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.

Sunday, 25 September 2011

De Grendel

Today I met with some friends at De Grendel for a wine tasting. I was pleasantly surprised to see such beautiful grounds, a modern tasting room, and fantastic views!! I love that they have an amazing view of table mountain, the sea and their vineyards all in one view.




The wine tasting room is modern, welcoming and can hold many people. I love that they have an outdoor seating area where you can do a tasting.



We ended up sitting outside with a cheese platter and did a full wine tasting. Be sure to allow a good 1.5-2 hours to enjoy a full wine tasting and cheese platter at this winery.

 
The service here was really good. The guy who served us really knew his wine and the winery. He told  us the history of the winery and he had great knowledge of every wine we tried. It was a fantastic wine tasting.


To do a tasting here costs R20 for a tasting of 3 wines, or R50 to try all 11 wines. I highly recommend trying all wines. If you purchase a bottle of any wine then the wine tasting is waivered. My favourite wines here were the Rose 2011 (50), Koetshuis Sauvignon Blanc 2011 (R85), Merlot 2008 (R85), Viognier 2011 R85) and the Winifred 2009 (R85). The Winifred is a blend of Viognier, Chardonnay and Semillon. All their wines are very nice and well balanced.


For me, this is now my favourite winery in Durbanville. I highly recommend you visit this winery and enjoy the wine and views.
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