Brookdale Estate in the Paarl Winelands has appointed a dynamic new winemaking team to continue the groundbreaking work started by current winemaker Kiara Scott Farmer, who is moving on to start a new position at Hazendal.

Brookdale winemakers Xander Sadie and Shanice du Preez .

Taking over from Kiara at the end of the year as the new Brookdale winemaker for the 2025 harvest, Xander Sadie will be assisted by Shanice du Preez, who joined Brookdale earlier this month (October 2024).

Since its maiden vintage of 2017, Brookdale has received global acclaim that has cemented the young estate’s reputation as a producer of wines of character and elegance. Brookdale challenges one to ‘stay curious’ while it sets out to try harder, push further and explore more deeply with every vintage. This philosophy in winemaking is driven by the talent and energy of a youthful team under mentorship of accomplished consultant winemaker Duncan Savage and proprietor Tim Rudd.

Outgoing winemaker Kiara Scott Farmer has been instrumental in the successes achieved by Brookdale to date. In 2021 she was recognised by WineLand magazine as one of the most promising young wine ambassadors in the South African wine industry in its 30 Under 30 line-up. Highlights during her tenure include the Brookdale Estate Chenin Blanc 2020 taking Gold with a top score of 97/100 in the Trophy Wine Show of 2022, placing it first in its category to win the coveted Rosa Kruger Trophy for best Old Vine Wine. Her talent and intuitive, minimal intervention approach to winemaking has been the driving force behind the development of the Brookdale and Mason Road ranges, including the Brookdale Sixteen White Field Blend, which was first released in 2021. In yet another career highlight, Kiara has just been selected in the line-up of six finalists in the prestigious 2024 Diners Club Winemaker of the Year competition in the Chenin Blanc category (to be announced on 23 November 2024).

Brookdale owner Tim Rudd expressed his gratitude and thanked Kiara for her invaluable contribution over the past five years: ‘Kiara has made an indelible mark on our young brand and our wines. It was a real pleasure to have her on our team and she will be sorely missed but, we encourage her to spread her wings and wish her everything of the best in her future ventures.’

Brookdale Estate in the Paarl Winelands

Xander Sadie is joining Brookdale from BlankBottle, where he started in 2023 as assistant winemaker before his promotion to winemaker. During his tenure at BlankBottle he notched up invaluable experience working with a wide range of cultivars. Born into a family where winemaking is rooted deeply within its DNA, Xander Sadie holds a diploma in Cellar Technology and Viticulture from Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute. After his studies he completed his practical training at Hamilton Russell and worked two harvests at Intellego Wines in the Swartland. He gained international experience in the vineyards of Vincent Carême in Vouvray (France) and in the cellar of Luis Seabra Vinhos in the Douro (Portugal), before spending five months with the winemaking team of the Bedrock Wine Co. in the Sonoma Valley in California (USA).

Brookdale’s recently appointed Assistant winemaker, Shanice du Preez represents the new generation of talent mentored by the CWG Protégé Programme. She won the CWG Protégé of the Year Award in 2022, and in 2023 she was selected as Protégé judge at both the Shiraz SA Challenge and the FNB Sauvignon Blanc SA Top 10 competitions. She holds a BSc Agric degree in Viticulture and Oenology from Stellenbosch University and completed her harvest internship at Groot Constantia. She gained invaluable experience during her three-year internship under the Protégé Programme, first at Kanonkop under the mentorship of Abrie Beeslaar, followed by De Grendel Wines, and most recently, she completed her internship at Savage Wines. Her international experience includes a harvest worked at Pascal Clément in Burgundy (France) where she was exposed to Bordeaux, Rhône, Champagne and Burgundian wine styles, and earlier this year she took part in the harvest at Wine & Soul in Portugal’s Douro Valley.

“Our proximity to the sea is what lends such freshness and elegance to our layered Cabernet Sauvignon,” says Vusi Dalicuba, Vergenoegd Löw’s young and energetic winemaker.

Ranked runner-up at the inaugural 2024 Next Generation Awards, sponsored by FedEx Express and convened by Winemag.co.za, he earned a score of 95 points for his 2022 Vergenoegd Löw Lara Cabernet Sauvignon. 

