Welcome to the Western Cape Wineries - a kiwi's opinion blog

I originally set up this blog to help foreigners have an enjoyable experience when visiting the western cape wineries in South Africa.

I realised that it is very difficult for a tourist to choose where to go and which wineries to visit, when you have 600+ wine producers to choose from.

When I first moved to SA December 2010, my palate struggled to adjust to SA wine, b
ut after living here for a while and after visiting over 100+ wine estates, I have found many wines which I really like and can highly recommend.

Admittingly, when you come from another country it is hard not to compare the wine in SA to what you are used to back home. However, once you realise they are not the same (they have their own characteristics due to the different soil, climate etc) and appreciate their wines for being SA wines, it will improve your opinion and experience of the wines immediately.

If you are staying in SA for a while, don't dispair, your palate will change, and you will soon find yourself liking SA wine over your home countries wine!!

I hope my blog will help wine lovers have an enjoyable wine experience while in SA.

Please note: I am not a wine connoisseur. The comments I write about the wine is mostly for my own benefit of having them on record.



Friday 11 November 2011

Diemersdal

My boyfriend and I went to Diemersdal after doing some errunds Friday morning. We thought because it was during the day time on a week day that it wouldn't be busy, but surprisingly it was. There were a few gentlemen sitting inside doing a tasting, there was a group of young adults sitting on the lawn doing a tasting, and then another two couples came in while we were there. All with one tasting assistant, I was quite impressed with how well he kept up with all the people.


The style of the building is Dutch. The view from the tasting room is very nice, I love the lawn they have outside the tasting room to enjoy a picnic and wine tasting.


We had a very good experience here!! The vibe in the tasting room is great, the tables outside allow you to do a tasting there, and the lawn outside is so lovely if you want to take your time and enjoy the scenery while doing a tasting you can.
It appears that you can try anything and everything on the list, and at no cost. The service was fantastic!! The guy serving us was so friendly, polite, hospitable, you don't want to leave because his energy is so inviting and welcoming. It's fantastic!!


We tried eight wines, my favourites were the Sauvignon Blac 2011 (R49). This has a beautiful smell and a great tropical and grassy taste. It is really elegant and easy drinking. The Sir Lambert 2011 (R75) has grassy, asparagus notes, is light and refreshing. I liked this wine very much. I loved the Chardonnay unwooded 2011 (R50). This was delicious, it had great flavour, was lovely on the palate, and had a lingering aftertaste. We were very lucky to try the Grenache 2010 (R95), this usually is not available for tasting, but if a bottle has been opened, then they might let you have a try :-) Be sure to ask if you do come here, for the Grenache is smooth, balanced, had lovely flavour, and was not dry. I really liked it. We were informed that this is best served chilled. Last of all, the Pinotage Reserve 2010 (R90) is very nice!! It has great body, lovely flavour and is nicely balanced.

We ended up walking out with four bottles, and I can't wait to open them!!

We were told that on the weekends the music in the tasting room is turned up, and people are welcome to bring their own picnics and sit on the lawns drinking the Diemersdal wine. I have already told my friends about this, and I can't wait to go drink Diemersdal wine while sitting on a picnic blanket enjoying a home packed picnic with friends!!  What better way to spend an afternoon with friends!!


Be sure to put this winery on your list when visiting the Durbanville wine region!!

No comments:

Post a Comment