Category Archives: Wellington
The 2013 Diemersfontein ‘Pinotage On Tap’ SA Tour Event
The Diemersfontein Pinotage on Tap, South Africa’s most anticipated wine event on the annual calendar is set to take place for the ninth year running on Saturday 12th October 2013 at Wellington’s Diemersfontein Wine Estate outside Cape Town. Diemersfontein will also bring this event to Johannesburg and Durban, on the 7th September 2013 and 21st September 2013 respectively.
Guests attending this year’s ‘Pinotage on Tap’ events can look forward to ‘prepped and primed’ barrels of Pinotage. In Cape Town guests can also enjoy one barrel of Chenin Blanc and one barrel of Shiraz. The official Beer partner for the POT festival is the premium, craft slow beer from Darling Brewery. A range of lunch dishes and sweet treats will also be included in the ticket price, as well as some interesting food stalls in a market style environment. Great entertainment is also in store with an exciting musical line-up for the day, including Gangs of Ballet, Newton’s 2nd Law and Natasha Meister.
Mark your calendars, book your tickets, and make sure you’re at one of the Diemersfontein Pinotage on Tap events this year. Tickets will be available through Computicket from 10 June 2013. Numbers are limited so wine enthusiasts are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment! Weekend accommodation specials are also available. Please contact Rene at Diemersfontein on 021 864 5050 or online@diemersfontein.co.za (Bookings will only be open with ticket sales)
Diemersfontein is situated on the famous Wellington Wine Route in the Western Cape, teaming with traditional charms, and elegant beauty. Diemersfontein is known for its natural grace and of course – its Pinotage. Bought by the Sonnenberg family in the 1940’s, Diemersfontein is founded on the key-stone stately Manor House overlooking a picturesque valley of vineyards, a number of well-appointed guest cottages and approximately 45 residential properties which all make up this award-winning working wine estate.
Diemersfontein’s flag carrier “The people’s Pinotage”, known as The Original Coffee Chocolate Pinotage is praised for its easy accessibility, uniqueness, wonderful rich coffee taste, and smokey overtones. This unique style of Pinotage is a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, venison and dark chocolate desserts, and is a firm favourite at the popular Pinotage on Tap events. Diemersfontein also offers a host of activities on the farm and its surrounds, which makes the Cape Town leg of the Pinotage on Tap events the perfect weekend getaway.
For more information about Diemersfontein, or their Pinotage on Tap events, visit www.diemersfontein.co.za.
SAVE THE DATE DIARY DETAILS:
Event: Diemersfontein Pinotage on Tap 2013
POT JHB
Date: 7 September
Ticket Price: R340 per adult
Ticket and Wine: R770 – this includes a case of 6 bottles of the Diemersfontein Pinotage to be collected on the day.
Future Fans (All under 18’s)
Timing: 12:30 – 18:30
Venue: Oakfield Farm, Beyers Naude Drive, Muldersdrift, Johannesburg
Bands: Newton’s 2nd Law & Natasha Meister
POT DBN
Date: 21 September
Ticket Price: R280 per adult
Ticket and Wine R720
Future Fans R80
Timing: 12:30 – 18:30
Venue: The Litchi Orchard, Seaforth Rd, Salt Rock, Durban
Bands: Gangs of Ballet & Natasha Meister
POT Cape Town
Date: 12 October
Ticket Price: R340 per adult. No Kids ticket.
Ticket and Wine R770, incl Free gift of an original POT Peak Cap.
Timing: 12:30 – 18:30
Venue: Diemersfontein Wine & Country Estate, Jan van Riebeeck Drive, Wellington.
Bands: Gangs of Ballet, Newton’s 2nd Law and Natasha Meister
WSET Introduces First Stand-Alone Spirits Courses In South Africa.
The International Wine Education Centre is delighted to announce the first ever stand-alone general spirits courses starting in Stellenbosch in May.
