Anthonij Rupert Wine Estate annual Shiraz and Charcuterie Festival 25 May 2019
Anthonij Rupert Wine Estate annual Shiraz and Charcuterie Festival 25 May 2019!
Some of the finest South African shiraz will be poured at this year’s Shiraz & Charcuterie Festival, Anohonij Rupert WyneOlives, ARW Shiraz & Charcuterie Festival 25 May 2019Local charcuterie, ARW Shiraz and Charcuterie Festival
It’s time for another world-class festival and highlight on the Cape Winelands social calendar.
The annual Shiraz & Charcuterie Festival, which takes place once again at the picturesque Anthonij Rupert Wyne in Franschhoek on Saturday, 25 May (11am to 4pm) makes for the perfect late Autumn outing, combining some of the country’s finest Shiraz wines paired with charcuterie from artisanal producers.
Visitors will have the opportunity to taste Anthonij Rupert Wyne’s range of Shiraz wines, which include the limited release Anthonij Rupert Syrah, the site-specific Cape of Good Hope Riebeeksrivier Shiraz and Protea Shiraz. Joining Anthonij Rupert Wyne are 18 of the country’s top Shiraz producing estates, which include Thelema Mountain Vineyards, Leeu & Mullineux Family Wines, Waterford Estate, Stark-Condé Wines and Hartenberg Wine Estate. These highly acclaimed producers will all be showcasing their fine Shiraz wines for your enjoyment.
As you sip and savour your way through the wines – with their alluring notes of spice and dark fruits – pair them with the selection of delectable local and international charcuterie on offer – featuring everything from salamis and cured hams to flavoured chorizos. Nibble on the samples, choose your favourites and purchase them to enjoy at the festival or to take home. A lavish Anthonij Rupert Wyne Harvest Table, adorned with fresh seasonal salads, homemade truffle arancini, estate olives, jalapenos, creamy tomato soup and pulled Moroccan lamb shoulder – are a match made in culinary heaven to complement the superb wine line-up. (Buy tickets for your food on the day.)
The Macaroon Bar, featuring an assortment of decadent flavours, guarantees a perfectly sweet finish.
Pre-booking is essential as tickets are limited. Your ticket, which costs R295 per person, includes entry as well as tastings of the wines on show. Book directly via www.webtickets.co.za
Stunning views from the lawn at Anthonij Rupert Wyne Shiraz and Charcuterie Festival 2019Landscape with shiraz and charcuterie ARW 2019
Sugarbird® Gin Eggs make Easter Egg hunting fun for adults too!
Sugarbird® is the gin that is #MadeForYou – this mission is infused with their unstoppable entrepreneurial spirit, to ensure that you always have exciting and innovative ways to buy and drink your Sugarbird® gin.
Not to mention the whole range of delicious new flavours!
The Sugarbird® Christmas baubles were the first bespoke product, which
took the market by storm over the festive season – around 7 tons, yes 7 TONS, of gin baubles were sold! – another win from this dynamic team.
Sugarbird Gin Eggs
Now it’s time for another unique offering that’ll have you excited all over again! Drum roll…. introducing Sugarbird Gin Eggs – making egg hunts fun for adults – including a golden egg hunt – where 5 lucky hunters stand to win a Sugarbird® gin gift set worth R5000. Find the winning golden egg inside the copper lid of your gin eggs!
The Sugarbird® Gin Eggs comes in a pack of 6, offering you the full Sugarbird Cape Fynbos Gin range, including two fabulous new flavours:
Sugarbird® Juniper Unfiltered – the very purple gin, paying homage to
the essence at the core of gin, offers the full personality of Juniper, and
Sugarbird® Pink Pelargonium – a new delicious pink Rose Geranium-flavoured gin.
Get your Sugarbird® Gin Eggs exclusively at Pick n Pay Liquor stores
nationwide and online at www.pnp.co.za.
The South African International Tattoo Convention returns to Cape Town for the 3rd annual show with an upscaled offering of tattooers, bands and an even bigger experience for visitors.
29-30-31 March 2019 The Lookout, V&A Waterfront.
What’s It All About?
The South African Tattoo Convention invites a curated collection of 90 tattooers from over 15 different countries to present their personal style of tattooing. Each tattooer is inspired by over 15 genres of modern and traditional tattooing. SAITC has become a highly respected event among the international tattoo community and is recognized by international artists as one of the most highlighted events on the world tattoo convention calendar; the only one of its kind in Africa.
