Brookdale’s Kiara Scott Farmer crowned 2024 Diners Club Winemaker of the Year

Brookdale Estate - Winemaker Kiara Scott Farmer

Durbanville Wine Valley has set the table for a bumper season of activities and wine experiences this year. 

Klein Roosboom

This delectable smorgasbord incorporates several new and exciting additions – many of which are only available during the Cape’s sunniest months.

Just 20 minutes from Cape Town, the Durbanville Wine Valley has become the undeniable favourite destination for easy, all-in-one break-aways to the winelands.

With new wines and vintages, upgraded cellars and new experiences on offer, this year’s offering highlights why Durbanville is a unique way to experience the Cape winelands.

Durbanville Hills

Sip, savour, and celebrate

Summer is synonymous with refreshingly cool, crisp Sauvignon Blanc, and the Durbanville Wine Valley is home to some of South Africa’s finest examples. Visitors can explore an array of wine tastings, from award-winning ranges to boutique offerings.

Farms like Diemersdal and Durbanville Hills boast stunning views, perfect for an afternoon of Sauvignon Blanc sipping, while Canto offers a sparkling alternative with its elegant Cap Classique.

Behind the success of Durbanville Sauvignon Blanc is a cool climate that ensures outstanding quality in many other varieties too. A must-try is the latest vintage of Groot Phesantekraal’s Anna de Koning Chenin Blanc, paired with farm-inspired dishes from the newly revamped restaurant and tasting room.

Groot Phesantekraal

A food lover’s paradise

Dining is at the heart of the Durbanville Wine Valley experience, and this summer, visitors can indulge in everything from fine dining to casual, family-friendly meals. Diemersdal Farm Eatery has its new summer menu of locally-sourced ingredients on offer, as does De Grendel Restaurant’s fine dining experience.

If you’re seeking a relaxed, family-style atmosphere, Meerendal is home to both Bossa Winelands and La Romantica, where gourmet burgers and wood-fired pizzas can be enjoyed while overlooking the vineyards. Families will find the perfect combination of great food and plenty of space for children to run around.

The tables are also set at D’Aria’s ever-popular, wine-focused restaurants that include Patina Steak and laid-back al fresco meals at The Terrace.

D' Aria

Family-friendly entertainment

Families love the Durbanville Wine Valley thanks to its diverse activities for all ages. Bloemendal Wine Estate’s Bon Amis restaurant has a fantastic kiddies play area, making it an ideal spot for parents to enjoy a leisurely meal while the children run free. There’s even a mini-bike trail for young adventurers to enjoy!

At Klein Roosboom, where Jéan restaurant’s summer hours now include dinner on Friday and Saturday, and Sunday brunch, children can play in a dedicated area while parents taste wine in “caves” or the new wine shed, with picnic boxes on offer. Similarly, Durbanville Hills offers a family-friendly space with a play area for the children that allows parents to sample this international champion’s award-winning wines.

Nitida adds to the valley’s charm with its bistro-style dining and new summer menu at Tables, plus a nearby play area and runaround lawn for the youngsters.

Meerendal

Outdoor adventures and scenic views

Among the region’s great new experiences is the Durbanville Wine Safari - a two-route, hop-on-hop-off service with safari-style vehicles running between participating cellars.

If you prefer more animals, then the wildlife safari at De Grendel is for you. For something even more laid-back, visit the family-owned Maastricht for alfresco tasting.

Of course, Durbanville is famous for its many wilderness trails and outdoor enthusiasts have certainly been making the most of the improved weather in the region, especially at Meerendal. The farm has a myriad of routes, for bikes and trail runners too.

De Grendel

Discover Durbanville

With a unique combination of category-leading visitor experiences, region-specific wines, and family-friendly activities, the Durbanville Wine Valley has built its reputation for always delivering a satisfying experience. This year, the experience is refreshed and upgraded, with many new reasons to prioritise a visit.

For more information about Durbanville Wine Valley’s activities this festive season, follow us at @durbanvillewine or visit our website at www.durbanvillewine.co.za.

