Winelands - which estates?
Sep 8th, 2006, 09:51 AM
#5
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One of the top wine tasting venues is Nelsons' Creek. The person who presents trhe tour is called Victor Titus. Here you will get a good introduction to wine appreciation. Also, the best part of all is that they have an excellent social responsibility record. The farm belongs to Advocate Nelson.
Another top class venue is Haute Cabriere. What a fantastic cellar. It is built into the mountain side and the view from the property is to die for. Try to attend the wine tasting at 12:00 noon on a Satuday. Also the restaurant is one of the top ten in South Africa.
Another top class venue is Haute Cabriere. What a fantastic cellar. It is built into the mountain side and the view from the property is to die for. Try to attend the wine tasting at 12:00 noon on a Satuday. Also the restaurant is one of the top ten in South Africa.
Sep 8th, 2006, 03:26 PM
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Hello,
It really depends on your taste in wine. I've spent a lot of time in the winelands, and I usually focus on one particular style or type of wine on each trip, but you may want a more well-rounded experience.
I'd recommend starting with the Platter Guide, the bible to South African wines. You can pick up a current edition from any branch of Exclusive Books when you arrive, or order it from their website. The website also has some very useful maps.
http://www.platteronline.com/home/
The Platter Guide will detail an estate's previous vintages and give brief reviews of them, and comment on its wine-making style and emphasis. It also includes handy logistical information like whether there is a tasting room; opening hours (or if you need an appointment); tasting fees if any; and restaurants if any. Note that many estates are closed on Sunday - personally I try to avoid being in the winelands on Sunday as there's not much you can see.
One thing that I'd recommend seeing if you have the chance is the sabrage at Haut Cabriere -- at the Saturday morning tasting the winemaker demonstrates the ancient art of opening a bottle of champagne with a sabre (a skill every gentleman should possess).
Cheers,
Julian
It really depends on your taste in wine. I've spent a lot of time in the winelands, and I usually focus on one particular style or type of wine on each trip, but you may want a more well-rounded experience.
I'd recommend starting with the Platter Guide, the bible to South African wines. You can pick up a current edition from any branch of Exclusive Books when you arrive, or order it from their website. The website also has some very useful maps.
http://www.platteronline.com/home/
The Platter Guide will detail an estate's previous vintages and give brief reviews of them, and comment on its wine-making style and emphasis. It also includes handy logistical information like whether there is a tasting room; opening hours (or if you need an appointment); tasting fees if any; and restaurants if any. Note that many estates are closed on Sunday - personally I try to avoid being in the winelands on Sunday as there's not much you can see.
One thing that I'd recommend seeing if you have the chance is the sabrage at Haut Cabriere -- at the Saturday morning tasting the winemaker demonstrates the ancient art of opening a bottle of champagne with a sabre (a skill every gentleman should possess).
Cheers,
Julian
Sep 9th, 2006, 01:30 AM
#7
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Thank you all for your suggestions. People are so helpful on this forum!
Julian - the Platter Guide looks like it should be a good buy! It's my first trip to the winelands so I am after a rounded experience and combining it with enjoying the surrounding scenery.
Julian - the Platter Guide looks like it should be a good buy! It's my first trip to the winelands so I am after a rounded experience and combining it with enjoying the surrounding scenery.
Sep 9th, 2006, 12:01 PM
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Hello,
The Platter Guide is fantastic. If you'll have a few days in Cape Town beforehand and are not after a specialist wine-tasting experience, you should be fine picking up a copy when you arrive.
Cheers,
Julian
The Platter Guide is fantastic. If you'll have a few days in Cape Town beforehand and are not after a specialist wine-tasting experience, you should be fine picking up a copy when you arrive.
Cheers,
Julian
Sep 9th, 2006, 01:33 PM
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We have used the same guide twice in 2005 and 2004. She is Glen Christie and you can contact her on her website Vinyard Ventures. She will have lots of questions about what you are looking for. Last year we looked only for Sauvignon Blancs.
The roads leading to the huge estates are winding and narrow. Glen can pick out the proper estates for you to see and to taste their best. She has been doing this for 14 years and all the vintners know her. She will take care of all the driving in her lovely vehicle and pick and incredible restaurant for lunch. Vineyard Ventures is referenced on page 53 of John Platter's South African Wines.
Remember...they have DUIs in So. Africa, too!
The roads leading to the huge estates are winding and narrow. Glen can pick out the proper estates for you to see and to taste their best. She has been doing this for 14 years and all the vintners know her. She will take care of all the driving in her lovely vehicle and pick and incredible restaurant for lunch. Vineyard Ventures is referenced on page 53 of John Platter's South African Wines.
Remember...they have DUIs in So. Africa, too!