It also won gold at the recent Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Competition. The 2022 vintage was his first on the estate.

The low-lying historic luxury Stellenbosch estate, less than 5kms from the False Bay coastline, is situated along Stellenbosch’s Helderberg Wine Route. It is just 12m above sea level.

“The winds off the Atlantic create a cooler environment than in the Stellenbosch area in general, sometimes by as much as 3°C.”, Dalicuba explains. “That’s a major benefit. Also, unusually for Stellenbosch, our soils are rich in lime, thanks to our low-lying, ancient seabed location, dense with sea fossils and minerals.

“In our experience, vines grown in these calcareous soils make for graceful, harmonious wines of good acidity – qualities you can immediately pick up in our wines”.

He is also quick to point out that the estate’s regenerative farming practices don’t hurt either. Followed to promote biodiversity, they also enrich the soil and make for healthy, well-balanced and climate-resilient vines.

That is why at Vergenoegd Löw, the winemaking recipe, he says, is to “follow the grapes”. In this land above hand approach, the grapes themselves dictate how the berries should be vinified.

The low-lying historic Stellenbosch estate is less than 5kms from the False Bay coastline.

Of the 2022 vintage aged in a combination of new and older oak for 18 months, he says: “It shows intense concentration of black and red fruit flavours with traces of herbal notes and dark chocolate.” He describes the tannins as “chalky” and speaks of a slight salinity on the palate that he attributes to the influence of the sea. “This is definitely a wine with the structure to age.”

Dalicuba highlights the wine’s food-friendliness and recommends serving it with hearty meals, from grilled steaks and lamb chops, to casseroles, roasts, deeply flavoured vegetarian dishes and strong, mature cheeses.

His success with the grape is reprising the estate’s reputation for outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon established by the Faure family, the previous owners, who held the property for almost 200 years. It was the fifth generation’s Jac and Brand Faure, who planted Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards in 1972 and went on to win the General Smuts Trophy many times over the next few years. During the 1980s, Platter’s South African Wine Guide lauded the winery for its expression of the grape, calling it “one of the best reds in the country”.

The Faure family sold the historic farm to German heritage specialist and investor Prof Dr Dr Peter Löw in 2015. Since then a major vineyard replanting has been underway.

Vusi Dalicuba, Vergenoegd Löw’s young and energetic winemaker.

“Our vineyards have been mapped according to soil type with each grape variety matched to its optimal soil,” Dalicuba says.

There are currently just over 51 ha under vineyard. Red varieties account for 75% of the plantings with Cabernet Sauvignon in the lead.

He suggests purchasing a bottle via the estate’s online shop. “Whatever you choose as your dish, go for full-bodied, robust flavours, whether it’s your next braai, a fancy fillet dinner or Sunday roast.

“Or visit us for a personal tasting presented by our resident award-winning sommelier George Young, or come for a meal at one of our two restaurants.”

The wine, along with the entire Vergenoegd Löw collection is served at both Geuwels, a casual eatery and the fine dining Clara’s Barn. Both restaurants, that reinterpret traditional Cape dishes, are the domain of chef Bertus Basson and his colleague, Drikus Brink.

To sample the wine on the estate, look out for Young, recently announced South Africa’s Best Young Sommelier of 2024. He heads up wine service in the 1773 Homestead Wine Lounge with his team of accomplished wine ambassadors.

Sit back and relax in a luxurious, serene environment and discover finely crafted wines that speaks of place.

As Dalicuba urges: “Sit back and relax in a luxurious, serene environment and discover finely crafted wines that speaks of place. If you’re up for a sensory experience, try the special Indigenous Tasting, where you also get to sample local flavours like bokkoms, biltong, dune spinach and roosterkoek. Or enjoy a generous platter with artisanal cured meats and cheeses, fresh fruit and more. “

Visit https://vergenoegd.co.za/ for more information, https://vergenoegd.co.za/bookings/ to make a reservation, and https://vergenoegd.co.za/collection/all/ to peruse the selection and buy wines.