Tag and follow Durbanville Wine Valley to get the latest news about events. Use @DurbanvilleWine on X (Twitter) and Facebook, Instagram.

#drinkDurbanville #dineDurbanville #discoverDurbanville

Issued by: ROUX REKLAME
Pictures: SUPPLIED 

© 2024 Herman Lintvelt - WineTourismZA 

2024 has been an extraordinary year for Flagstone Wines 

Flagstone Head Winemaker, Gerhard Swart, and his team celebrate being crowned 2024 Prescient Winery of the Year by Winemag.co.za: Left to right: Willene Roelofse, Karel Jasson, Errol Matabeni, Dumisa Ntsukumbani, Edward Hammers, Mia Boonzaier and Gerhard Swart

2024, a year to remember, with an exceptional yield of prestigious wine awards and outstanding ratings.

Flagstone’s stellar 2024 story of success, locally and internationally, has included endorsements from Winemag.co.za’s Reports; Top 10 Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, and Pinotage Competitions; SA Terroir, Veritas, and Michelangelo Awards; The Drinks Business Global Syrah Masters; and International Wine And Spirit Competition (IWSC). These celebrations peaked when Flagstone was crowned Prescient 2024 Winery of the Year by Winemag.co.za.

This recognition from esteemed wine judges and panellists showcases the premium quality of Flagstone Wines across ranges, varietals and price points, paying tribute to the passion, creativity and dedication of Flagstone’s vineyard and winemaking teams led by Head Winemaker, Gerhard Swart.

WINEMAG.CO.ZA’S PRESCIENT BEST WINES SOUTH AFRICA 2024 REPORT
Flagstone Wines was crowned 2024 Prescient Winery of the Year by Winemag.co.za for outstanding wine ratings, across the board, throughout the year.

• Prescient Chenin Blanc Report 2024: Flagstone Paradigm Chenin Blanc 2023 – Top 10 and Best Wine Overall (95/100)
• Prescient Chardonnay Report 2024: Flagstone Two Roads Chardonnay 2022 – Top 10 (94/100)
• Prescient Signature Red Blend Report 2024: Flagstone Dragon Tree Cape Blend 2021 – Top 10 (93/100)
• Prescient Pinotage Report 2024: Flagstone Writer’s Block Pinotage 2021 – Top 10 (93/100)
• Prescient Cabernet Sauvignon Report 2024: Flagstone Music Room Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 – Top 10 (92/100)

2024 FNB SAUVIGNON BLANC SA TOP 10

• Flagstone Free Run Sauvignon Blanc 2023 - Top 10 Winner
• Flagstone The Surge Sauvignon Blanc 2023 - Top 20 Finalist

VERITAS AWARDS 2024

• Top Achiever for Cellars with 10 entries or less
• Four Double Gold Medals

          Flagstone The Surge Sauvignon Blanc 2023
          Flagstone Word of Mouth Viognier 2023
          Flagstone Writer’s Block Pinotage 2021
          Flagstone Treaty Tree Classique White Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2023

• Three Gold Medals

           Flagstone Free Run Sauvignon Blanc 2023
           Flagstone Dark Horse Shiraz 2019
           Flagstone Dragon Tree Cape Blend 2021

STANDARD BANK SA CHENIN BLANC CHALLENGE 2024

• Flagstone Paradigm Chenin Blanc 2023 - Top 10 Winner

MICHELANGELO INTERNATIONAL WINE AND SPIRITS AWARDS 2024

• One Double Gold Medal

           Flagstone Music Room Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

• Four Gold Medals

          Flagstone Truth Tree Pinotage 2021
          Flagstone Dragon Tree Cape Blend 2021
          Flagstone Treaty Tree Classique White Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2023
          Flagstone The Surge Sauvignon Blanc 2023

ABSA TOP 10 PINOTAGE AWARDS 2024

• Flagstone Writer’s Block Pinotage 2021 - Top 10 Winner
• Flagstone Truth Tree Pinotage 2021 - Top 20 Finalist

SA TERROIR WINE AWARDS 2024

• Flagstone Treaty Tree Classique White Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2023 - National Winner for White Cultivar Blends