The UK-based Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET) teaches internationally-recognised wine and spirit qualifications which are the industry-standard in 60 countries around the world. WSET has been educating people about wine and spirits since 1969 and more than 43,000 people, studying in 16 different languages sat a WSET exam in the last academic year alone.
The WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits underpins the skills needed in all areas of the spirit trade – customer service, hospitality, retail and wholesale.
The course covers the history, production and style of spirits of the world: Cognac, Armagnac and other brandies; Scotch, Bourbon and other whiskeys; white spirits, including vodka, rum, Tequila, gin; and liqueurs and other flavoured spirits. Tasting is part of every session with around 40 local and international spirits tasted over the duration of the course.
The first course in South Africa will take place at Van Ryn’s Distillery in Stellenbosch and will be lectured by spirits aficionado Dave Hughes and artisan distiller Roger Jorgensen. The course will last 6 weeks with a multiple-choice exam at the end.
Who is it aimed at?
• People employed in the spirits industry needing information on the characteristics of the principal spirits and liqueurs of the world, to provide guidance on brand selection and assist with tasting and evaluating of spirits and liqueurs using the Systematic Approach to Tasting.
• People who are not employed in the drinks industry, but who have a serious interest in spirits and wish to broaden their knowledge in a fun, informative yet structured way.
• People studying for wine qualifications and who would like a structured spirits course to support those qualifications.
There are limited places available for this course, so for more information, please go to www.thewinecentre.co.za . For more information about future courses in Stellenbosch, Cape Town and elsewhere, please contact Cathy Marston on info@thewinecentre.co.za
Course details.
Course Code L2SWL0513
Location Van Ryn’s Distillery, Stellenbosch
Date & Time Wednesdays from 22 May – 26th June, 6.30pm- 8.30pm (6 weeks, 2 hours/week)
Exam Wednesday 3rd July, 6.30pm
Cost R4,990 per person
Includes All tuition, all course material, exam, tasting of at least 40 local and international spirits and a lapel pin & certificate for successful candidates.
Mutual & Federal Agri Wellington Wine Route Takes Part In The 10th ABSA Cape Epic Action
Wellington, the latest wine district, and the Mutual & Federal Agri Wellington Wine Route, takes a bow as the official sponsor of the Wellington leg of the tenth ABSA Cape Epic from 21-22 March 2013.
The world’s largest full service mountain bike stage race will rip through Wellington during 21 and 22 March when 600 teams, consisting of more than 1200 local and international cyclists from 15 countries will ensure for nail biting adventure and top notch adrenalin entertainment.
Wellington, known as the mountain bike mecca – will buff up their spokes and welcome the Epic fans and enthusiasts during their visit to the 24 hour Chill Zone at the Hugenot Primary- and High School.
Top local entertainers, cuisine and wine will ensure that Wellington is the place to be from 21-22 March during the 2013 ABSA Cape Epic.
Entry is free and everyone is welcome to share in the spirit of Wellington, the hart of the Cape Wineland.
For more information contact Peter Woodward at 021 864 2479, e-mail info@wellington.co.za or visit www.wellington.co.za. Befriend us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @wellwineroute for the latest news and events.
South Africa’s 2013 Wine Tourism Handbook: Enjoying Wine at the Source
The eighth edition of the popular Wine Tourism Handbook is now available for sale both in bookshops and online. This image-rich, full-colour, comprehensive guide to the farms, restaurants, accommodation venues and activities found in South Africa’s Winelands is one of Wine Tourism South Africa’s (WTSA) most prestigious products. It works in tandem with WTSA’s other exciting social media and online platforms and campaigns to drive interest in the varied wine tourism offerings of the country.
The 2013 edition boasts several key refinements to previous editions but retains its unique core by offering a comprehensive list of farms, complete with opening hours, contact details and easy-to-read maps as well as a number of carefully selected destinations for dining, staying and playing!