What Makes It An Experience Not To Miss?
There is something genuine and special about this global meeting place of world travelling artists. It offers a high quality tattooing experience in a professional environmentwhere you will receive world class advice and have a wide selection of tattoo styles to choose from.
The vibe always includes story telling between travelling tattooers and clients alike, meeting people from all walks of life and getting to hang out, browse or even tattooed. Whether you are collecting a small momento-type tattoo from an artist’s drawing sheet, looking for some fine art prints for your home or commiting to a full day tattoo by your favourite artist, there is an unexplainable magic that happens when so many people come together to share the stoke and get tattooed under one roof.
What Happens Other Than Tattooing?
The 3-day show has upscaled their offering by introducing 6 live bands, 3 food trucks, an improved market area with fashion and lifestyle vendors, chocolatiers, coffee roasters, a fully kitted beer garden and a picturesque ocean view deck bar. Everyone is welcome and children of all ages are now able to attend. (Please note, children under 5 will not be allowed inside the tattooer exhibit hall area)
How To Get Tattooed at #SAITC2019
Pre-book to avoid disappointment! Artist bookings are open and slots fill up extremely fast. To ensure you get a session with your favourite tattooer, head to the South African International Tattoo Convention website and book by emailing the artist directly before the convention to start discussing the process and your design and tattoo placement. Find the Artist’s Page here: https://southafricantattooconvention.com/2019-artists/
“WALK-INS are also welcome! If you’re comfortable with throwing caution to the wind, buy your tickets to the convention and find an artist on site on the day between 29th – 31st March 2019. Spontaneously select a piece you love and get small, quick sketches and pieces of work known as “flash” designs without needing to pre-plan or pre-book.
Featured Artists
Jenna Bouma –Handpoke Tattooer – World Traveling
Eddie Czaiki – Neo Traditional Tattooer – Paris France
Yadou – Watercolour Tattooer – Warsaw Poland
Bob Geerts – American Traditonal Tattooer – Eindhoeven Netherlands
Clemens Hahn – Neo Traditional – Manneheim Germany
Ross Turpin – Western Japanese – Tsim Sha Tsui Hong Kong
Greg Whitehead – Western Japanese – Portland Oregon
Nate Hudak – American Traditional- Cincinnati U.S.A
Waldo Del Rocca – American Traditional – Cape Town – South Africa
Rudolf Maartins –Sacred Geometry – Rottendam The Netherlans
Matt Cannon – Neo Traditional – Anaheim California
For all comfirmed tattooers please check out the artist page.
Although we have increased our public experience offering we are happy to announce that SAITC ticket prices have remained the same without an increase for 2019.
Easter is always way better with little kids, in my opinion, since their chief religions seem to be Fun, Adventure and Chocolate. (Why did I ever grow up, I ask myself, every Easter.)
We are lucky in the Cape to have plenty of places that cater wonderfully for all of the above, including parents, over Easter so if you’re looking for recommendations, here’s one:
Middelvlei
‘Save the date for this year’s Middelvlei Family Day, Monday, 22 April, a great day out for families. The Easter Bunny will pop in on the day, leading the Middelvlei Easter Egg Hunt. Look out for the special clues hidden to uncover an abundance of sweet treats.
Old-fashion games on the day include favourites such as the Egg & Spoon race, Three-Legged race, Wheelbarrow Walk and not forgetting Bokdrol Spitting!!
While children are kept entertained, parents can chillax with some lovely Middelvlei wine, enjoying live entertainment and good food with an Easter-inspired spitbraai lunch.
Lunch costs R280 per adult and R130 per child (12 years and younger), which includes the Easter Egg Hunt for littlies. I dunno, maybe for adults too? *must check*
If lounging about feeling good ain’t your thing, why not try your hand at the recently launched Middelvlei Scootours. Explore the farm and surrounds on an oversized scooter, revelling in the spectacular views and feeling the thrill of speed on the downhill slopes. The cost is R590 per adult and R290 per passenger (aged 4 to 9 years), and includes a 90 minute Scootour experience.
On the Scootours, adults will be served one of Middelvlei’s famous Braaibroodjies and a glass of wine, while the kids can tuck into a delicious kiddie’s burger and ice-cream float.