THE DRINKS BUSINESS GLOBAL SYRAH MASTERS 2024

• Flagstone Dark Horse Shiraz 2019 - Gold Medal

INTERNATIONAL WINE AND SPIRIT COMPETITION (IWSC) 2024

• Flagstone Writer’s Block Pinotage 2021 - Gold Medal

ABSA VINTAGE PINOTAGE EXCELLENCE AWARD 2024

• Flagstone Writer’s Block Pinotage 2008 – Winner

Flagstone Head Winemaker, Gerhard Swart, receives the 2024 Prescient Winery of the Year Trophy presented by Winemag.co.za.

INFORMATION ON FLAGSTONE

Flagstone Wines, an icon of innovation within the formidable Accolade Wines’ portfolio, is located on the outskirts of Somerset West at Paardevlei, an exciting, upcoming, vibrant area in the Helderberg.

Flagstone Philosophy and Handcrafted Wines

“At Flagstone we aim to make wine that respects our 350-year-old winemaking heritage, while always celebrating the magnificence of nature. We want to make gorgeous wines that stimulate your brain as much as they please your tastebuds.

Flagstone celebrates creativity and innovation with a winemaking methodology of ‘vines need to be pruned, but ideas must be left to grow wild’. Wine is ‘the marriage of nature and human imagination’. Mother Nature provides the grapes, but flashes of inspiration and creativity transform them into fabulous, captivating wines.

The creativity behind Flagstone is visible in our range of wine’s distinctive names and unique stories — inspired by our country, our people and our winelands — evocative tales captured in fascinating pen-and-ink label artwork.

Flagstone wines are produced with a massive commitment to craftsmanship and care, twinned with an equal dedication to ethical viticulture and environmental protection. Since the 2020 vintage, our wines have been certified vegan, with only plant-based fining agents used in the cellar. Beyond creative flair and ethical production, it is what’s inside the bottle that really counts, and Flagstone delivers on both quality and value.

Every handcrafted bottle of Flagstone wine is a journey with many twists and turns. It can never be hurried and there are no shortcuts. Step by step our fanatical dedication guides us to our journey’s end: the rewarding taste of delicious, distinctive wines. It’s a painstaking approach that has won us more than a few awards. And, more importantly, a legion of wine lovers who savour the unhurried quality of Flagstone.

Flagstone’s Head Winemaker, Gerhard Swart, believes that one should never stagnate, ‘You always have to be thinking about how you can stand out from the crowd — be it more interesting labels, varieties or combining particular terroirs to create wines that are intriguing and unique.’ Gerhard has a celebrated winemaking journey, having worked with prominent mentors Bruce Jack and Chris Keet on his way to leading Flagstone’s wine production. Gerhard has taken Flagstone to new levels of excellence and is responsible for a handsome trophy cabinet and wine bottles that glitter with awards.”

Flagstone Head Winemaker, Gerhard Swart.

History

Ever-innovative winemaker and savvy marketer Bruce Jack started Flagstone in 1998 in a run-down shell of an old depot at the V&A Waterfront. At the time this was South Africa’s first winery without its own vineyards, drawing on five core vineyards across the Cape managed in long-term partnerships with farmers. Flagstone became distinct for its quirkiness and willingness to buck established trends, and this drew a loyal and passionate audience of wine lovers who appreciated what Flagstone stood for and fell in love with the wines.

Wine production outgrew the Waterfront location and in 2002 Flagstone moved to an old dynamite factory, originally built by Cecil Rhodes, in Somerset West. With thick walls and huge doors, perfect for moving equipment in and out, this location has proved ideal for making all Flagstone wines.

In 2007 Flagstone was sold to Constellation Brands, the world's largest wine company, which was renamed Accolade Wines in 2011. Today Flagstone is an icon of innovation within the formidable Accolade Wines portfolio.

Bruce Jack’s longtime highly acclaimed protégé Gerhard Swart is Flagstone’s head winemaker. A philosophy that blends ambitious dedication, and a fastidious attention to detail with an insatiable thirst for knowledge, is key to Gerhard’s success as a winemaker. Bruce Jack believes that Gerhard is the best winemaker he has ever met.