This year, the Gourmand Award-winning publication offers independent reviews of Winelands restaurants ranging from delis to five-star establishments as well as route-by-route reviews of boutique wineries (those that make less than 5 000 cases of wine a year) and it showcases the winners of the popular Klink Awards – launched by Wine Tourism South Africa in 2012. More information can be found on the Klink Awards – the first consumer-driven, interactive wine tourism competition in the country – on www.winetourismsouthafrica.co.za. In addition, wine route information has been updated with editorial reflecting the inherent character of each route and photographs capturing the scenic beauty of each region. 
As wine tourism is about the entire experience – wine, food, people, activity and place – detailed listings are offered for the best places to eat, stay and play – whether that is casual cafés or fine dining, rustic cottages or five star hotels, a wine picnic on the river or helicopter flip over the vineyards. The Handbook is an indispensible companion to anyone looking to have a fun, meaningful and in-depth experience when visiting the country’s wine regions.
The publisher, Monika Elias, notes, “Wine tourism is a global phenomenon and it is a growing market, but we are fast getting the impression that here in South Africa, we do it rather well, perhaps better than most. Our handbook is a reflection of this burgeoning market”.
The Wine Tourism Handbook is #notjustwine, it is the complete Winelands experience in one colourful and beautifully-produced guide and at just R99.00 it offers tremendous value for money! The 288-page 2013 Wine Tourism Handbook can be ordered online or downloaded from www.winetourismsouthafrica.co.za and is available in all good bookstores.
For more information about Wine Tourism South Africa, the Wine Tourism Handbook and the Klink Awards, visit www.winetourismsouthafrica.co.za.
Mutual & Federal Wellington Wine Route Puts WOW Into New Independent Wine District
The Mutual & Federal Wellington Wine Route has finally put the WOW (Wine of Origin Wellington) in their wines, after being declared a separate wine district on 16 March 2012. Wellington celebrated their independence at a gala event on 21 September, held at Kleinevalleij, where they announced their new title sponsor, Mutual & Federal Insurance Company Ltd.
This celebration boasted a wide range of local wines and cuisine, as well as top-class entertainment.
“Mutual & Federal Agri is honoured to be the title sponsor of the Wellington Wine Route”, says Philip du Preez, Head of Agriculture at Mutual & Federal. “As one of the leading insurers of wine estates in South Africa, we are excited about this relationship and look forward to exploring mutually beneficial opportunities with the Wellington Wine Route community.”
Well-known wine expert and master of ceremonies, Neil Pendock, accompanied by reputed international guest speaker, Tersina Siehn from Hong Kong alongside delegates from Cape Wine and Vindaba, joined in the evening’s festivities.
Pendock stated that Wellington’s declaration as an independent wine district continues the European process of mapping terroir. “Consumers will now be able to home-in on Wines of Origin Wellington (WOW!) and seek out mountain wines of singular intensity, authenticity and palate power.”
Historically Wellington, along with Franschhoek and Tulbagh, sorted only as wards of the Paarl wine region. Following a meeting with the Wine and Spirit Board in November 2010 during which producers strongly lobbied for Wellington’s independence, the district was finally announced as a separate wine region in March this year. This move is fully endorsed by the Wine and Spirit Board of South Africa and the formal proclamation was published in the Government Gazette.
From now on this new status not only allows Wellington producers to label their wines as “Wine of Origin Wellington” – or WOW, but also to introduce their respective terroir-based wards to the consumer.
Wellington Wine Route chairperson, Schalk Burger Sr, is elated with Wellington’s new independent status. “This is truly a joyous day for Wellington and the start for the wine estates and producers in Wellington to showcase the unique terroir and skills of our viti and vini culturists which already have the pundits and consumers in awe. The future of the icon wines of the world lie with site specific offerings. Watch this space for Wines of Origin Wellington.
Philip du Preez of Mutual & Federal hands over the cheque of R200,000 to Schalk Burger, the chairman of the Mutual & Federal Wellington Wine Route.