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Steenberg Hotel & Spa in Cape Town’s majestic Constantia Valley has released its packages for the 2024 spring-summer season – and the experiences are every bit as unique as the estate itself.

In a thrilling first for five-star Steenberg Farm, a scenic helicopter flight over the V&A Waterfront, Greenpoint, Sea Point, Camps Bay, Noordhoek, and Sun Valley has been included in its new “Steenberg Takes Flight” Package.

The estate’s 2024 Summer Package and the ever-popular Fives Lives Package have also been meticulously crafted to showcase every amenity and activity the centuries-old urban sanctuary has to offer international and local travellers alike.

According to Steenberg Head of Sales Neilen Tolmay, the Farm has evolved to deliver experiences that are unique to the property, and the packages are tailored to highlight everything there is to see and do at the centuries-old urban sanctuary.

Mountain biking is included in the packages.

Steenberg Hotel gardens.

“Sometimes people are unaware that there is also horseback riding or mountain biking, for example. Our packages encompass all that we offer,” Tolmay said.

The Steenberg Takes Flight Package is the ultimate example of this holistic approach.

In addition to viewing Cape Town’s magnificence from the skies, with the helicopter taking off from and landing at the hotel and spa, the two-night stay for two guests includes: Breakfast at Steenberg’s award-winning Tryn or Bistro Sixteen82 restaurants or in-room dining;

• Lunch at Tryn or Bistro Sixteen82 (seasonal special menu for two, includes a 12% service fee);
• Dinner at Tryn or Bistro Sixteen82 (Seasonal special menu for two, includes a 12% service fee);
• Bottle of Steenberg Lady R Cap Classique in room upon arrival;
• Welcome bottle of mineral water;
• Steenberg Flagship wine tasting experience;
• 2 x 60-minute Holistic Touch massages, including a glass of bubbly and truffles;
• Use of mountain bikes to explore the 300-hectare Farm and
• Complimentary use of the Relaxation Area and shower for early arrivals and late departures.

Lunch at Bistro Sixteen82's outdoor terrace.

Steenberg Hotel - 1 Bedroom Suite - Room 14 - Bedroom & Bathroom.

Steenberg Hotel - 1 Bedroom Suite - Room 14 - Lounge.

Steenberg Hotel - Premier Room 18 - Lounge.

Steenberg Managing Director Catherine Schulze says the hotel’s reputation among luxury travellers is built as much on ensuring guests’ individual expectations are effortlessly met as on its beauty, world-class wines, and fine dining.

“What we offer in our packages is the true Steenberg experience. We pride ourselves on doing all the work for our guests. For us, the goal is a seamless experience,” she says.

“In spring and summer, you can experience so many things outdoors, from enjoying our gardens and sculptures and outdoor spa experiences to golf at our championship course, breakfast on the patio of your room, or al fresco dining at the restaurants overlooking our beautiful pools.”

In spring and summer, you can experience Steenberg's beautiful gardens.

The Hello Summer Package takes the form of a one-night stay for two guests and includes breakfast at Tryn, Bistro Sixteen82, or in-room dining; a bottle of Steenberg Chardonnay Brut Cap Classique in the room upon arrival; lunch or dinner for two (includes 12% service fee) and a welcome bottle of mineral water. A guided E-Bike tour through Steenberg grants you exclusive access to the breathtaking vineyards where you can enjoy a scenic and undulating route. The 7km journey across gravel roads, farm tracks and vineyard trails, culminates in a delightful wine tasting experience where you will get to sample some of Steenberg’s finest wines. The use of mountain bikes to explore the Farm; and complimentary use of the Relaxation Area and shower for early arrivals and late departures is also available.

The Five Lives Package boasts a 60-minute Holistic Touch massage for two.

Tryn Restaurant -  Main Dining Room & Outside Seating.

Steenberg Hotel Picnics.

Meanwhile, the Five Lives Package, also a one-night stay for two, boasts a 60-minute Holistic Touch massage for two with a glass of bubbly and truffles; breakfast at Tryn, Bistro Sixteen82, or via room service; a bottle of Steenberg Five Lives Red Blend in the room; a seasonal special menu for two; a welcome bottle of mineral water; a classic Steenberg wine tasting; use of mountain bikes; and complimentary use of the Relaxation Area and shower for early arrivals and late departures.

