The Valley Wine Experience is a unique and interesting way of exploring the wineries in a particular region. The first event was recently conducted in the Durbanville valley and was a huge success.
This experience is like no other due to the fact that the enjoyment of the wines is in the great outdoors amongst the vineyards and is conducted by a wine professional who has a passion for all things vinous.
The event starts with a pick up of guests( maximum 12 ) and a short trip in a luxury bus to the vineyards. I as the host then take the guests into the vineyard, but not before pouring them a welcoming glass of award winning bubbly. We then get up close and personal with the star of the show, the vines!
A chat about the different vines and the unique soil and terrain of the site offers the opportunity to better understand what makes the region special.
It is then back on the bus and off to a higher spot where one can compare the two different types of vine management and the reasons and attributes of these hardy vines.
There is also an opportunity to walk along the mountain path and catch glimpses of the local critters. Due to the height and terrain, a number of birds can be spotted such as eagles and hawks. There is also the opportunity to examine the highly endangered Renosterbos that makes up part of the Fynbos floral Kingdom.
Thereafter it is up and at it to the tasting site which is amongst the clouds, or so it feels.
The magnificent views seems to dwarf even Table Mountain in the distance. There is a 300 degree panoramic vista that ensures that one can see Wellington through to Stellenbosch with Hangklip on the one side and False Bay and all the away round to Table Mountain, Table bay and thereafter Robben Island and beyond on the other. It is truly breathtaking!
The site in the form of a railed wooden deck is safe and fully functional with umbrellas and benches for a comfortable wine experience.
Depending on the Experience, different wines and options are available. In this instance I showcased a selection of the very best that the local wineries produce with special attention to the Sauvignon Blancs which the valley is famous for. I also selected a few reds that allowed my guests to appreciate the high quality of the wines produced. These were accompanied by a huge vineyard platter which is ideal for combining the flavors of the wine with the various bite sized portions.
There is also the option of a white wine experience which is ideal in summer and which is paired with a Sushi platter. This combination is a winner as well as it allows one to have a informal snack while drinking fine wines. Many guests prefer this option and then have a hearty late lunch at one of the great eateries down below.
My most recent event showcased some exceptional wines such as the Bloemendal Suider Terras which was a winner as we had earlier visited the block from the tiny quantities of grapes are derived only 800 kg per block! Another exceptional wine was the De Grendel Koetshuis which is a multi award winning Sauvignon Blanc. We also enjoyed the Bloemendal white blend as well as the Nitida Wild Child Sauvignon blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon which has a strong following with those who love ethereal wines.
I also offered the Klein Roosboom wines, of which the Merlot was well received. No tasting would be complete without the Durbanville Hills wines proudly represented by their Gold medal M.C.C. and collectors reserve Sauvignon Blanc and Pinotage which had a number of guests exclaiming that they were not usually fans of Pinotage, however the quality of this wine demanded a rethink. The Bloemendal Syrah was also a showstopper.
The beauty of the site and the unique opportunity to taste wines that represent the valley ensures that it is a great opportunity to experience fine wines and it is an honor for me to introduce these wines to guests who would normally have to visit the wineries individually and may not be able to taste some of these wines in the presence of someone with a passion and good understanding of what makes a great experience.
These events run daily and all guests are urged to book as these events are hugely popular so why not Be My Guest?
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