As a special Middelvlei Family Day package when booking the Scootours for a group of 6 or more people the cost will be R400 per adult and R150 per passenger (aged 4 to 9 years).
Pre-booking is advised. For bookings or more information contact the farm on 021 883 2565 or email info@middelvlei.co.za.
Got kids? Love fun, food, fresh air and chocolate? Head for Spier this Easter.
As a seasoned veteran myself of many, many past Easter treats, chocolate feasts and treasure hunts back in the days when my kids were little, I must confess a little envy here. There is just so much abundance on offer!
Spend a long weekend (special discounts apply, scroll to bottom of post) on one of Stellenbosch’s oldest wine farms, for some of the best family fun to be had.
From delicious farm-style meals, to an Easter Egg hunt, to encounters with eagles and awe-inspiring artworks, every minute is playtime for children.
Here are ten totally awesome things to do with kids at Spier this Easter:
Inspired by the delicious bounty of the sea and the richness of Cape Malay culinary heritage, this feast on Good Friday, Friday 19 April features braaied snoek, mouthwatering mussels, seasonal salads and so much more.
See the dancing owls at the Eagle Encounters, a bird-of-prey rehabilitation and conservation project, which also hosts daily flying displays in which you can participate.
Meet the dancing owls at Eagle Encounters, Spier Easter 2019
While the adults indulge in a chocolate and wine tasting of Spier’s Creative Block blends, the little ones can enjoy a grape juice tasting and learn more about our farm with an educational colouring sheet.
Kids’Grape Juice Tasting, Spier Easter 2019Children’s juice tasting, Spier Easter 2019
Farmer Angus’s pasture-reared favourites from the fire take centre stage at the Easter Spit Braai Dinner Buffet on Saturday, 20 April 2019: think fire-roasted pork belly, chicken kebabs, tender lamb, and more. Not to be outdone, though, are the deliciously inventive seasonal salads and freshly baked bread and cinnamon buns. Come hungry!
Admire some art: Amongst many noteworthy works and installations, we have an interactive musical rock sculpture installation, The Songsmith, which plays music when the rocks are stroked. The children will be enchanted! They are also welcome to visit the Spier Artisan Studio, where mosaic artisans showcase their work in progress.
Shop for souvenirs: The Craft Market sells beautiful local woodwork, beaded items and ceramics – all handmade.
Take part in Spier’s annual Easter Egg Hunt around the restored historic farmyard at the Werf on Sunday 21 April at 11:00. Explore the beautiful lawns, boulders and buildings or search the food garden for hidden delights.
Kids joining their parents for Easter lunch at Spier join the hunt for free. If you are just joining us for the hunt, children under 5 pay R50 while those between 6 and 12 pay R100.
Spend Easter Sunday with your loved ones at Spier. Choose between a hearty, farm-to-table lunch at Eight, a braaied lunch in the Manor House Courtyard, or an Easter picnic to be enjoyed on the Werf lawns. There are specially-designed kiddies’ menus at each that will be sure to get the little ones’ mouths’ water. Children booking for the set lunches can join in the Easter Egg Hunt, starting at 11:00, for free.
Spier Manor House Easter 2019 Lunch underneath the trees
Long weekends call for sleeping in but, trust me you don’t want to miss the opportunity to explore the Spier farm on a Segway. Want to give your teens a taste of the fast lane? They’re guaranteed to love this: it’s undoubtedly the coolest way to do a breezy lap around the farm. On this exhilarating glide past our pastures and vineyards against the backdrop of the soaring Helderberg, you’ll also learn about Spier’s natural farming practices and commitment to a sustainable future.
Segway at SpierSegway rules if you’re a teen at Spier Stellenbosch
Head home with some hot cross buns from Vadas Smokehouse & Bakery. Lightly spiced, filled with mixed dried fruit and glazed with a sticky syrup, these fluffy, soft buns are a special addition to the bakery menu during April. Buy 5 and get 1 free!
Linger longer for less!
With so much to enjoy, why don’t you treat the family to an Easter on the farm? Stay three nights at Spier Hotel, and save 20% from just R1 100 per room per night (we’ll treat you to a complimentary bottle of Spier wine too!).