The Mutual & Federal Wellington Wine Route encompasses 21 producers, their wines increasingly receiving acclaim at local, as well as international wine competitions. In addition to three ABSA Top Pinotages, these also include several Decanter, Veritas and Michaelangelo, as well as two Platter 5-star awards. The conception of the local Wellington Quest for the Best – for Wellington, by Wellington, has contributed greatly to the overall quality of their wines, with Wellington proudly receiving the SA Terroir Top Wine Region award in 2010.
This achievement lead to Terroir signs being positioned at all major Wellington access routes, serving as notice to tourists and wine lovers alike that they are now entering a leading wine produce region. At present Terroir signs welcome guests on the R301 near Diemersfontein, along the R44 next to the Florida farm stall and on route to Hermon, as well as both turnoffs toward Lady Loch on the R45. Another sign is planned for Eerste Tol on Bain’s Kloof Pass.
Since the proclamation in March, the borders of the Wellington wine region have changed to include more fynbos areas, cultural diversity, as well as farms previously supplying to the Paarl and Swartland wine districts.
For more information, contact Trudy Oosthuizen on tel 021 864 2479, email wine@wellington.co.za or visit www.wellington.co.za. Become a friend of our Facebook page, or follow us on Twitter at @wellwineroute for all the latest news and events.
Image by Julian Krüger Photography
Wellington Puts WOW In New Independent Wine District
Wellington Wine Tourism Route has finally put the WOW (Wine of Origin Wellington) in their wines, after being declared as separate wine district from Paarl in March this year.
Wellington will have a proper independence celebration on 21 September with a gala event at Kleinevalleij, Wellington. A big announcement that will affect Wellington Wine Tourism in a very positive way will also be made on the evening. This celebration will boast a wide range of local wines and cuisine, as well as top-class entertainment.
Well-known wine expert and master of ceremonies, Neil Pendock, will be accompanied by reputed international guest speakers, Tersina Siehn from Hong Kong and Jorge Monteiro (head of ViniPortugal) from Portugal alongside delegates from Cape Wine and Vindaba, will join in the evening’s festivities.
For more information, contact Trudy Oosthuizen on tel 021 864 2479, email wine@wellington.co.za or visit www.wellington.co.za. Become a friend of our Facebook page, or follow us on Twitter at @wellwineroute for all the latest news and events.
Doolhof Wine Estate Appoints New General Manager
Doolhof Wine Estate is pleased to announce the appointment as Johan Fourie as General Manager, effective immediately.
Johan has been involved on a consultation basis with Doolhof over the last 20 months assisting on strategic matters.
This appointment is a logical progression as Doolhof develops its medium term global programme which will be now managed by Johan.
Dennis Kerrison, owner of Doolhof said, “As our business has grown in complexity and Johan has assisted in building the strategy. I was delighted when Johan agreed to join us and run our great team. I have every confidence that this appointment will show benefits quickly.”
Johan Fourie, who has worked in the wine industry as management consultant for the past 6 years said’ “The appointment is a fantastic opportunity and challenge. Most people realise that the wine industry is under pressure from all sides, but opportunities to succeed are still present. I look forward to work with the Doolhof team and owners to further establish the brand and execute the strategy we identified.
Doolhof is located in the historic Bovlei valley, north east of Wellington and was bought by Dennis Kerrison in 2003 The first wines under the Doolhof label were launched in 2005.
Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky Teams Up With The Nasua Mobile Cape Cobras
Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky, proudly South African and crafted at The James Sedgwick Distillery in the Boland town of Wellington, is joining forces with the Nashua Mobile Cape Cobras, a first for these two iconic Cape brands. The announcement was made at a premium gala dinner this evening (27 July) and comes only weeks after Paul Adams took the reign as head coach.
According to Marcel Swain, brand manager of Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky, the partnership is a natural fit which will allow both brands to offer consumers and the trade an opportunity to experience the special flavours and personality of the Cape in a unique fashion.
