INTRODUCING THE FAIRVIEW DARLING SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024

As Refreshing As The Cool Atlantic Winds That Blow Across Fairview’s Darling Vineyard

Spring has sprung and summer is knocking on the door, bringing the promise of warm, sun-filled days, clear blue skies, long balmy evenings, fresh summer fare and zesty wines. Enter the Fairview Darling Sauvignon Blanc 2024, intensely aromatic, textured, zesty and fruity, and as refreshing as the cool Atlantic winds that blow across Fairview’s Darling vineyard. Delicious, exuberant and memorable – sip on some Darling sunshine this summer!

“The 2024 vintage is, without a doubt, one of our most expressive Sauvignon Blancs to date,“ says Charles Back, third-generation owner of Fairview. “It is a testament to Darling’s distinctive maritime climate and soil composition, the perfect terroir for producing Sauvignon Blancs with finesse, purity, vibrancy and a notable sense of place. This year we've tweaked the label to include a navy-blue band proudly displaying the Wine of Origin Darling tag.”

Anthony de Jager, Fairview’s Cellarmaster comments, “On the coastal hills of Darling, where the dusty roads wind through our vineyards, each row bearing witness to the passage of time, there exists a quiet poetry amidst the rugged landscape. Here, the Atlantic breeze whispers secrets to the vines, coaxing forth the richness of the earth in every cluster of grapes.”

Fairview's Darling Sauvignon Blanc vineyard overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

In the vineyards
Anthony continues, “We're privileged to be able to farm this small pocket of land on the upper slopes of the Darling Hills. From our vineyard, we have a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean in the near distance. Darling produces some of the finest Sauvignon Blanc fruit in the country, with its rich oakleaf soils, close proximity to the ocean, pronounced diurnal temperature differences and long growing seasons. Under these conditions, our grapes can reach optimal ripeness with complex flavours while retaining good acidity and fresh aromatics. Our vines dig deep into the red, decomposed granite that provides excellent moisture retention and drainage and contributes to the grapes’ natural saline taste and minerality. Dryland farming, meticulous viticultural techniques, careful block selection and pristine winemaking result in a Sauvignon Blanc with exceptional depth, flavour and character.”

In the cellar
Harvested early in the morning, the grapes arrive at the cellar before sunrise. Whole berries are gently pressed, and the juice settles for 48 hours before being transferred to stainless steel tanks for fermentation. Conditions are carefully controlled to enhance the tropical flavours of Sauvignon Blanc. After fermentation, the wine rests on its lees for 2 months, enhancing mouthfeel and aromatics, before final blending, stabilisation, and bottling.

In the glass
A star-bright straw hue with tinges of lime and green, Fairview’s 2024 Darling Sauvignon Blanc exceeds all expectations. Elegant, expressive, fruit-forward, and lively, it is the quintessential summer wine. Envisage intense aromas of figs, granadilla, lemon, lime and ruby grapefruit, and a palate brimming with vibrant tropical fruit notes, zesty acidity and a fresh saline minerality that lingers on the finish. A gorgeous Sauvignon Blanc that pays tribute to its Darling origin.

Purchase
Fairview Darling Sauvignon Blanc 2024 is available for purchase at Fairview’s cellar door
And online at https://fairviewmarketplace.co.za/product/fairview-darling-sauvignon-blanc
At R110 bottle

Food recommendations
Fairview Darling Sauvignon Blanc makes for a perfect apéritif, but it is also an ideal match for some of summer’s freshest fare; crisp flavoursome salads; goat’s cheese – a match made in heaven, as well as other soft cheeses; seafood especially West Coast oysters and mussels, yellowtail on the braai, salmon and trout as well as sushi and sashimi; spicy Asian dishes; asparagus and grilled chicken. Also, consider an unusual pairing of two classic Bordeaux delights... Sauvignon Blanc and canelés from Fairview’s Deli!

The Harmony of Fairview Cheese and Sauvignon Blanc
Delight your taste buds with the harmony of Fairview cheese and Sauvignon Blanc, an elegant dance that whispers tales of tradition and innovation. Goat’s cheese is a winner, especially Fairview’s Chevin or Crottin. But Fairview’s Sauvignon Blanc is equally dreamy with the estate’s new award-winning Fairview Salada Blanc. A smooth move on feta, Fairview Salada Blanc is creamy, salty, tangy, crumbly yet spreadable. Out-of-this-world delicious and extremely versatile, it’s a taste to explore. Having been crowned the Best Danish-Style Feta at the 2024 SA Dairy Awards, Salada Blanc is exceptional in salads but shines way beyond salads. Its effortless spreadability makes it perfect for slathering on a crusty baguette, topping your pizzas, blending into creamy sauces, or incorporating into your baking, and it makes a delicious dip for your mezze platter.

