In 2010 Dave and I took a drive down a dirt road and discovered this lovely wine estate, surrounded by vines and beautiful old buildings. We met Chef Michael Israel who is the proprietor of Pomegranate Restaurant and after one delicious meal we booked for the harvest festival dinner March 2011. John Faure, the winemaker, hosted the dinner and spoke to us about the process of wine making. Unfortunately for us, we booked for the last Thursday of the month and the harvest was already over.
We then booked for the winter dinner with the winemaker, and it was after this that we decided that we would have Dave’s 60th birthday party at the estate. In 2012 year we were invited by John to join him for the first harvest dinner of the season (they are held every Thursday evening in March). Unfortunately we could not be there for the first dinner, but we went for the second Thursday and had a fantastic experience.
Our evening started at 18h30 with a glass of wine and a grape stomping. Dave was a great sport and stomped grapes. John Faure then taught us about the importance of yeast in the winemaking process and we watched the vats being turned over, listening to the CO2 gasses escape. We watched the yeast begin its process of eating the residual sugar in the grape juice and then moved on to supper. Before the meal we were given a taste of the Rosé ‘wine’ to taste – it starts off as a sweet juice, and you can feel the yeast working on your tongue. Very refreshing in a way.
Our starter was a plate of three of Michael’s most popular starters and was accompanied by the Estate wine. This was followed by a choice of duck or game and both Dave and I chose the game. The duck was served with Merlot and the game with Cabernet Sauvignon. I of course had to sample both wines 🙂 Dessert was a chocolate fondant, soft and gooey in the middle as it should be, and served with a Tawny Port.
After enjoying this sumptuous meal, we proceeded back into the cellar and could put our feet into the wine vats. The cap of grape skins is so thick, and I decided that as I was wearing pants I would stick my hand in. It took some penetration, but as soon as I broke through the skins, I could feel the cold grape juice. John then proceeded to pump the ‘wine’ from the bottom of the vat onto the grape skin cap to agitate it and release any CO2 gasses.
We loved the evening so much, that we went back again the following Thursday and again in 2013. If you want to experience the harvest dinner, contact the estate on 021 843 3248.
Disclosure: I have not been paid to write this blog post, even though we were invited guests, and our return visit will be paid for by us. This post is in line with my blogging policy
for my non South African readers: Vergenoegd can directly be translated as ‘satisfied’
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what a wonderful time, and delicous food by the looks of it. going to google this wine estate now 🙂
the website seems to be down but take a look at their facebook page 🙂
thank you, web page is back up! looks great 🙂
thanks for letting me know 🙂
Sounds a wonderful little vineyard, even though impossible to pronounce for non Dutch speakers:)
And I would not know where to even start trying to help there!
What a fun time! I’ve always wanted to stomp grapes! 😀
I am going to wear a skirt next week 🙂
What a fabulous experience – outstanding food, wine and the best company 🙂
thanks, it was a great evening 🙂
That looks deliciously fun Tandy
You would love it Sally 🙂
Great pics of a fantastic evening, Tandy. xxx
Thanks AD xxx
What a fun event! And perfect for a birthday celebration… I loved the look of that chocolate fondant!!
It tasted awesome 🙂
This sounded like an amazing event and I can tell by you stating you want to go back. I have to check out their website 🙂
I loved it!
sensual experience indeed! who hasn’t wanted to feel the flesh on flesh bursting experience u describe so well 🙂
I am looking forward to the grape stomping next week 🙂
What a fantastic experience…and belated birthday greetings to Dave! Reminded me of the flavours of the wine my parents make and the various stages.
Thanks for the belated wishes and I am so glad this post reminded you of home made wine!
Great post!
thanks Tok 🙂