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.



Saturday 28 July 2012

Elgin Ridge Winery

Today we visited this winery nice and early. Elgin is a beautiful valley with some fantastic wine. I believe the Sauvignon Blancs in this region will give NZ a run for their money in the coming years!!!



We were greeted by the winemaker (Brian) on arrival. The farm is very beautiful, the building is so nicely designed to suit its surroundings and the tasting room is open and nicely designed.



At first we went down to the cellar with a wine glass each, and started with the 2012 Block 2 Sauvignon Blanc from a steel tank. It was very nice. I loved the smell and taste. There was plenty of apple aroma and apple flavour on the palate. It was nicely balanced, crisp, fresh and had a lovely lingering aftertaste



The second wine we tried was the Block 4 2012 Sauvignon Blanc. This was completely diferent to the first one, and it had more of a pineapple taste to it.



We tried the PInot Noir from the barrels. It will be bottled in 2013. It had nice blackcurrent and plum tones, it was a little dry and was nice and light.



Brian explained that he has started making MCC with his Chardonnay. We tried his Chardonnay which is very nice, and I believe with a few years it will result in some very fine wine. I am super keen to try the upcoming MCC.



After trying wine from the tanks and barrels we went upstairs to try more wine. I loved sitting in the tasting room overlooking the vineyards. It was such a beautiful day, that it really added to the experience.



Before we left, we were taken to see where the ducks spend the day. We didn't see them at the house so we went to the dam and sure enough they were there. On our way back to the car we saw Marian, Brian's wife, and there were two calves following her. They were so young and playful. They were very cute.



So as you can see, this winery has a lot of charm and character. This winery is worth the visit.

If you have a day to spend in Elgin I recommend visiting the following wineries: Almenkerk, Highlands Road, Elgin Valley and then South Hill for lunch.

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