A VISIT TO FLAGSTONE WINES

A hidden gem on the outskirts of Somerset West, the Flagstone Cellar Door offers a unique experience for wine lovers. Expect a warm welcome from excellent and knowledgeable hosts, a relaxed atmosphere, and a wide range of superbly crafted wines offering outstanding value. Flagstone recently introduced Cheese Boards (from Dalewood Fromage) to enjoy alongside your wines.

Follow Flagstone on social media for information about their Music Events, Movie Nights, Special Tastings and Celebrations, and Winemaker’s Dinners. And don’t miss the bi-monthly Food and Wine Pop-Ups which present a wonderful occasion to savour top-tier food and wine in peaceful surroundings.

You will find Flagstone Winery at Paardevlei, WR Quinan Boulevard, Somerset West. To visit Flagstone, enter Paardevlei opposite the Strand Golf Estate entrance, take the first exit at the roundabout to check in with security, and then follow the signs to the winery.

Flagstone Winery and Tasting Room Address: W.R. Quinan Blvd, Paardevlei, Somerset West, 7129 Telephone: Flagstone Winery: +27 21 852 5052; Tasting Room: +27 21 850 5891 Trading Hours: Monday to Friday: 10:00 – 16:00; Saturday: 10:00 – 15:00; Sunday: Closed

PURCHASE FLAGSTONE WINES

You can buy Flagstone Wines at the Cellar Door, at select grocers and wine merchants nationwide, and online at https://flagstonewines.com/our-shop/

Website: http://flagstonewines.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/flagstonewines/
Twitter/X: https://x.com/flagstonewines
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Flagstonewines/

FLAGSTONE’S AWARD-WINNING WINES

Flagstone FREE RUN SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023

“This top-class free-run Sauvignon Blanc, crisp with ethereal aromas and long, lingering, yummy flavours, is a vivid expression of the favourable terroir of carefully selected vineyards; and pristine winemaking. Fresh, exuberant and memorable — a refreshing wine that captures the essence of summer!”

Grape variety: 90% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Semillon
Region: Cape Coast — 45% Elgin, 42% Darling, 13% Stellenbosch
Fermentation: Stainless steel tanks
Cellaring: Enjoy now or keep for up to 5 years
Price: R150

This wine is proudly vegan.

The name: “Free Run is made from the juice that runs freely from the press to produce an exceptional wine — crisp and fresh but lingering.”

Tasting notes: An upfront herbaceousness is followed by a bombardment of green fig, passion fruit, star fruit and limey aromas, ending with a distinctive, bright flintiness. The complexity of the nose follows through onto the palate giving this wine a full, crisp and lively mouthfeel and a lingering aftertaste.

Food: The Flagstone Free-Run Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with dishes that offer a certain amount of zest, combining particularly well with veal limone and grilled calamari. Also try it with steamed asparagus, spaghetti vongole, avocado soup or herbed risotto!

FLAGSTONE THE SURGE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023

“This premium wine displays all the classical cues of a cool-climate, high-altitude Sauvignon Blanc from Darling. The unique dryland soils, close proximity to the icy Atlantic Ocean, pronounced diurnal temperature differences and long growing season produce elegant, vibrant Sauvignon Blancs with a notable sense of place. Crisp, bold, and refreshing!”

Grape variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc

Region: Darling
Fermentation: Stainless steel tanks
Cellaring: Enjoy now or keep for up to 5 years
Price: R255

This wine is proudly vegan

The name: “A Surge is a sudden, powerful, forward or upward movement, especially by a natural force such as a tide. In the afternoon in the vineyard, the warm air rises and pulls in the cold air from the ocean, cooling down the vineyards, and directly impacting the unique flavours you will find when opening this bottle. Watch out, it will hit you like a surge!”

