Surrounded by olive groves, vineyards and wheat fields it seems only natural that the team at Gabrielskloof has taken inspiration from the Mediterranean in creating their latest “food” and wine pairing.
A mix of Coratina, Frantoio and Leccino olive trees grow on the sunny Gabriëlskloof slopes. The fruit is small with intense flavour, hand-picked and then cold-pressed to produce boutique quality extra virgin olive oil.
These new Mediterranean tapas-style tasters can be enjoyed on the winery’s broad veranda that overlooks the lush landscape or in the shaded courtyard with its dotted with trees and the lap pool like water feature. The occasion is informal and allows you to taste and enjoy, uninterrupted and at your leisure.
Each taster comprises four wines and five small snack-dishes, as well as a Schiacciata Coll’uva – a traditional Tuscan focaccia made with grapes.
Bites include:
Chorizo and calamari, pan-fried with red wine;
Mini-lamb kofta on tzatziki;
Hummus with fried chickpeas;
Dolmades; and, a fresh Caprese salad with fior di latte mozzarella, tomatoes and basil pesto.
“Now is the time to take a drive in the countryside,”
says Nicolene Finlayson
“The cellar has awakened with the promise of another bountiful harvest and visitors might get a sneak peek of the winemaker and his team at work and even taste the season’s grapes, fresh off the vine.”
Harvest 2017: Visitors can expect to see a working wine farm in operation; experience the cellar at the height of its activity; and, even join in the harvest.
Celebrating summer, the Mediterranean tasters are available daily, bar Tuesdays and Sundays, until the end of May and costs R500(serves two).
Gabriëlskloof’s tasting room times are
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Saturday between 11am and 3pm
Gabriëlskloof Estate is situated just outside Bot River, on the Swartrivier Road, off the N2.