Find Fairview Salada Blanc at Fairview’s Deli and selected retailers nationwide.

A Word from SJ Nel, Head Chef at Fairview’s Goatshed Restaurant
“Summer is on our doorstep and I’m thinking of bright and beautiful summer lunches, colourful medleys of flavours, textures and nutrients, nature's bounty on a plate – crunchy salads with an array of garden-fresh seasonal produce and yummy accompaniments to take your salad to the next level served with freshly-baked artisanal bread and a refreshing wine that captures the essence of summer. One of my new all-time favourite summer lunches is Smoked Salmon Salad with Fairview Salada Blanc Cheese, mustard potatoes, strawberries, and a lemon zest, citrus and chia seed yoghurt dressing. During the season, we shall be serving this salad at the Goatshed as a ‘special’ with a complimentary glass of Fairview Darling Sauvignon Blanc.”

Smoked Salmon Salad with Fairview Salada Blanc Cheese, mustard potatoes, strawberries, and a lemon zest, citrus and chia seed yoghurt dressing.

See SJ’s recipe for Smoked Salmon Salad with Fairview Salada Blanc on Lemon-Chia Yoghurt

MORE ABOUT FAIRVIEW

A pioneer throughout his career, Charles Back has built Fairview from a family farm to a brand internationally known for its wine, cheese and tourism. First and foremost, Fairview is a working farm, housing a collection of micro-businesses all sharing a common goal – to create artisanal and sustainable produce, with a focus on fine wine, artisanal cheese, free-range meat, baked goods and plant-based products. At Fairview, the vision is to become self-sufficient – aiming to ensure that everything needed for the restaurant, tasting room, shop and deli is produced at Fairview for Fairview. Situated on the slopes of the Paarl Mountain offering ever-growing visitor experiences and eponymous vistas over fields and vines to Table Mountain in the distance, Fairview is one of the most popular destinations in the Cape Winelands.

Fairview Wines: By owning vineyards in Paarl, Stellenbosch, Darling and the Swartland, Fairview has access to a wide range of climates and soils from which to forge their wines. Led by cellarmaster Anthony de Jager, Fairview wines cover an extensive range of styles and price points, from crowd pleasers to serious, age-worthy reds, consistently over-delivering on quality.

Fairview Cheese: Home to Africa’s first goat’s cheese company, the Fairview Cheese Company has become every bit as successful as the wine side of the business. Creating over 50 different cow’s milk and goat's milk artisanal cheeses — including white mould, blue mould, feta, cream cheese styles and a plant-based range — Fairview is South Africa's leading producer of artisanal cheeses. All Fairview Cheese is made with non-animal rennet and is certified Halaal and Kosher, every creation reflecting Fairview’s dedication to quality and craftsmanship.

Tasting Room: Fairview’s world-renowned tasting room consists of 4 unique custom-designed ‘pods’, offering a variety of wine-tasting options expertly paired with selections of Fairview’s artisanal cow’s milk and goat’s milk cheeses as well as charcuterie, with dedicated hosts to guide and assist guests. A special kids’ tasting option is also available. In addition, the Beryl Back Master Tasting Room, named in honour of Charles Back’s late mother, offers seated, tutored tastings in an exclusive, educational setting with Fairview’s finest wines carefully paired with Fairview cheese, freshly baked artisanal bread and farm-made olive oil.

Deli: The ever-popular Fairview Deli, located alongside the Tasting Room, brims with a diverse selection of homemade local products and sustainably farmed foods. There are layers of tempting delights to browse through including Fairview’s impressive line-up of legendary cow’s milk and goat's milk artisanal cheeses, a vast array of condiments, preserves and old-fashioned jams, free-range farm eggs, olives and olive oils, yoghurt and more. The Farm Bakery entices with freshly baked artisanal breads, buttery croissants and other decadent goodies made on-site from Fairview’s very own wheat. The Farm Butchery houses Fairview’s farm-reared free-range meat — Red Angus beef, lamb and pork. along with biltong and charcuterie. In addition, Fairview’s Plant-Based Range harnesses the power of plants in a selection of products loved by any foodie.