All packages carry complimentary Wi-Fi usage across the hotel property.

Steenberg Reservations Manager Heinrich Hartnick explains the packages suit foreign travellers and local holidaymakers seeking a luxurious escape close to home.

Steenberg's tasting room terrace.

Steenberg's hotel pool.

“For international travellers, this timing coincides with the winter months in the Northern Hemisphere, offering a perfect escape to sunnier weather. Domestically, these months are ideal for end-of-year celebrations, summer holidays, and long weekends,” he says.

Although Steenberg Hotel & Spa accepts bookings through travel agents and OTAs (online travel agents), it encourages guests to make direct bookings to optimise their experience of the Farm.

Tolmay describes the process as “treating reservations as your personal concierge”.

“Our reservations team ensures your rounds of golf, dinners and any other activities you want to experience are booked. The team ensures you don’t miss out on any of the incredible opportunities on the estate.

“Often, when you book through an online travel agency, you seek the best deal. But if you want the best service, book directly through the hotel. This is how you guarantee the quality of your experience.”

Enquiries and bookings can be made directly through the Steenberg Farm website, contacting the reservations team via phone or email, or through the estate’s social media platforms.

Steenberg's golf course.

About Steenberg
Steenberg Farm boasts the 5-Star Steenberg Hotel & Spa, with 24 rooms encapsulating the dictum of understated luxury, offering spectacular views and discreet, personalised service. Choose from relaxed dining at Tryn or popular bistro-style fare and tapas at Bistro Sixteen82. A complete destination, the farmhouses are an exceptional winery, producing some of the finest Sauvignon Blanc in South Africa, along with several other celebrated varietals.

Issued by: TRANSFORM MARKETING
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© 2024 Herman Lintvelt - WineTourismZA

As SA’s largest producer of bottled Viognier, and overall winner of the 2022 Viognier Challenge, Alvi’s Drift Private Cellar has long been synonymous with world-class Viognier wine.

With their latest release, the Scherpenheuvel winery steps well off the beaten path, offering wine enthusiasts an intriguingly aromatic white wine (and perfect festive gift) that’s been described as “a white wine for red wine lovers”.

Indeed, this fruit-forward, perfumed white varietal not only comes with a fascinating history, its vinification is also known to require a high level of skill and expertise on the part of the winemaker.

“Because of its extraordinary combination of perfume and body… Viognier could truly be said to be the hedonist's white grape variety”

- Jancis Robinson, wine.co.za

Viognier: A Hidden Gem On the South African Wine Landscape

Originating in France's Rhône Valley and brought back from the brink of extinction in the mid-1960s, Viognier has mostly remained on the fringes of South Africa's wine landscape. Today, this grape represents just 0.7% of white grape varieties cultivated on local soil.

But head winemaker Alvi van der Merwe’s ongoing passion for this fascinating, white cultivar is no secret. With one of the biggest Viognier plantings and South Africa’s first retail friendly Viognier, Alvi’s Drift has become well-known for producing superb-value, world-class Viognier wines.

Alvi’s Drift Crowned Overall Winner in SA’s 2022 Viognier Challenge

The cooler-climate winery’s long list of local and international awards for their unwooded Signature Viognier bears testimony to the passion and craftsmanship poured into producing this lesser-known, floral white cultivar.

Previous Viognier accolades for Alvi’s Drift include being crowned overall winner in SA’s 2022 Viognier Challenge (for their 2021 vintage Signature Viognier), as well as receiving SAWIS Grand Gold Certificates of Excellence for their 2022 Signature Viognier three years in a row (2021-2023).

Now, Alvi’s Drift is excited to announce the launch of their first oak-aged Viognier, a wine that forms part of their acclaimed Reserve range.

“Our Reserve Viognier is just incredible on the palate. It truly is the result of our constant pursuit of excellence in everything we do here at Alvi’s Drift.”

