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.



Sunday, 30 June 2013

De Heuvel - Christmas in Winter

I liked the architecture of the building, the vibe, the value for money wine and the way the owner makes you feel so welcome here. It was a great experience. 


We visited this wine estate on the Tulbagh Christmas in Winter weekend. This is a really nice festival and I highly recommend visiting Tulbagh and the Tulbagh wine estates over this weekend. It is not too crowded and is child friendly, making for a nice weekend away for everyone.


We tasted all the wine here and found some great value for money wine!! They are apparently closing down so if you are planning a trip to Tulbagh it is best you find out before driving out here if they are still open. If they are, I recommend visiting this estate. Their wine is very good and due to the fact they are closing down the prices are really low!! The service was really friendly here, it was a fun wine tasting experience.



I really enjoyed the experience here and highly recommend you visit this estate. If you do drive out this way, be sure to visit Waverley Hills also.

Tasting notes:
 
Chardonnay 2010 from Walker Bay only R60 a bottle.
Floral, light, white flesh fruity taste, little tropical fruity flavours. I liked this wine.

Sauvignon Blanc 2010 R25 a bottle.
I prefer the 2009 much better, it is fresher with more prominant tropical fruity flavours.

White Reserve 2010 R45 a bottle.
A blend of four varietals Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Chenin and Viognier. Quite fresh, soft, rounded, a lot of flavour, very floral.

Chenin Blanc 2010 R25 a bottle.
Soft, easy drinking, fruity. Strong fruity nose with fresh citrus tones.

Chenin Blanc 2010 Barrel Fermented R60 a bottle.
Nice, lightly oaked, has nice depth to it. Medium body. Fruity.

Hanepoot 2012 R25 a bottle.
Sweet hanepoot smell yet a slightly sour taste. Tastes like the grapes were picked a little early.

Pinotage Rose 2011 R25 a bottle (unlabelled).
Nice and fresh with a strawberry taste. A little bit too fresh - not too sure it's balanced.

Pinotage 2006 R35 a bottle.
Smokey nose, deeper fruit flavours. Slightly spicy. Serve chilled. Age another 2-3 years.

Pinotage 2007 R35 a bottle.
Strong fruity/berry aromas with a hint of coffee. Slight sherry/port smell. Light. Little dry/bitter.

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