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POURED, PLATED AND PRODUCED – SANTAM SWARTLAND WINE AND OLIVE ROUTE COMES TO TOWN
6 Oct, 2012 @ 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
The diverse Santam Swartland Wine and Olive Route offers many attractions and if you have not visited the region then join the winemakers and producers at the their annual Country Market at the Stone Cottages at Kirstenbosch on Saturday 6 October.
What can be poured, plated or produced will be on sale and visitors can “try and buy” the produce of this un-spoilt Wine Tourism Route at their leisure.
One of the most spread out routes of all the wineland areas in South Africa – from Malmesbury on the N7 to Piketberg in the North; including the Paardeberg vineyards between the R44 and the N7 and the famed Riebeek Valley– this is one of the breadbaskets of South Africa. Twenty three vineyards along the route offer a variety of experiences. Many of the farms offer accommodation in guest cottages, allowing visitors to enjoy the tranquillity and magnificent scenery – another reason to make this a leisurely weekend getaway.
Rolling wheatlands and bright yellow canola fields set the scene – flanked by vineyards, olive groves and kilometres of farmland. The varied climates of the region coupled with a more rugged terrain benefit the wine production and these award winning “struggle” wines burst with flavour. The hardy olive thrives here and olive oils, rich, ripe olives with the wine and “kos” of country tradition make for a plate that is a foodie’s dream.
A rich selection of produce comes from this area. From the olives and olive oil to the unusual jams at Intaba near Piketberg; to the breads, cakes and biscuits benefitting from the wheat at their doorsteps – here you find real farmers biltong and droë wors – and of course – the wines! The Country Market mingles all these culinary pleasures with the hospitable folk of the region.
The gateway to the Wine Route is Swartland Winery, just outside Malmesbury, famous for their bush vine wines that are berry rich. Tastings from that area will also be offered by Nuweland, which has been in the hands of the Louw family for four generations, Niewedrift – a boutique winery with very arty connections and Org de Rac – the only organic vineyard on the route. Franki’s Vineyards will once again bring their superb wines – and a vintage car to keep the motor enthusiasts happy. Winkelshoek from Piketberg offers wines from the whole region – so visitors need not miss out if a winemaker is not attending.
The Riebeek Valley, with its cluster of eight vineyards nestling amongst the towns of Riebeeck Casteel and Riebeeck West and stretching to Hermon, is known also for its annual wine and olive festival and the Country Market recreates some of this atmosphere of this event. Olive oil from the region not only provides the best in taste but also provides luxurious beauty products. From Riebeeck Olive Boutique try their deliciously different products and their range of beauty products. Kloovenberg Winery brings it wines, olives and beauty products while the wines of Riebeek Cellars and Pulpit Rock demonstrate the individuality of these producers. Het Vlock Casteel offers wines, unusual preserves and delicious salad dressings as an added enticement.
Representing the scenic Paardeberg area will be AnnexKloof Wines, who received the 2006 Champion Wine Trophy of the Swartland for its wooded Malbec and produces wines with a full, ripe berry flavour. Babylon’s Peak Private Cellar on the farm Nooitgedacht, nestles on the slopes of the Paardeberg and the name is derived from a very high granite peak on the farm, known to the locals as ‘Babylonstoren’. Recently entering a joint venture with Vin’Olien Olives expect to taste more than superior wines.
All the benefits of a day in the country but close to town with activities for the whole family.
Date: Saturday October 6 at Kirstenbosch Stone Cottages 10am until 4pm
Entry: Free entry or R30 per person for a wine glass and tasting vouchers
Enquiries: Tel: 022 487 1133 or e-mail: swartlandinfo@westc.co.za