– Alvi van der Merwe

Alvi’s Drift’s 2023 Reserve Viognier: Fruit-Forward, Complex & Textured

Even before its public launch, this “complex, textured wine with hints of floral perfume and oak” was honoured with a coveted 2024 Great Gold award at the International Wine & Spirits Awards (IWSA), and a Medal of Excellence (90 points or more) by celebrated UK wine expert Tim Atkin in his 2024 South Africa Special Report.

Subtle Notes of Toasted Coriander & Vanilla, with Hints of Floral Perfume & Oak

Alvi’s Drift’s 2023 Reserve Viognier presents a pale-gold hue and a medium-bodied profile, with an enticing bouquet of ripe peach, juicy apricot, and tropical notes of mango and pineapple.

Subtle hints of toasted coriander and vanilla, along with delicate notes of floral perfume and oak, add complexity. This fruit-forward, aromatic wine offers a well-balanced, rounded mouthfeel and a delectable, lingering finish.

Choose Something Different This Festive Season

Ideal for pairing with creamy seafood risotto, aromatic Thai curries, or richer festive fare, this unusual wine would make a unique and memorable gift for any wine enthusiast, especially as the festive season approaches.

With only 150 cases available for purchase from Alvi’s Drift’s online shop starting October 2024, this much-anticipated wine is set to sell out fast. To avoid disappointment, make sure to order yours while stocks last.

For more information or to purchase Alvi’s Drift 2023 Reserve Viognier, visit www.alvisdrift.co.za

About Alvi’s Drift Reserve Range Wines

Crafted with passion, Alvi’s Drift’s acclaimed Reserve range of wines invite wine enthusiasts to taste what's possible in the art of winemaking.

The labels on the winery’s Reserve range bottles feature an illustration of Alvi’s Drift, the historic low-water bridge over the Breede River that cuts through the family farm. Symbolising the journey from possibility to reality, this bridge, built in 1930, was the vision of the wine farm’s founder, Albertus Viljoen “Oupa Alvi” van der Merwe.

Bertie van der Merwe, Oupa Alvi’s son, began the tradition of winemaking at Alvi’s Drift. Today his son, Alvi van der Merwe, crafts the estate’s internationally acclaimed wines, celebrated and enjoyed by wine lovers across the globe.

Alvi’s Drift’s Reserve range represents their winemaking team’s dedication to excellence, inviting wine aficionados to "taste what's possible" while exploring the rich legacy and quality of the estate.

About Alvi’s Drift

Alvi’s Drift Private Cellar is a third-generation South African winery, known for its passion and dedication to crafting exceptional wines. With a rich history rooted in tradition and innovation, Alvi’s Drift continues to set new standards in winemaking, while producing world-class wines of exceptional quality, complexity, and character.

Issued by: MAGNETIC CREATIVE
Pictures: SUPPLIED 




© 2024 Herman Lintvelt - WineTourismZA

For the second consecutive year Van Loveren Family Vineyards has been recognized as the Best Wine Tourism Diversity winner by Wesgro.

The Bistro at Brookdale Estate has been rated by diners as one of the most loved restaurants in South Africa, when it was ranked No 7 in the prestigious line-up of the Dineplan Reviewers' Choice Awards for 2024. 

This accolade follows only a year after it scooped a Dineplan Reviewers’ Choice Newcomer Award for the Cape Town and Winelands region (2023).

The results of the Reviewers' Choice Top 100 list are based entirely on more than 320 000 guest reviews of over 1340 restaurants across South Africa submitted on Dineplan in the last 12 months. Each of the Top 100 restaurants had to have received a minimum of 60 public reviews during the review period, with reviews enabled for all standard categories, comprising ambience, food, service, and value.

Since opening in February 2023, The Bistro at Brookdale has firmly established itself as a relaxed, contemporary destination restaurant where soulful dishes can be enjoyed with wines grown in the surrounding vineyards. With talented Executive Chef Gary Coetzee at the helm, The Bistro at Brookdale has also contributed greatly to raising the culinary bar in the Paarl winelands – an area which had recently seen a wave of sophisticated new eateries opening up to offer superior dining experiences.

