Welcome to the Western Cape Wineries - a kiwi's opinion blog

I originally set up this blog to help foreigners have an enjoyable experience when visiting the western cape wineries in South Africa.

I realised that it is very difficult for a tourist to choose where to go and which wineries to visit, when you have 600+ wine producers to choose from.

When I first moved to SA December 2010, my palate struggled to adjust to SA wine, but after living here for a while and after visiting over 100+ wine estates, I have found many wines which I really like and can highly recommend.

Admittingly, when you come from another country it is hard not to compare the wine in SA to what you are used to back home. However, once you realise they are not the same (they have their own characteristics due to the different soil, climate etc) and appreciate their wines for being SA wines, it will improve your opinion and experience of the wines immediately.

If you are staying in SA for a while, don't dispair, your palate will change, and you will soon find yourself liking SA wine over your home countries wine!!

I hope my blog will help wine lovers have an enjoyable wine experience while in SA.

Please note: I am not a wine connoisseur. The comments I write about the wine is mostly for my own benefit of having them on record.

Tuesday 29 March 2011

Buitenverwachting - Constantia

I love this place!!! The locals talk highly of the Constantia wine region because of the history of the area. The Constantia wineries are the oldest wine growing area in South Africa. Some of them are more than 300 years old and the area is very beautiful. The first wine to be made in Constantia was in 1685. Check out the Buitenvirwachting website: http://www.buitenverwachting.co.za/wines.html.
  



It is a must to visit the Constantia region if you really love wine. If your time is limited to visit wineries while in the Cape, forget Stellenbosch, Robertson, Paarl etc. If you truly love white wine, and especially Suavignon blanc, go to Constantia!!! Check out the Buitenvirwachting website for more information on the wines available: http://www.buitenverwachting.co.za/wines.html.
 

I went to Buitenverwachting with friends for lunch. We got there at 3pm so just missed out on the lunch menu. However, we got to order from the Tapas menu. They have a great deal for five tapas, which I shared with one other person, and this was a nice tasting for a light meal. I recommend ordering 5 tapas for one person if you are hungry and miss the lunch menu.



The setting is absolutely lovely. There is a nice courtyard to enjoy your meal, there is also indoor seating which is a much more formal setting.

The Sauvignon Blanc we had was one of the best I have tried here in the Western Cape. I would highly recommend going to this restaurant for a meal and to try the wines.



I am looking forward to returning to Buitenverwachting to do the wine tasting. I am expecting great things from that :-)
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  1. Unknown6 April 2011 at 11:40

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  2. Unknown6 April 2011 at 11:41

    We bought a bottle of Buitenverwachting Sauvignon Blanc 2010 at the supermarket today for about R76. We shared it with my boyfriends parents this evening, and everyone absolutely loved it. We had it with pork belly, and it went very nicely. I truly think this is one of the best Sauvignon Blancs I have tried here in SA!!! I believe anyone who is used to NZ Suavignon Blancs, would not be disappointed with this wine at all. Enjoy :-)

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