The Spier Hotel is a perfect escape for families: not only do kids under 12 stay free — but while Mom and Dad relax at the Spa or by the pool, our little hotel guests are invited to hang out at the Kids’ Clubhouse which offers safe supervision and a programme packed with fun activities, including arts and crafts, stories, baking and farm walks.
By choosing Spier, you are supporting Spier’s Growing for Good learning initiatives that empower communities to create positive social and environmental change.
Supervised care at the Kids Clubhouse, Spier Easter 2019
2018 Pierneef La Motte Sauvignon Blanc Mundus Vini 2019 gold Medal Winner
Any wine lover has their personal preferred pour and mine has been Sauvignon blanc as long as I can remember. Except for that time when…but let’s not go there, shall we? In the here and now, some local Sauvignon blancs have been nothing short of nectar to my palate, and some of La Motte Wine’s SB’s rank right at the top for me.
I was thrilled to be sent a box of three La Motte SB vintages – 2016, 2017 & 2018 – recently, along with the press release below. These are gorgeous, perfectly balanced wines, delightful to drink on their own and utterly divine paired with food. If you see them in the shops, scoop up as many bottles as you can, from all three vintages, or buy La Motte Online Wine Sales
Posh enough to treat your friends, and fine, so fine, to sip at any time.
Palm Citrus and Fennel Cured Franschhoek Trout – a perfect pairing with 2018 Pierneef La Motte Sauvignon blanc
‘La Motte’s 2018 Pierneef Sauvignon Blanc has just been released and has already received international acclaim with a Gold Medal and acknowledgement as Best of Show South Africa White in the renowned Mundus Vini Spring Tasting 2019!
This exceptional recognition reaffirms the estate’s status as a producer of fine wines and the success of introducing cool climate styles to its portfolio.
The 2018 Pierneef Sauvignon Blanc is a blend of 88% Sauvignon Blanc and 12% Semillon. Made exclusively from grapes sourced from the cool Cape South Coast area, the Sauvignon Blanc originates from vineyards in Elim and Napier, and the Semillon from Elim.
Harvested between 20 and 22 degrees Balling, the wine was left on the lees for approximately 16 hours with fermentation at around 14 degrees Celsius. It spent 5 months on the fine lees before blending in August 2018. 4 500 cartons (6 x 750 ml) were released in February 2019.
Staying true to the elegance of previous vintages, the 2018 brings a beautiful minerality that complements thiol-driven citrus, green pepper and gooseberry flavours. The exceptional complexity of this wine makes it a versatile partner to food – especially seafood and the often-challenging flavours of Chinese and Thai cuisine.
Previous vintages have confirmed the Pierneef Sauvignon Blanc’s exceptional maturation potential and Cellarmaster Edmund Terblanche is confident that although the 2018 Pierneef Sauvignon Blanc is already delightful, it will continue to develop and bring wine drinking pleasure for a few years to come.
Nicole Precoudis of Terra Madre Farm, Elgin Valley, picking organically grown herbsNicole Precoudis harvesting organic vegetables at Terra Madre Farm, Elgin Valley
Nicole Precoudis is living my dream life.
A passionate and talented chef (formerly of much-loved restaurants Cilantro and Icon in Johannesburg), today she runs the Terra Madre Organic Farm and deli in idyllic Elgin Valley along with her family.
Flanked by her devoted mom Koula and dad Chris and an incredible team of hardworking people who help them daily, Terra Madre is all about the Precoudis family, their team and the community they jointly serve.
This community consists of families, retailers, cooks, chefs and foodies, all of whom support the Terra Madre vision: of eating only the most wholesome and freshest produce sourced direct from the small-scale, organic farmer. (Netflix Chef’s Table, take note!)
Organic vegetable harvest, Terra Madre Farm, Elgin ValleyTerra Madre
Cold-pressed, raw, 100% pure Pear Juice from Terra Madre, Elgin Valley
Ultimately, Terra Madre Farm is about a vision even greater than that – a mission to genuinely make a difference in society and in peoples’ health, while honouring and respecting Mother Earth – hence the carefully thought out name: Terra Madre, meaning Mother Earth.
(It took 8 years to carefully and conscientiously decide on the name of the farm, incidentally…)
Some of Nicole’s earliest memories are of her Dad’s passion for quality meats (as butcher and butchery owner for 35 years) and her Mom’s passion for authentic Greek cuisine, lovingly prepared.