Tasting notes: This wine is wonderfully expressive exuding enticing aromas of asparagus, green fig, citrus and passion fruit with a hint of guava. The nose is mirrored on the elegant fruit-forward palate, accompanied by crisp invigorating acidity, leesy complexity, and a long flavoursome finish. This wine is a proud showcase for cool-grown Darling fruit!

Food: This wine pairs perfectly with an array of dishes, from fresh oysters or any white fish on the braai to grilled chicken with avocado, goat’s cheese salad, and creamy pea risotto.

FLAGSTONE TREATY TREE CLASSIQUE WHITE / SAUVIGNON BLANC SEMILLON 2023

“The Flagstone Treaty Tree Classique White is crafted passionately with food in mind. It is carefully blended to be layered and complex, but very drinkable. The combination of overnight skin contact, concentration of fruit and the meticulous care taken in making this wine, all contribute to the ageability of the wine.”

Grape variety: 55% Sauvignon Blanc, 45% Semillon

Region: Darling
Fermentation: 35% barrel fermented in 100% French oak (43% new) for 6 months
Cellaring: Enjoy now or keep for another 10 years
Price: R150

This wine is proudly vegan

The name: “This wine is named after Cape Town’s ancient Treaty Tree that has stood in the heart of Cape Town for centuries. Still standing in Woodstock, this wind-sculptured Milkwood has witnessed so much of our past, including a 1509 battle between the Khoi San and Portuguese mariners and the signing of a peace treaty beneath its great boughs, between the British and Dutch in 1806.”

Tasting notes: A fine example of a harmonious marriage of vibrant Darling Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. The wine jumps out of the glass with focused aromas of gooseberry, asparagus and citrus with hints of spice, and seduces the palate with a texture of creamed honey. The flavours are taut citrus fruit framed by a suggestion of toasty oak. An extraordinarily complex and satisfying mouthful!

Food: The wine pairs amazingly well with shellfish and fish. Favourites include steamed mussels in a tomato-based sauce; crayfish cooked in the shell on the braai with olive oil and garlic basting; and snoek braaied the traditional way with marmalade.

FLAGSTONE TWO ROADS CHARDONNAY 2022

“Rich and round, this wine exudes excellent fruit concentration matched by bright acidity.”

Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay

Region: 58% Wellington, 42% Darling
Fermentation: 70% barrel fermented in 90% French and 10% Hungarian oak (35% new) for 3 months.
Cellaring: Enjoy now or keep for 3-5 years
Price: R150

This wine is proudly vegan

The name: “Two Roads refers to the Robert Frost poem whose lines appear on the label. Our winemaking mantra is to question everything with respect and always take the road less travelled.”

Tasting notes: The nose shows captivating floral notes of lemon blossom and bright citrus with hints of cinnamon spice. The palate is full but balanced, with complex citrus and white peach notes, and a touch of spice.

Food: Enjoy this wine with salmon fish cakes, chicken makhani and chicken salad with peach, mango and macadamia nuts.

FLAGSTONE WORD OF MOUTH VIOGNIER 2023

“This wine’s ample body and wonderful aroma make an unusual and exciting combination.”

Grape variety: 100% Viognier
Region: Stellenbosch
Fermentation: 40% barrel fermented in French and Hungarian oak (30% new) for 6 months.
Cellaring: Enjoy now or keep for another 3 years
Price: R150

This wine is proudly vegan

The name: “Word of Mouth is one of the most effective ways to spread news and share a discovery, and that’s how Flagstone would like their Viognier to become more widely known — a wine of such exciting substance that you can’t help but tell your friends about it.”

Tasting notes: Aromas of watermelon and peaches greet you on the nose, with a floral hint. Summer fruit aromas follow through on the palate with a touch of spiciness. Medium-bodied with gorgeous, sweet peaches and honeyed pears, yet bone dry, with acid brightness and a lingering aftertaste.

Food: Viognier is a food wine. It is fantastic with seafood, but also try it with salads, smoked salmon and spicy dishes. A particular favourite pairing is steamed mussels in a masala coconut broth.

FLAGSTONE PARADIGM CHENIN BLANC 2023

“Crafted from a Certified Heritage Vineyard – bushvines planted in 1979 in Agter-Paarl – this wine is wonderfully poised with brisk freshness and gorgeous fruit purity kept intact with judicious oaking.”