Goatshed Restaurant: The popular Goatshed, a country-style eatery where fresh and homemade is always better, aims to bring the paddock and the farm as close to the table as possible, serving food that is grown, collected or made right there on the farm – from the artisanal baked bread, cheeses, olive oil, eggs, jams and preserves to the lamb, beef, pork and chicken ethically reared on Fairview’s pastures. The Goatshed reflects the holistic Fairview experience, bringing together everything on the farm.

The Fairview Goat Tower which greets you on arrival and departure, is a Cape Winelands icon and a star attraction adored by children and adults alike. It has been home to Fairview’s beloved furry mascots since 1981. No visit to Fairview is complete without swinging by to say hello to Fairview’s friendly goats, adding an extra dose of charm to your day.

Fairvalley Wines: Charles Back is not only a trailblazer in the wine and cheese industries and an agri-tourism pioneer; he is also a highly respected philanthropist. Always an advocate for social development in the Cape, he founded one of the most successful black empowerment labels, Fairvalley Wines.

VISIT THE MUCH-LOVED FAIRVIEW ESTATE FOR A WORLD-CLASS EXPERIENCE!

FAIRVIEW WINE AND CHEESE
Suid-Agter Paarl Road, Suider-Paarl, 7646
Tel: 021 863 2450 · Email: info@fairview.co.za

Website: https://www.fairview.co.za/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/FairviewWineandCheese
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fairviewwineandcheese/
X: https://x.com/FairviewWine

HASHTAGS: #FairviewWines; #DarlingSauvignonBlanc; #DrinkDarling

Issued by: POSY & JEREMY HAZELL - PR & WINE CONSULTANT5S
Pictures: SUPPLIED 

SMOKED SALMON & FAIRVIEW SALADA BLANC SALAD ON LEMON-CHIA YOGHURT

Drizzle and Serve
Just before serving, drizzle the mustard dressing over the salad. The yoghurt-chia base adds a creamy bite with each forkful.

Tip: For an added touch, garnish with fresh herbs like dill or basil to bring out the freshness in each layer. Enjoy with a chilled glass of Fairview Sauvignon Blanc 2024!

DURING THE SEASON THE GOATSHED RESTAURANT AT FAIRVIEW WILL BE SERVING THIS SALAD AS A ‘SPECIAL’ WITH A COMPLIMENTARY GLASS OF FAIRVIEW DARLING SAUVIGNON BLANC.

GOATSHED at Fairview

Open Monday to Sunday 09h00 - 16h30

Email: goatshed@fairview.co.za

Tel: 021 863 3609

Book online: www.fairview.co.za/goatshed/

Also see:
Introducing The Fairview Darling Sauvignon Blanc 2024

Go to Recipe Index

Meridian Wine Merchants is South Africa’s leading wine distributor in On Consumption according to the Wine Business Solutions (WBS) 2024 Wine On Premise Report.

Shane Allchin (Managing Director Meridian Wine Merchants)

WBS is an Australian based company that conducts wine business specific research in 15 countries. Meridian Wine Merchants has been rated top distributor in their On Premise report three times, demonstrating their commitment to service excellence in On Consumption as a core strategic focus for wine producers to grow their visibility and influence in the market. Meridian’s efforts extend beyond listings, providing ongoing support, wine and service training, and tailored brand placement and promotional opportunities.

According to the WBS 2024 report, Meridian is the market leader in South African hospitality growing from 22,5% to 23.7% share of all wine listings. “This is thanks to our trusted partnerships with our customers and an expert understanding of what they need to deliver excellent service to their guests,“ says National Sales Executive, Damian Ganes. “We make sure that the right wines are listed in the right venues, aligning our producers’ brand strategies with consumer demands across restaurants, hotels, pubs, game lodges, and other key on-consumption settings nationwide, elevating service experiences and ultimately strengthening South Africa’s wine category as a whole.”

Damian Ganes (National Sales Executive Meridian Wine Merchants)

WBS increased its’ data analysis of a total of 40,000 listings to now close to 60,000 individual wine listings across 4,119 establishments. Meridian’s impact has grown alongside the demand for premium, well-positioned brands, expanding their portfolio to 46 premium wine brands, up from 39 last year.

“Our ‘best people, best brands, best service’ approach is integral to our success,’ says Managing Director, Shane Allchin. ” We are thrilled by this affirmation of our focus on the On Consumption channel that is not just our starting point, but also the foundation from which we elevate our brands across the market and reinforce our position as the go-to wine advisor to the hospitality industry in South Africa.”

