll
really be in hot water. A torch might help.