Grape variety: 100% Chenin Blanc

Region: Agter-Paarl
Fermentation: 52% stainless steel, 48% barrel fermented in 88% French and 12% Hungarian oak (65% new) for 6-8 months
Cellaring: Enjoy now or keep for up to 5 years
Price: R 255

This wine is proudly vegan

The name: “Like a story, this wine has a beginning and an end. Born from a single idea, it encourages one to push the conventional understanding of how a wine should taste. The name urges the drinker to shift any preconceived assumptions and challenge any concept or notion of what it should be.”

Tasting notes: The wine entices with expressive aromatics of peach, pear and dried fruit with a hint of lime. Gorgeous stone fruit notes abound on the palate, with a dusting of mixed spice, finishing with a well-balanced, crisp acidity.

Food: The Flagstone Paradigm Chenin Blanc is a perfect companion to seafood and spicy dishes.

FLAGSTONE WRITER’S BLOCK PINOTAGE 2021

“This wine is crafted from dryland bushvines in the Swartland. These vines grow in one of the highest-lying areas in the region. They are rooted in deep red soils with excellent water retention, enabling the vines to ripen the fruit perfectly even in dry conditions. We’ve been using the same exceptional Pinotage block for nearly two decades. A passion for South Africa’s signature varietal has seen Flagstone’s head winemaker, Gerhard Swart, crowned a veritable ‘Pinotage King’, with consistent placings in the ABSA Top 10 Pinotage Awards; Platter’s Pinotage of the Year accolade, and a glitter of stars and medals to adorn our Pinotage bottles.”

Grape variety: 86% Pinotage, 14% Durif
Region: Swartland
Fermentation: Barrel fermented and matured in 45% French, 42% American and 13% Hungarian oak (25% new) for 18 months
Cellaring: 5-10 years
Price: R 380

This wine is proudly vegan

The name: “South Africa is a unique place to grow grapes for wine. The different soil types and the soaring mountains surrounding the vineyards create astounding complexity, sometimes so overwhelming you get stumped for choice of words. Like an author embracing the challenge of difficult subject matter, we’ve utilised this complexity to unlock majestic wine.”

Tasting notes: The nose reveals a wonderful balance of ripe, dark red fruit like mulberry and blackberry with mocha chocolate and Indian spice, underpinned by a bewitching hint of bramble. The palate is rich and powerful yet elegant. Flavours of ripe strawberry, cherry and darker blackberry are wrapped in a caress of vanilla and dark chocolate. It is luscious and full, with good fruit density, bright acidity, velvet tannins and a long finish!

Food: This versatile Pinotage pairs well with a wide spectrum of dishes. Favourites are braaied springbok fillet, spicy lamb stew and Indian curries.

FLAGSTONE DARK HORSE SHIRAZ 2019

“Rich, rewarding, full and savoury — and judiciously oaked to cosset and enhance inherent spice.”

Grape variety: 87% Shiraz, 13% Durif
Region: 34% Paarl, 32% Wellington, 15% Breedekloof, 11% Darling, 8% Walker Bay
Fermentation: 45% French, 40% American, 15% Hungarian oak (20% new) for 16-18 months
Cellaring: Keep for 5-10 years
Price: R 380

The name: “Shiraz grows like it wants to fly away. And the cautious farmer will mutter that nothing good will come from such a wild thing. But the right soil and climate to balance this effervescent nature and ancient wine crafting methods ensure a delicious, age-worthy wine with a silky structure and a brooding, mysterious nature. A real Dark Horse, capable of surprising you with its power and energy. The Dark Horse is our touchstone, our mantra, our dreams reflected!”

Tasting notes: The nose displays a concentration of dark fruit, white pepper, cigar box and mint supported by subtle spicy undertones, which flow over to the palate. The wine is big and round on entry, with silky smooth tannins that show well even when the wine is young. This is a perfectly balanced wine with dense pure fruit and a lingering aftertaste.

