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, 2 November 2013

Oak Valley

Today we decided to spend the day in Elgin visiting wine estates. The first place we visited was Oak Valley Estate.

This estate is really beautiful!! As you walk up from the car park you take in the beautiful tall trees, pool and then walk in to the tasting room.




I found the service a little cold here, but it was fine nonetheless.


We thoroughly enjoyed the views from the tasting room and spent a lot of time taking photos


We tasted the Sauvignon Blanc 2011, it had intense aromas on the nose with white peach and fresh grass and same on the palate. It had a green taste including capsicum, lemon, lime, and granny smith apples.

We also got to try the 2010. It was not as intense on the nose, was very sharp with lime tones, I didn't like it.

Chardonnay 2012 had a nice light oak nose. It was smooth, round-mouthed, slight honey, granny smith apple on the palate, it was nice. It was a little zesty on the finish.

White Blend was 60% Sauvignon Blanc and 40% Semillon. This was also green in style, smooth, had hints of capsicum. It had a round mouth feel. I didn't like this wine, it was ok.

Rose was 100% Shiraz, it had a sweet strawberry nose, gorgeous cherry colour, smooth, not a fan of the taste.

Pinot Noir 2012 I liked the nose, there was a little mocha, blackcurrents, dark cherry. Little dry, stem taste, and oak. Medium body. I liked this wine!!

Merlot Cabernet has 56% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon and 17% Cabernet Franc. It was in oak barrels for 18 months,  It had a gorgeous strong fruity, dark berry nose. It was medium - heavy in body. Nice taninns. It had a nice taste, it was a bold wine. I liked this wine. It is ready to drink now.

Shiraz 2011 spent 12 months in barrels, only 10% new oak. It had a nice berry, fruity nose. It was a little dry, light-medium body, probably needs time, dark chocolate taste, I liked it, it was nice.



I recommend visiting this wine estate when you visit Elgin. It has a nice setting, location, wine tasting and the wine was good (sadly just a little pricy).

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