Ayanda Tini (Good Hope FM), Paul Adams (Nashua Mobile Cape Cobras-afrigter) and Tammy B (Good Hope FM)
“The Nashua Mobile Cape Cobras are the current champions of the Domestic One-Day Competition, with 10 players representing South Africa, whilst Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is South Africa’s first 100% single grain whisky, acclaimed internationally. It has just achieved its third consecutive gold medal from the International Wine and Spirits Competition held in London. They are both local heroes. The cricket team combines the best of the Western Cape and Boland, while Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky combines the impact of the best of local grain with a unique double maturation to create a distinctive taste.
“By creating a synergy between the local cricket talent and the craftsmanship of a locally produced premium whisky, the result can only provide exciting opportunities for both brands.”
The partnership will see the roll out of joint national campaigns as well as Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky being the preferred liquor offering at both the Newlands and Boland cricket suites.
Doolhof: Making Their Mark With Malbec Once More
Doolhof has once again reinforced its position as one of the leading producers of Malbec in South Africa by being selected as national winner for Malbec at the 2012 Novare SA Terroir Wine Awards. The wine to receive top honours was the The Signatures of Doolhof Malbec 2010 This is the third year this honour goes to a Doolhof Malbec.
Earlier this year The Signatures of Doolhof Malbec 2010 was also chosen from around 400 of South Africa’s top wines and one of only 51 red wines to be included in the prestigious Top 100 South African Wine Challenge list. The 2010 Signatures of Doolhof Malbec is the 4th Malbec vintage to be released at Doolhof and follows in the celebrated footsteps of the previous vintages. Previous accolades for Doolhof Malbec include: The 2007 vintage receiving double 
gold medals at the Michelangelo International Wine Awards, as well as the Tri Nations Wine Challenge, a gold medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards, as well as being chosen as the top Malbec in the annual Novare Terroir Wine Awards. The 2008 vintage clinched a gold medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards and the 2009 was awarded a gold medal at the Michelangelo International Wine Awards and received the honour of being chosen the Top Malbec at the Novare Terroir Wine Awards.
Doolhof is located in the historic Bovlei valley, north east of Wellington and currently 2.5 hectares of the 380 hectare farm is planted with Malbec. The Malbec vineyard was planted in 2003 and is the highest vineyard on the property situated just below the Bainskloof Pass. The location of this vineyard means that the vineyard team must compete with baboons and wild pigs for the grapes, resulting in limited production! Doolhof Wine Estate is an accredited member of the Biodiversity in Wine Initiative which is an industry wide project to help promote the conservation of fynbos.
The Signatures of Doolhof Malbec 2010 sells for R115.00 per bottle.
For more information, please visit: www.doolhof.com
The Juliet Cullinan Standard Bank Wine Festival
at
SUMMER PLACE
Monday 16th and Tuesday 17th July 2012
17h30 – 21h00.
The 2012 Juliet Cullinan Standard Bank Wine Festival will move to
Summer Place, a setting of luxury and elegance.
We are delighted that the following wineries will be joining us this year:
Asara, Avondale, Beau Joubert, Bellingham – The Bernard Series, Bosman Family Vineyards, Bouchard Finlayson, Creation Wines, Darling Cellars, De Trafford, De Wetshof, Glenelly, Groot Constantia, Hamilton Russell, Hartenberg, Haute Cabriere, Iona, Jordan, Kaapzicht, KWV, Kyburg Wine Estate, Le Riche, Lomond, Lourensford, Mount Vernon, Neethlingshof, Neil Ellis, Noble Hill, Ormonde, Plaisir de Merle, Raka, Rijk’s, Rustenberg, Strandveld, Villiera, Vrede en Lust, Waterkloof, Zevenwacht
And showing some international stunners will be:
Great Domaines, Concha Y Torro, Domaine Grier and Wines of the World
Pick n Pay will again delight us with their fabulous range of deli foods.
Bené will be sponsoring the mineral water.
Capture and buy the essence of the Cape vintage in a wine glass.