Food: Delicious with a Kudu fillet served with couscous and a red wine reduction.

FLAGSTONE DRAGON TREE CAPE BLEND 2021

“The Flagstone Dragon Tree Cape Blend is our underground revolution wine. This is the one wine in our range we have confidently described as a cult wine since its first release in 2000. It’s the wine the winemaking team buys more of than any other. Enough said! What makes Dragon Tree such a successful cult wine is the tannin structure. The clever combination of Pinotage with Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon gives a distinct tannin structure that we can produce year after year. These three varieties work beautifully together.”

Grape variety: 45% Pinotage, 26% Shiraz, 24% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Grenache Noir, 1% Tempranillo
Region: Cape Coast
Fermentation: 12-18 months in 42% American, 42% French and 16% Hungarian oak (13% new)
Cellaring: Enjoy now or keep for 3-5 years.
Price: R165

This wine is proudly vegan

The name: “The wine takes its name from a Dragon Tree (Dracaena draco) given to the Port Captain of Cape Town, by a passing ship’s captain. Planted at the V&A Waterfront well over 100 years ago, it still grows today above what used to be Flagstone’s barrel maturation cellar in the Waterfront before our winery moved to Somerset West in 2002. According to ancient Greek legend, when dragons were mortally wounded, they would fly out to sea to die. Only where a dragon’s blood spilt would a Dragon Tree then grow.”

Tasting notes: The wine shows rich dark fruit, cigar box, and mint aromas with sweet and spicy undertones leading to an explosion of fruit on the palate reminiscent of cherry pie, forest berries and baked plums. This is a well-balanced wine with great depth, fresh acidity and a long finish — a lush, full-bodied stunner!

Food: Enjoy this wine with smoked impala carpaccio served with a strawberry, roasted beetroot, watercress and balsamic vinaigrette salad, or with seared tuna and pak choi in a sesame-soy dressing.

FLAGSTONE MUSIC ROOM CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2020

“Ripe, rich and spicy, powerful but precise, with a dense core of succulent black and red fruit, lively acidity and firm yet refined tannins. A blockbuster Cabernet!”

Grape variety: 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot

Region: Cape Coast — 78% Wellington, 22% Stellenbosch
Fermentation: 100% barrel fermented in 82% French and 18% American oak (30% new) for 16-18 months
Cellaring: Enjoy now or keep for up to 10 years
Price: R380

This wine is proudly vegan

The name: “Our Founder, Bruce Jack’s grandmother, Elsie Fraser-Munn, was a legendary music teacher and performer. In her Music Room, practice made perfect. Patience, dedication and attention to detail are similarly required to craft great Cabernet. The music on the front label is a beautiful choral piece composed for her by the renowned South African composer, Peter Klatzow.”

Tasting notes: On the nose blueberry, cassis, and ripe black plum mix with cool cedar whiffs and the faintest hint of basil, all wrapped up in serious, warm, toasty oak. The palate is all about chunky, chewy, magically integrated tannin. Luxurious deep-pile velvet fruit with mint-sprigged red berries and Christmas fruitcake lead to a persistent finish.

Food: Rack of Karoo lamb and pan-wilted garden-fresh spinach.

FLAGSTONE TRUTH TREE PINOTAGE 2021

“Delicious and moreish with dark, juicy, rich fruit intensity, swirls of dark chocolate and spice.”

Grape variety: 97% Pinotage, 3% Tempranillo

Region: 55% Swartland, 20% Paarl, 13% Agter-Paarl, 10% Stellenbosch, 2% Wellington
Fermentation: 70% French and 30% American oak (10% new) for 19 months
Cellaring: Can be enjoyed now but will keep well for another 3-5 years
Price: R165

This wine is proudly vegan

The name: “The Truth Tree is the translation of the common name in isiXhosa for an Erythrina or Coral Tree (Lucky Bean Tree). Native to South Africa, it is breathtakingly beautiful with a spreading canopy of striking red flowers. It is said that the Xhosa believe that if you tell a lie in the shade of a Truth Tree, terrible things will befall you. As a result, important village council meetings would always be held in the shade of the Truth Tree. In our vineyards and cellar, we go to great lengths to allow vineyard and terroir expression, to create wines true to the cultivar.”

