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.



Monday, 16 December 2013

De Waal

After visiting De Morgenzon wine estate we decided to check out De Waal, and what a difference between the two.


When I rocked up to the building it reminded me of a town hall. There is a bell at the door which you have to ring to have the door unlocked.



You then walk up some stairs and finally get to the tasting room.


There was only one table in the room (two tables pushed together) and it was being used by a big group so we stood at the counter in the meantime.



The lady serving us was very polite and friendly. We had a very pleasant experience here.

A tasting excluding the premium wines is R20 and the tasting of all wines including the premium wines is R35. We decided to go for the tasting including all their wine.

The DeWaal Young Vines Sauvignon Blanc 2012 (R45) had tropical fruity flavours, was balanced and pleasant.

DeWaal Viognier 2011 (R70) was pleasant and light.

DeWaal Young Vines Merlot 2010 (R55) was very pleasant, fruity, soft, smooth with a little dry finish.

I didn't like the DeWaal Young Vines Shiraz 2010 (R55).

DeWaal Pinotage 2010 (R60) was soft, fruity, pleasant and easy drinking. It was a little sweet.

DeWaal Merlot 2010 (R80) was lovely on the nose and palate. Too dry on the finish and it lingered.

DeWaal Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 (R135) had an interesting herbacious nose and taste. It was a little dry on the finish. A good wine.

DeWaal Signal Rock 2008 (R135) was a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. This was lovely on the nose, a little dry on the finish, had a sweet fruity aroma and taste. A little bit of spice at the end. This was a favourite of mine.

De Waal CT De Waal Pinotage 2009 (R135) was a nice wine, with good structure, and a dry finish.

DeWaal Top of the Hill Pinotage 2011 (R245) had a beautiful favour and was smooth. This was my other favourite from this tasting.




Overall the experience was very nice. We each bought a few bottles of wine before heading out. The lady waives the tasting fee if you buy a few bottles which is great.

I have to say, I wouldn’t recommend one goes out of their way to visit this wine estate, but if you are visiting Jordan or De Morgenzon then you might as well drop in here for a tasting also.

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