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, b
ut 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.



Saturday 19 November 2011

Waterkloof

A follower of my blog suggested that I visit this winery, and I finally did in November. I am so grateful for the recommendation, as it sure was a stunning winery to visit.


Waterkloof is a must see winery. The view is just stunning from this place!!


The whole place is just wow; the drive up to the winery, the building where they have the wine tastings and restaurant, and the view!! Its all grand and fantastic!!


The place where you do your tasting is quite stylish and the service is very good. Sadly we did not have a lot of time, so had to race through the wines. I found that I either really liked the wine or found it just ok.


My favourites of the wine we tried were Circumstance Sauvignon Blanc 2011 (R90), I found it soft, gentle, had a lingering aftertaste and very nice to drink. I also liked the Circumstance Chenin Blanc, this was very soft, had beautiful flavour, 14 months oaked, it was very nice!! This also sells for R90 a bottle. The Circumstance Cape Coral 2010 Mouvedre sells for R85 a bottle, it was gentle, smoth, balanced, light and easy drinking. The Circumstance Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (R155) was very nice, but had a slightly dry aftertaste. In total we tried 12 wines, there is a fee for trying the wines, I think we paid R25 each.

The restaurant looks lovely, and the food looked very nice also. I imagine a meal here with the view they have, will be a treat and a half!! You can view the menu on http://www.waterkloofwines.co.za/pages/279651693/Restaurant-and-functions/menu.asp. They also have a 6 course degustation menu for R385/R490 wine pairing included. From what I saw, this would be very nice I am sure!!



I definitely recommend one visits this winery, and if you have the time and money, be sure to come and enjoy a meal here also. I am very keen to go back for the degustation!!






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