We decided to take a drive and explore a destination my chef and adored friend Julia Hattingh of Reverie Social Club in Woodstock had raved about whilst working together at Holden Manz Wine Estate. She is one of the most talented humans and chefs I have come to work with and if she says Waterkloof is where is all really began for her. I simply had to explore!
With no more than Julia’s vivid stories and our GPS we were on our way to what seemed to be a dead end. Surrounded by very Joburg-esqe estates and enough civil engineering one could very well be mistaken for being in Dubai if it weren’t for the spectacular sea and mountain views.
I can imagine how hiker’s feel when they reach the top of Kilimanjaro, it was the exact feeling we had when reaching Waterkloof Wine Estate. The Building was simple, minimalistic and utterly breathtaking. The Simple lines were boisterous as it contrasted against the feminine Helderberg/False bay backdrop and sun kissed beaches beneath us yet seamlessly blended into nature and the natural rock surrounding us.
We had other plans that day too so we weren’t exactly dressed for the occasion that was the chic wine estate. We were waiting for the staff to greet us with a “sorry no vacancies(jobs),ever” type look upon their faces. We were safe, a gracious greeting and bold smile from the assistant and all was well at Waterkloof.
My plus one is not much for Reds but he’s thankfully ventured to European Styled Roses, which suits me just fine.
Aptly, we did a premium tasting one of all whites for him and myself, rouge ready with rose to start. Cin cin**
We loved the approach of the farm and the owner’s respect for his surroundings. The farm being one of the only strictly conserved Fynbos landscapes in South Africa and they are dedicated to bio-dynamic farming and wine production.
Now the best part; The rose was Crisp,a little finish of strawberries and reminded me of summer-a period I barely get to enjoy at the beach with season being in full swing for anyone in Hospitality-so the tasting and memory was welcomed. The Circle of Life, their flagship saw us adoring the Chenin Blanc which is a later vintage than expected due to the natural yeast taking longer to ferment and develop with great balance of wood too.You can definitely note the gentle touch of a woman in this wine-Nadia Barnard being the winemaker. The Cabernet Franc was also a winner and we couldn’t wait to eat a meal with this decanted at the table and share our experience with friends.
With this in mind we decided to buy a bottle for there and then and few bottles for home, 26 to be exact because if you bought 24 bottles you received 6 free. Just for being part of their wine club, what a fantastic deal! So we quickly signed out names, crossed tees and dotted i’s and smiled as they packed our little rental with our great discoveries.
I also can not wait to find the time to have a lunch prepared by Chef Czarnecki and his team, savour a full glass of Circle of Life with the picturesque view from our whinte linen adorned table and celebrate our (C)ircumstance!
Thanks Zandri for the great service and chats, we’ll think of you when when we finish our last bottle. 22 to go!
Waterkloof wine estate | Sir Lowry’s Pass Road,Somerset West (021) 858 1292 | Join their wine club and get 6 bottles free: http://www.waterkloofwines.co.za/wine-club/
IMAGES: Sourced from Waterkloofwines.co.za
