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, 8 February 2014

Kleine Zalze - second visit

I have been to Kleine Zalze before but was keen to taste a few wines in particular today. The service is always friendly and welcoming here. It is a nice winery with a lovely setting. The staff are well educated on the wine and can therefore provide an informative tasting.


Today I tasted the Shiraz Mourvedre Viognier 2012 at R95 a bottle. It had medium body, was fruity (cherry and berry tones), and very smooth. I thought this wine was nice, I liked it.

Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Matured 2010 at R100 a bottle. It had a lovely nose. It was smooth with a dry finish. I loved the flavour. It had a stringy-tannin finish.

Shiraz Barrel Matured 2010 at R100 a bottle. It had a pooey, earthy nose. It was fruity and spicy on the palate, that like fruit cake. It had medium body. I felt this was a good wine.

I also tried the Pinotage 2011 at R52 a bottle which was light in body, fruity, a little dry. I thought this wine was ok.



I recommend visiting this winery and also eating a meal at the famous Terroir restaurant adjacent to the tasting room. It is a beautiful place, you are always made to feel welcome and they produce good quality wines here.

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