This inspired a lifelong love of all things gastronomic in Nicole, leading her to study hospitality and culinary arts, followed by apprenticeships in restaurants in the south of France and in Tuscany, Italy, before opening her own first restaurant, 80 seater “Cilantro”, in Parkhurst (Johannesburg) in the 1990’s.
Buoyed by the success of the fully- booked Cilantro, Chef Nicole was able to bring her parents on board full-time and they became a close-knit team. A second restaurant, the 150 seater “Icon” in Greenside opened thereafter with its own loyal following, but all the while, Chef Nicole was working on a dream – a dream that one day she would own her own farm in the Cape.
For years she searched until one day fate brought her to Elgin and she set foot on what is now the Terra Madre Farm.
It was love at first sight.
Vegetable Harvest, Terra MadreFreshly harvested Plums, Terra Madre
Over the past 13 years, Nicole and her parents have found a home amidst the love and caring of an amazing community and all the while they have remained true to their ethos of farming sustainably, with organic integrity and with total commitment to quality.
Today Terra Madre
– grows 2.5 hectare of Royal Gala and Golden Delicious apples predominantly for export
– grows 1 hectare of olives for their own extra-virgin, cold-pressed olive oil and preserved olives
all in addition to:
– producing organically grown vegetables for wholesale and retail trade with approximately 20,000 vegetables growing in the ground at any given time (*)
– producing cold-pressed, single-varietal, preservative and sugar-free, fruit juices for wholesale and retail trade (*)
– producing craft Cider in the Methode Pommes Classique tradition (*)
– producing a focused, artisanal range of farm deli products (*)
(*) available online – deliveries on Tuesday and Friday to the greater Cape Town CBD and surrounds
100% pure, cold-pressed fruit juices at Terra MadreMethod Pommes Classique – Sparkling Craft Cider from Terra Madre
Naturally, farming is about seasonality, with a variety of produce being available at different times of year. A major bonus for customers are the organic veg boxes, available for purchase online or at the farm. Visit the farm yourself from Monday to Saturday to harvest your own from the bountiful gardens!
Deliveries are made on Tuesdays and Fridays in Cape Town CBD, Somerset-West, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, with free delivery for orders over R600.
As of writing in early March 2019, the seasonal offering includes a bountiful harvest of Royal Gala Apples and family-friendly, “organic veg boxes”.
Foodies are advised to follow the farm on their social media platforms (Instagram and Facebook) for regular updates on availability, and because generous specials are always popping up in the online shop!
The range of cold-pressed, single-varietal fruit juices available from Terra Madre absolutely also needs mentioning. The finest quality apples and pears are sourced and these are cold-pressed, one varietal at a time, and then no preservatives or sugar is added – nothing except a little ascorbic acid (vitamin C) which helps for colour. So, for those who enjoy eating a tart Granny Smith, or a sweet Golden Delicious, you can enjoy a fresh, wholesome refreshment featuring nothing but the juice of your favourite fruit. To preserve the juice, it is frozen, and when you’re ready to drink it, all you need do is defrost and enjoy.
Finally, all of this is available online, from a few select stockists such as the Oranjezicht Farmers MarketuCook the Daily Dish and others (check web for details), or you can pop in to the farm Monday to Saturday and harvest your own veggies with the friendly Terra Madre team.
The committed, hardworking team at Terra Madre, sorting freshly picked organic vegetables
The Terra Madre operating hours are: Mon- Fri 08:00-16:00
The address is 33 Viljoenshoop Road, Elgin
Phone 082-328-1346
Happy as can be: Nicole Precoudis in her organic garden at Terra Madre Farm
There’s never a time of year that’s not great to visit magical Elgin Valley, but right about now seems to be a perfect choice! Especially to visit Paul Cluver for one of their fabulous summer picnics.
A picturesque 60 minute drive from Cape Town is where you’ll find Paul Cluver Wines, tucked away in the heart of the Elgin Wine Valley and home to some of the country’s finest wines. This is also where you are invited to indulge in a unique country picnic experience – laze on the lush lawns in the dappled shade of towering trees overhead and tuck into a sumptuous spread, featuring signature dishes off the acclaimed SALT @ Paul Cluver menu and a few picnic classics.