Executive Chef Gary Coetzee.

Coetzee says: ‘It has been an incredible journey so far! We are very proud to have been recognised as one of the most popular newcomers last year and then achieving a Top 10 rating this year. We would like to give a big thank you to all our guests who have dined with us and shared their experiences on the Dineplan platform. We have just introduced a brand-new summer menu and we look forward to sharing some more good food and wine with our regular guests, as well as those who have not visited us yet.’

Festive season bookings for The Bistro at Brookdale Estate are now open via Dineplan.

Contact details and Social media

Website:  www.brookdale-estate.com

Manor House Accommodation Reservations:  Tel +27 (0) 87 057 4508

Restaurant and Tasting Room:  The Bistro at Brookdale Tel +27 (0) 87 183 3919 

Reservations: www.dineplan.com/restaurants/bistro-at-brookdale

Instagram:  www.instagram.com/brookdale_estate

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/Brookdaleestate/

X:  https://twitter.com/brookdalewine

Issued by: FIVESTAR PR
Pictures: SUPPLIED 

© 2024 Herman Lintvelt - WineTourismZA

The Bottelary Hills Renosterveld Conservancy has a fun-filled lineup for nature lovers during the upcoming Garden Town Stellenbosch festivities. 

Ride 4 Renosterveld support the conservation of critically endangered vegitation in the Cape Floral Kingdom

Anja Liebenberg and Leeuwner van der Merwe enjoying the beautiful views on the Koopmanskloof Hiking trail.

KOOPMANSKLOOF GUIDED HIKE AND WINE TASTING (Saturday, 26 October)

The guided hike through the 98-hectare Koopmanskloof private nature reserve will take you to the highest point in the Bottelary Hills. Located at 476 meters above sea level, it offers uninterrupted views from Table Mountain to Paarlberg and the Drakenstein and Stellenbosch mountains. On the opposite side lies the splendour of False Bay. "Koopman" is the Dutch word for trader and "Kloof" is a ravine, thus the direct translation is "Trader's Ravine". After the circular hike, guests can enjoy an exclusive tank tasting hosted by winemaker Stephan Smit. Tickets are R230 and limited to 20 guests. Book now: https://plankton.mobi/Events/EventBooking/6895eaef-5675-4361-a0c1-bef5244362cb

The leisurely walk will start at the Devon Valley Hotel at 08h00

VINEYARD WALK IN DEVON VALLEY (Sunday, 27 October)

Venture off the beaten track between the Bottelary Hills and the Stellenbosch Valley and you will find a piece of the Stellenbosch Winelands that will captivate your senses and capture your heart. The rare blend of historic charm, magnificent mountain and valley views, undulating vineyards, fruit orchards and olive trees. Discover a treasure trove of wineries and restaurants as you meander through this quant valley of scenic vineyards and farms. The leisurely walk will start at the Devon Valley Hotel at 08h00 and finish at 11h00. Tickets (R250) include a breakfast snack with coffee/tea, snacks and tastings on route. Funds raised will go towards the local Froggies Aftercare NPO in Devon Valley. Only 100 spots are available. Book now: https://plankton.mobi/Events/EventBooking/e0866e4d-a01f-4cf4-a517-b531cb0e1d40

Enjoy a short walk from the Devon Valley Hotel to explore.

DISCOVER RENOSTERVELD WALK AND TALK (Tuesday, 29 October)

‘Discover Renosterveld’ is among the environmentalists who believe it is not too late to rescue, restore and recover the almost lost bits of the Renosterveld. Lynda Muller, founder of Discover Renosterveld will lead an informative discussion on Renosterveld – a hidden and nearly lost world. Learn more about why conserving this critically endangered vegetation type found nowhere else on earth is important and how you can make a difference. With less than 5% remaining, the Bottelary Hills Renosterveld Conservancy plays a critical role in preserving and expanding the existing tracks of Renosterveld in its area. Enjoy a short walk from the Devon Valley Hotel to explore. Ticket (R150) includes Discover Renosterveld walk and talk, shopping bag, health muffin and coffee/tea. Book now: https://plankton.mobi/Events/EventBooking/6876c3e7-bd21-49bb-a5d5-3602b7c11826

Experience a taste of Hazendal - wines with a sense of place.

