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Home | Travel-and-leisure
Unique South African Wine Estates
By: Kelly Wheeler
South Africa is known the world over as a premium producer of some of the finest quality wines ever tasted. Following a wine route through Stellenbosch or Robertson is an unforgettable way to spend a Sunday or even several days if you manage it. Tourists flock to South Africa to explore her wine estates and estates like Spier, Boschendal and Durbanville Hills are constantly overflowing with visitors from around the world.
While wine estates like these are undeniably beautiful and well worth seeing, there are many other wine estates within South Africa’s borders. Lesser-known estates like Hazendal and Alvi’s Drift to name only two, produce equally fine wines and each have incredibly unique features. Heading out to one of these estates takes you a little further off the beaten track, allowing you to discover the beauty of South Africa’s less-explored countryside. No crowds will greet you at one these estates, only a warm and welcoming wine farmer with a glass of their finest on hand.
The Lesser-Known Estates
Alvi’s Drift Private Cellar
Situated in the Breede River region of the Western Cape, Alvi’s Drift Private Cellar is a small and exclusive wine farm. First established in 1928 and named after a nearby bridge, this cellar simply exudes elegance and charm. The small adjoining game farm means that you might just see a wild animal stroll by why you sample a glass of chardonnay. The cellar also produces delectable cheeses to be sampled alongside the wine in a unique and quirky underground cellar. Sitting back with friends in the seclusion and quiet of Alvi’s Drift as the candlelight flickers off the wall is an experience that cannot be matched by the larger wine estates.
New Beginnings
New Beginnings wine farm is backed by a heart-warming tale that epitomises the new South Africa. After his wine farm, Nelson’s Creek, won the “Champion Wine Producer in Boland” award, owner Alan Nelson donated 11 hectares of land to his dedicated workers in thanks. Aptly name New Beginnings; this wine farm represents the first ever black owned wine estate in South Africa. The estate has come along in leaps and bounds since 1997 and now has three established wines, a Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and a tantalising Pinotage.
Nwanedi Estate
This relatively young estate was founded in Paarl only a decade ago as a retirement project for Gavin and Jean Stork. Many years ago this couple married in the tropical region of Vhavenda, in an area known as Nwanedi – where two rivers meet - and this happy memory was brought alive again by the naming of their estate. Nwanedi Estate’s most unique feature is that you can customise your own wine to your exact tastes. By purchasing a 225 litre barrel, the wine is matured to your exacting specifications and the then bottled to your taste. The exotic African hardwood box of its presentation makes for an ideal gift. Visiting this estate and its unique take on wine making is a real eye-opening experience to the process and is well worth investigating.
Kleine Draken
This 300 year old farm is nestled in south eastern slopes of the Paarl Mountains and has recently been restored to its former wine making glory. Kleine Draken is the only estate in South Africa that exclusively produces Kosher and Mevushal wines. Each wine is certified by the strict Cape Beth Din, ensuring that each one is suitable for Passover or any other occasion. While adhering to these strict regulations Kleine Draken still uses the latest in modern wine making technology. This combination of ancient religious wine making practices and ultra-modern technology is a sight to be seen along with a delightful glass of wine to complete the show.
Hazendal
Hazendal Wine Estate is credited as being the first ever wine farm in South Africa to be owned by a Russian national. Purchased on the same day as South Africa’s first ever democratic elections, its proud owner, Dr Mark Voloshin, became the first foreign investor in the new South Africa and has never looked back since. This run-down farm now emanates its former radiance and a piece of Western Cape history has been restored. What makes Hazendal so special is the eclectic mix of Russian and South African culture that radiates throughout the estate. The Marvol Museum in located in an old wine cellar and showcases some of the best in both Russian and South African art. The restaurant has a glass wall looking out into the working wine cellar and serves a delightful mix of each country’s best culinary delights. This fusion of cultures also extends to the wine itself, creating a distinct taste that should be tried by any wine enthusiast.
Viljoensdrift
This fifth generation farm is still owned by the Viljoen family and used to be a premium grape supplier to its neighbouring co-operatives. In 1998, brothers Fred and Manie decided to make use of their own grapes and began pressing their own wine. In the past decade, Viljoensdrift wines have rapidly gained credibility overseas and are now a favourite amongst wine connoisseurs. Visiting Viljoensdrift is a unique experience as the leisurely Breede River flows through the wine farm. Guests can sit back on a flat-bottomed motorised raft and enjoy a cruise down the river while sampling some delightful wines.
Article Source: http://www.uberarticles.com/articles
Hazendal Wine Estate is nestled between Stellenbosch and Kuils River and is over 300 years old. www.markvoloshin.com”>Dr Mark Voloshin and his family now call this estate home and are dedicated to both wine and the expression of both South African and Russian culture. The beautifully restored Cape Dutch Manor House and the Bottelary Hills make an ideal backdrop for an afternoon of good food and excellent wines.
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