Your basket – or, in this case, apple box, as the estate is one of the country’s foremost apple producers – is packed with all of the delicious elements you’d expect from a gourmet picnic… and then some! Think local cheeses and artisan charcuterie, SALT’s famous Tomato Salad with Wasabi Cream Cheese and Basil Pesto and fall-apart Pulled Smoked Lamb Shoulder with Rosemary and Garlic Flat Bread. The Rainbow Carrot Salad with Harrisa Dressing adds beautiful bursts of colour and freshness, and a selection of Olives, homemade Cumin Onion Marmalade and Chicken Liver Pâté round off the picnic feast. Finally, SALT’s irresistible Banana Rumbaba with Crème Pat Muesli Crumble and Poached Fruit guarantees the perfect sweet finish!
Each picnic serves two and costs R450, which includes a bottle of still or sparkling mineral water. Or, opt to include a bottle of crisp Paul Cluver Sauvignon Blanc at R550 per picnic.To avoid disappointment, pre-booking of picnics is requested. To book, contact salt@cluver.com or 021 844 0012.
Before heading home, visit the Tasting Room and sample the range of wines for which Paul Cluver Wines has become internationally renowned. These include the Estate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, as well as the multi award-winning Seven Flags range. The Tasting Room is open from Monday to Sunday between 9am and 4pm.
Darling Brew in Woodstock, Cape TownDarling Brew Beer Tasting
Who’s your Darling, Bru?
As a Capetonian, one must acknowledge that beer is a cardinal part of our culture. Pale ales, dark ales, slow brews – it’s all lekker, bru!
On the 2nd of March 2019, the Darling Brewery opened their new Woodstock Taproom’s doors to the public with a delightful menu for beer-lovers. Don’t worry, I’m not just referring to the liquid lunch – the breakfast and lunch menus served in Woodstock are as tempting as the liquid libations!
On the 1st of March I attended the launch of the brewery. Might I just say, the most welcoming staff and incredibly helpful marketing team wowed us all from the very moment we stepped inside!
I was immediately at ease. Upon arrival we were greeted at the door and practically led to the bar with copious arrays of drinks.
Darling Brewery has a delicious range of their own slow brew, which was the highlighted item in most of our Instagram stories. Their gin cocktails were too good to be true, with refreshing slices of orange and lime.
Other tipples served are red and white wines, local MCC Miss Molly & imported Dom Perignon as well as Piper Heidsiek champagnes, cocktails, spirits, ciders, soft drinks and fantastic teas and coffees. Your essential one-stop Woodstock drinks spot, in other words!
Waiters and waitresses lavished tasty tidbits upon guests, with platters of sausages, onion rings, assorted meats – the schnitzel was a bit dry, but their self-made mustard compensated for that immediately!
As a committed environmentalist, I was absolutely elated to notice the sign asking patrons to return their glasses for refills, to save water. Extra brownie points for your eco-consideration, Darling Brew! The entire atmosphere was lively and one guest encapsulated the evening as “Hip, happening and moving”. Might I add, the live music was so ambient and lekker raw that you couldn’t help but dance along! ~ Sabah Cabano
Bringing the Darling Brew experience from the West Coast to Woodstock was an idea brewed between Darling Brew co-founders Kevin and Philippa Wood, and Verde Hotels’ owners Mario and Annemarie Delicio, with their shared values of environmental responsibility, sustainability and zero waste proving to be fertile ground.
In operation since 2010, Darling Brew is one of South Africa’s first well established and award-winning microbreweries, as well as Africa’s first carbon neutral brewery. Their continued success stems from an emphasis on quality, innovation, service, sustainability and lifestyle.
They brew a wide range of premium speciality beers – including traditional lagers, ales, oat ales, pale ales, IPAs, wheat beers and exotic darks that are loved for their flavour, quality ingredients and brewing processes. Each beer in the range has unique characteristics and is crafted in honour of an endangered species. Their beers are confirmed kosher.
Philippa Wood says, “We’re excited to bring the Darling experience from our home on the West Coast to Woodstock, one of Cape Town’s oldest and hippest suburbs – our range of beers is as diverse and eclectic as our new neighbourhood!
Darling Brew Woodstock will allow craft beer lovers to enjoy the entire Darling Brew range right in the heart of the Mother City.
