Simonsig

Simonsig Review

Sitting in a sea of vines is this estate with tremendous views back toward Stellenbosch and the mountains. Simonsig has more than a dozen white and red wines of impressive range, both in terms of taste and price. But quantity certainly doesn't mean that it has compromised on quality. This family-run farm produces exciting and consistent wines. Kaapse Vonkel was South Africa's first Méthode Cap Classique, and since 1971 this classic blend of chardonnay, pinot noir, and a touch of pinot meunier has been among the best. The 2003 Tiara is a great Bordeaux blend. The Pinotage demonstrates how well this varietal fares with no wood aging, but the Red Hill Pinotage, from old bush vines, shows just how much good oaking can improve it. This is a great place for kids. You can bring your own picnic to enjoy at tables by the small playground, there's a maze that takes about 10 minutes to walk through, and it has a small vineyard of all the grape varietals where you can see which grape is used for the different wines and taste grapes directly from the vine. The glam Cuvee restaurant, with its dark walls and Persian carpets, has a seasonal menu of South African dishes with French influences.