HAZENDAL GARDEN TOUR (Wednesday, 30 October)

Enjoy a 1-hour guided walk from 10h00-11h00 to explore the historic Hazendal Wine estate in all its glory, including the Marvol gallery, classic car collection, pristine gardens and historical buildings followed by a wine tasting accompanied by a cheese or charcuterie platter. Whether you’re new to the world of wine, or an experienced connoisseur, our skilled Wine Lounge ambassadors are ready to share the history, terroir, and winemaking philosophy of Hazendal with you. Experience a taste of Hazendal - wines with a sense of place. Tickets (R200) include a wine tasting and cheese platter and are limited to 30 guests. Book now: https://plankton.mobi/Events/EventBooking/6f80a230-89e1-45dc-a734-de74beda1548

Enjoy a guided 3-hour hike and wine tasting led by Tielman Roos.

MOOIPLAAS GUIDED HIKE (Saturday, 2 November)

Enjoy a guided 3-hour hike and wine tasting led by Tielman Roos (owner and viticulturist of Mooiplaas wine estate and chairman of the Bottelary Hills Renosterveld Conservancy). Mooiplaas Private Nature Reserve was registered in 1995 and in 2020 Mooiplaas became the first WWF Conservation Champion in the Bottelary wine ward. The 5.6km circular hiking trail meanders through the 70-hectare Mooiplaas private nature reserve with its rich plant life and beautiful views. Limited tickets at R200 per person include a wine tasting and cheese platter. Tickets are R230 per person and limited to 40 guests. Book now: https://plankton.mobi/Events/EventBooking/cbe6013f-5a61-4543-9952-500f549ba10e

Starting and ending at Jordan Wine Estate, this ride offers two exhilarating routes.

GARDEN TOWN WRAP UP MTB RIDE AT JORDAN WINE ESTATE (Sunday, 3 November)

Join the 2024 Wrap-up Ride for Renosterveld and be part of a thrilling cycling event in partnership with the Bottelary Hills Conservancy & MTB Trails. This event will be on the last day of Garden Town, wrapping up this exciting event hosted by Stellenbosch! Starting and ending at Jordan Wine Estate, this ride offers two exhilarating routes: a challenging 34km route with 800m elevation and a shorter 22km route with 600m elevation. Please note that these tracks are not for beginners. Conquer the terrain and push your limits amidst stunning surroundings. Compete for podium prizes in both male and female categories and get a chance to win exciting lucky draw prizes throughout the day. After crossing the finish line on the Protea lawn at Jordan Wine Estate, reunite with friends and family for a delightful morning filled with panoramic views of the Stellenbosch Kloof Valley. Indulge in a selection of delectable eats, fine wines, and music – the ultimate family day out. A portion of funds raised from ride entries will go to the BHRC. Please note that E-bikes are allowed but won’t be eligible for podium prizes. Entries (R350) are limited to 150 and include a fabulous goodie bag with a bottle of Jordan wine! Bike rentals are available from reputable dealers and must be arranged at least 7 days in advance via reservations@jordanwines.com. Book now: https://www.jordanwines.com/mountain-biking/

The beauty of DeMorgenzon's gardens is captured in every bottle of their wine.

DE MORGENZON OPEN GARDEN (25 October – 3 November)

Garden Vineyards. In Spring specially chosen wildflowers flourish between the vines. DeMorgenzon does not doubt that a biodiverse and ecologically sensitive environment produces infinitely better grapes, and the beauty of their gardens is captured in every bottle of their wine.

Garden Town will run from 25 October to 3 November with an elaborative programme to allow visitors to immerse themselves in horticultural wonders and floral artistry, embark on culinary journeys and invigorating hikes, engage with gardening specialists, and enjoy outdoor adventures. Garden Town Stellenbosch programme and bookings https://gardentown.visitstellenbosch.org/full-programme/.



Website: https://bottelaryconservancy.co.za/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BottelaryHillsConservancyMTB