About Meridian Wine Merchants
Meridian Wine Merchants is a premier wine distributor in South Africa, known for its extensive portfolio of premium wine brands. With a commitment to excellence, Meridian focuses on delivering superior service and building lasting partnerships within the industry. Meridian focuses on wine sales and distribution, as well as specialised wine brand marketing, offering a full range of trade solutions and services. The company’s mission is to connect their portfolio of premium wines with people to enhance their enjoyment of life while building a sustainable future for their brands and their company.

About Wine Business Solutions
Wine Business Solutions is an Australian based company that conducts wine business specific research in 15 countries. The company was founded in 2003 by Peter McAtamney, a respected international wine industry advisor with 30 years’ experience. WBS provides complete specialised business performance improvement solutions to the wine industry focused on the four key drivers of business success including strategy, finance, marketing and growth management.

The Brink family of Groot Phesantekraal, located on the outskirts of Durbanville, invites you to a heartwarming Thanksgiving dinner on the farm on Friday, 29 November, starting at 18:00.

This occasion is intended to express gratitude not only for the annual wheat harvest currently underway, but also for a successful year overall. 

And for good reason! André Brink, head of Groot Phesantekraal has just been named Western Cape Farmer of the Year of 2024 by the Agricultural Writers SA Awards.

Join in celebrating the start of the festive season - everyone is welcome!

Connect with others while enjoying delightful wines and savouring a delicious farm-to-fork Thanksgiving feast featuring hyper-seasonal food, with most ingredients, including the meat, sourced directly from the farm.

As you arrive, enjoy a glass of refreshing Cap Classique while mingling with fellow guests. Then gather around a beautiful long table for a delightful starter course featuring freshly baked breads, local cheeses, charcuterie, dips, and seasonal preserves.

Chef Germaine Esau and his team will serve a South African twist on traditional Thanksgiving fare.

For the main meal, chef Germaine Esau and his team will serve a South African twist on traditional Thanksgiving fare. Look forward to a feast of:

• Chicken roast
• Bread and sage stuffing with slow-cooked onion
• Dry-aged free-range beef with chimichurri
• Roast potatoes
• Roasted boerpampoen (pumpkin) with miso honey and pumpkin seeds
• Garden greens with croutons, local hard cheese, and mustard dressing

And don’t miss the decadent desserts: sweet potato soft serve with spiced pecan nuts, peppermint crisp choux bun, and num num tart!

Throughout the evening, enjoy a selection of Groot Phesantekraal’s finest wines.

Throughout the evening, enjoy a selection of Groot Phesantekraal’s finest wines, including the award-winning Anna de Koning Reserve Chenin Blanc 2023 and Berliet Reserve Pinotage 2022, all included in the price of R750 per person.

After dinner, feel free to visit the tasting room to stock up on some fabulous wines for the festive season.

Reserve your seat at https://www.quicket.co.za/

Contact details:
E-mail: restaurant@phesantekraal.co.za
Tel: +27 (21) 825 0060
Address: Groot Phesantekraal Farm, Klipheuwel Way (R302), Durbanville, Cape Town, South Africa


Also see:

The days are longer and the weather (slightly) warmer, which makes a visit to Morgenster Estate in Somerset West the perfect opportunity to bask in the sun on the patio, whilst enjoying their recently launched summer menu. 

What would the festive season be without Middelvlei’s annual Sunset Carols. 

A magical evening for young and old, celebrating the end of another year. Sunday, 1 December (from 6:15pm) is the date you need to diarise for this special event.

A child’s dream, Middelvlei is set on a working farm where the young ones can run around freely on the sprawling lawn, get to know the farm animals or participate in some fun traditional games. This allows for the older generation to sit back and relax whilst sipping on a glass of Middelvlei wine. The bonus of a breathtaking Stellenbosch sunset makes the evening so much more special. Father Christmas will be making a special guest appearance to hand out gifts to the young ones, and the evening concludes with everyone joining in to sing along to Christmas carols.

Your evening at a cost of R450 per couple includes a Boerebraai-inspired tapas platter. Freshly made sweetcorn fritters with a sweet chili dipping sauce, mini braaibroodjies, chicken kebabs and boerewors sosaties are some of the delicious morsels you can expect to tuck into on your platter. Dessert is an optional extra. The kids get to tuck into a yummy snack box which includes boerewors, chips, a juice box and some sweets, at a cost of R100 per child (under the age of 12 years).

Pre-booking for this unforgettable evening is essential. For bookings and / or queries email middelvleiwines@gmail.com or phone 021 883 2565.

Issued by: ON THE MARQUE PR & COMMUNICATIONS
Pictures: SUPPLIED 




© 2024 Herman Lintvelt - WineTourismZA

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.


Also see:

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
Pictures: SUPPLIED 




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