Just outside Paarl lies a piece of Paradise: Avondale Estate. A biodynamic wine farm run by owner Johnathan Grieve, it’s the closest I’ve ever come to the actual Garden of Eden.
Avondale’s certified organic wines are made according to biodynamic principles, which requires minimal intervention and adherence to the lunar calendar for maximal output, plus plant and soil health. For more about Biodynamic wines, read here: What is Biodynamic Wine?
According to the website, “At Avondale, we make extraordinary wines approved by Mother Nature. Certified organic and practicing bio-dynamic agriculture; we go beyond both these beneficial systems of natural farming by using the best 21st Century science, technology and knowledge to enhance sustainability. Our commitment to promoting life does not only lead to Mother Nature’s approval; it also ensures the premium quality of Avondale’s unique, naturally-made, slow wines. The vigour of our well-tended vines leads to excellent grapes bursting with fresh flavours that are evident in our individually-styled, classic wines, so full of life and character. Avondale is home to FABER -a contemporary farm-to-fork restaurant.”
A recent Eco Wine Safari visit, with lunch and a wine tasting, first took us on a tractor-led ‘train’ drive through the vineyards, where we got to meet the hard-working ducks that keep insects and bugs at bay from the vines. They have their own ‘duck taxi’ – a converted truck with protective mesh canopy – that transports them from field to field and it was most amusing to watch them line up patiently to take the duck walk up into the truck.
Tractor train at Avondale Estate
The grapes are grown without the use of chemicals, such as pesticides and herbicides, producing exceptional wines bursting with flavour and character.
Cellar tasting of Avondale Anima, a 100% chenin blanc
Afterwards Chef Dale Stevens took us for a walk through the enviably lush kitchen garden, for a tasting of fresh vegetables and a brief explanation of how seasonability influences his menus from day to day. We got to gather eggs from the Chicken Tractor, a refashioned old truck with nesting boxes inside for the chooks and a huge lawn for them to muck about in. Free-range chickens FTW!
Chicken Tractor at Avondale EstateFree-range eggs from happy chooks at Avondale EstateFaber head chef Dale Stevens, at Avondale EstateNature’s bounty: fresh organic vegetable snacks at Avondale EstateTuck in! Crispy lettuce picked moments before in the kitchen garden at Avondale
Now you can get to experience this natural magic for yourself at the next Field to Feast Luncheon on 24 March 2019!
The Field to Feast three-course luncheons, paired with Avondale wines, are co-hosted by Avondale proprietor and entertaining raconteur, Johnathan Grieve and FABER Chef, Dale Stevens.
Each event is a unique experience of the Avondale Estate with a journey through the vineyards and food garden where guests are regaled with the stories of how the food is produced and the wines are made in harmony with Nature.
Seats for each ‘Field to Feast’ are limited, and advance reservations are highly recommended.
Luncheons are held between 11am and 3pm and cost R650 per person, including the guided farm tour, three-course lunch with three glasses of wine. *Water, coffees and any other extras not included.
The kitchen is able to accommodate food allergies and dietary requirements, from vegans and vegetarians to gluten or lactose intolerant, but always appreciates it if dietary exclusions or special requests are made known at the time of booking if possible.
A deposit of R100 per person is required to secure the booking. A discretionary 10% gratuity will be added to your final bill.
Avondale duck and Avondale Jerusalem artichokesFABER asparagus from Avondale kitchen garden
Sample Menu (according to availability from the garden)
Sourdough, butter, fynbos honey, jalapeno and mint cream cheese, pumpkin fritters.
Salt- and sugar-cured Saldanha trout, beetroot and fennel.
Fried Avondale hen’s egg, creamed leek and Black Forest ham.
Gorgonzola dressed lettuce, apple, kohlrabi and crispy onions.
Avondale Cyclus 2016
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Confit and seared duck, wilted greens, apple and rhubarb.
Buttered Nicola and red potatoes, parsley and parmesan.
Roasted carrots and crème fraiche.
Avondale Samsara 2009
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Baked polenta, white chocolate and granadilla.
Avondale Blanc de Noir 2007
Bookings can be made through FABER’s online booking system, via email faber@avondalewine.co.za or phone 021 202 1219.
Easter is always way better with little kids, in my opinion, since their chief religions seem to be Fun, Adventure and Chocolate. (Why did I ever grow up, I ask myself, every Easter.)