Tasting notes: A seductive bouquet of blackberry fruit, dark chocolate, and fine spicy notes unfolds on the rich, full-bodied, well-balanced palate — dense and textured with pure fruit, fresh acidity, and fine tannins.

Food: Pinotage is very versatile when it comes to food. It loves grilled, braaied or roasted meats, venison and game birds, spice and chillies. A favourite is slow-cooked duck drizzled with a pomegranate and cardamom gravy and served with potatoes roasted in duck dripping and a green salad of bitter leaves

PURCHASE FLAGSTONE WINES

You can buy Flagstone Wines at the Cellar Door, at select grocers and wine merchants nationwide, and online at https://flagstonewines.com/our-shop/

Flagstone Winery and Tasting Room

Address: W.R. Quinan Blvd, Paardevlei, Somerset West, 7129
Telephone: Flagstone Winery: +27 21 852 5052; Tasting Room: +27 21 850 5891
Trading Hours: Monday to Friday: 10:00 – 16:00; Saturday: 10:00 – 15:00; Sunday: Closed

Website: http://flagstonewines.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flagstonewines/
Twitter/X: https://x.com/flagstonewines
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Flagstonewines/

HASHTAGS: #FlagstoneWines #FlagstoneAwards #WineryoftheYear

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

© 2024 Herman Lintvelt - WineTourismZA 

PaardenKloof Estate, a pioneering force in South Africa's cool-climate wine region, invites wine lovers to discover the unique flavours and rich heritage of the Cape. 

Nestled in a hidden valley of Bot River, PaardenKloof is more than just a brand; it’s a regenerative farming project dedicated to producing wines of exceptional quality and authenticity while preserving South Africa’s natural and cultural heritage.

A Legacy of Terroir-Driven Excellence

PaardenKloof is committed to producing wines that authentically represent their terroir, crafted with precision to reveal the cool-climate complexities of Bot River. From fresh, crisp Sauvignon Blancs to rich and earthy Pinot Noirs, each bottle captures the spirit of this unique environment. The estate uses a single-vineyard approach to showcase small plots of high-quality, handpicked fruit, reinforcing their dedication to environmental preservation. PaardenKloof’s premium wines are 100% varietal and proudly feature artwork by Peter Clarke, one of South Africa's revered artists, adding an artistic layer to each vintage.

PaardenKloof is committed to producing wines that authentically represent their terroir, crafted with precision to reveal the cool-climate complexities of Bot River.

A Commitment to Conservation and Indigenous Heritage

Rooted in respect for the land, PaardenKloof Estate is among the first Western Cape farms to reintroduce indigenous Nguni cattle. These resilient animals, cared for with the same reverence given to the vines, highlight PaardenKloof’s harmony with nature. The Ecology range carries the Sustainability Seal, a testament to their commitment to regenerative farming. These fynbos-inspired wines feature tropical and floral notes, ideal for pairing with a range of South African dishes.

PaardenKloof Estate is among the first Western Cape farms to reintroduce indigenous Nguni cattle.

The Ataqua Reserve Range: Honouring Khoisan Heritage

PaardenKloof’s Reserve Range, Ataqua, pays homage to the indigenous Khoisan tribes who once inhabited the Cape region. Made from carefully selected barrels, Ataqua wines are crafted in limited quantities and reflect the intricate relationship between the Cape's people and its flora and fauna. This complex, elegant collection is a tribute to the rich cultural legacy that has shaped PaardenKloof and its commitment to celebrating indigenous wisdom.

PaardenKloof’s Reserve Range, Ataqua, pays homage to the indigenous Khoisan tribes who once inhabited the Cape region.

For those who seek an authentic connection to the land, culture, and flavours of the Cape, PaardenKloof Estate stands as a testament to heritage winemaking that thrives in harmony with nature.

Contact

Address: PaardenKloof Estate, R43, Kleinmond Hermanus Road, Bot River, Western Cape

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