All wines showcased during the Festival can be purchased through the
Makro Sip & Shop at special show prices
TICKETS AVAILABLE AT WEBTICKETS.CO.ZA
Tickets cost R130 per person if booked online, and R150 at the door.
This includes a wine glass, catalogue, and an evening of unlimited tastings.
Discounted group bookings on request.
Doolhof: Place Of Magical Malbec
Doolhof has reinforced its position as one of the leading producers of Malbec on the South African wine scene by being included in the Top 100 South African Wine Challenge.
The Signatures of Doolhof Malbec 2010 was chosen from around 400 of South Africa’s top wines and one of only 51 red wines to be included in this prestigious list. The 2010 Signatures of Doolhof Malbec is the 4th Malbec vintage to be released and follows in the celebrated footsteps of the previous wines.
The 2007 vintage received double gold medals at the Michelangelo International Wine Awards, as well as the Tri Nations Wine Challenge, a gold medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards, as well as being chosen as the top Malbec in the annual Novare Terroir Wine Awards. The 2008 vintage clinched a gold medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards and the 2009 was awarded a gold medal at the Michelangelo International Wine Awards and received the honour of being chosen the Top Malbec at the Novare Terroir Wine Awards.
Doolhof is located in the historic Bovlei valley, north east of Wellington and currently 2.5 hectares of the 380 hectare farm is planted with Malbec. The Malbec vineyard was planted in 2003 and is the highest vineyard on the property situated just below the Bainskloof Pass. The location of this vineyard means that the vineyard team must compete with baboons and wild pigs for the grapes, resulting in limited production!
Doolhof Wine Estate is an accredited member of the Biodiversity in Wine Initiative which is an industry wide project to help promote the conservation of fynbos.
“One of the first decisions made on acquiring the farm was to plant Malbec, as we wanted all the Bordeaux cultivars on the property for blending purposes. It has not been an easy journey, but worth it,” says Dennis Kerrison, owner of the Estate
“I recall the 2008 vintage in particular. We planned to harvest on a Monday and on the Friday a major fire broke out below Bains Kloof burning all the way down to our farm. The Malbec was covered with ash. Then on Saturday and Sunday the heavens opened and heavy rain poured down, making it impossible to harvest on the Monday. We harvested a week later, and still managed a Decanter Gold! We dubbed this Malbec vintage Fire & Rain. I am constantly amazed by the versatility of this grape and we are set to make quality Malbec synonymous with the Doolhof brand.”
The current vintage on sale is the Signatures of Doolhof 2009, at R115.00 per bottle.
Reward Dad With A South African Gem
If your proudly South African dad is in your opinion the most deserving of something extraordinary for father’s day this year, then treat him to a bottle of Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky.
It’s South Africa’s first 100% single grain whisky and no stranger to the limelight at international competitions. At the 2011 International Wine and Spirits Competition, judges praised the whisky for its “excellent, clean, lively entry into the mouth with sweet grain firmness and beautiful balance.”
Inspired by the Bain’s Kloof Pass and its natural beauty, Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is crafted from the finest South African grain. It is South Africa’s first single grain whisky and its double-maturation imparts flavour and complexity, resulting in an exceptionally smooth and distinctive whisky.
Crafted by master distiller Andy Watts, the whisky shows an exceptional interaction between spirit and wood to produce a mix of toffee, floral and vanilla aromas and flavours with a hint of spice softened by sweet undertones. The result is a warm and extended mouthfeel with an exceptionally smooth finish.
Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is distilled and matured at The James Sedgwick Distillery which dates back to 1886 and is situated near the foothills of the Bain’s Kloof Pass in Wellington, in the heart of the Boland. The whisky pays tribute to Andrew Geddes Bain the pioneering pass builder who was the mastermind behind the Bain’s Kloof Pass which connected Wellington to the interior in the mid-1850s.
Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is available from leading liquor outlets and retails for around R200 per 750ml bottle.
