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.

Monday, 30 April 2012

Strandveld

This winery has two labels; Strandveld and The First Sighting. Below is a photo of the building where the wine tastings are done:


We started the tasting with the 2011 First Sighting Sauvignon Blanc, it was soft, tropical fruit flavoured and zesty. This wine sells for R47 a bottle. My boyfriend and I are a fan of the First Sighting Sauvignon Blanc as we tried this at a wedding a few months back and thought it was fantastic!! We didn't actually know before visiting this winery, that the First Sighting is made here.

The First Sighting Shiraz 2009 (R70 a bottle) was soft, light and easy drinking. The First Sighting Pinot Noir 2009 (R98 a bottle) was not a favourite of mine.


We tried all the Strandveld wine also. The Strandveld Sauvignon Blanc 2011 (R95) is soft, rounded, has subtle fruity flavours and is not so acidic. The Strandveld Adamastor 2010 (R115) was rounded, soft, medium bodied. It was just ok, in my opinion. The Strandveld Syrah 2009 (R140) has dark chocolate hints, is slightly dry and has a lingering aftertaste.


The tasting is free here. The service was ok, I have to admit it lacked a bit of luster, but perhaps the guy was just tired as it was coming to the end of the day. He did allow us to try the Strandveld and First Sighting wines together when there were comparisons, so that was cool.
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