The Corkless Mind

Tag: stellenbosch

Wines unboxed
Disclaimer: These wines featured have been sent to me as media drops. This post is not paid for and reflects my own unbiased opinion.

With another nationwide ban on alcohol, the industry as a whole has been shaken to its core yet again. Now more than ever the industry needs our support. If you do have the means, please consider supporting the South African wine industry by purchasing your wines online directly from wineries stores or through many local wine boutiques.

I am incredibly grateful that I am able to write about wine professionally and call this my job! I will strive to be as honest as I possibly can whilst honouring each winery with the respect that it deserves. Without further ado, Here is a list of a few local wines that have landed on my desk for me to review.

Boland Cellar’s Top 2 of 2020
- Reserve Merlot 2018 – retails for R149 a bottle
The focus is purely on the stage name ‘Reserve’, the winemaking method and varietal. The grapes are handpicked at about 24° Balling, followed by destemming and cold-soaking for three days. The fermenting wine underwent pump-overs and after primary fermentation, malolactic fermentation took place in mostly second-filled barrels with a portion in new barrels. This richly structured and concentrated Merlot was further matured in 300-litre French oak barrels for 16 months to gain complexity. A small portion of 20% of the wine was not matured in wood in order to enhance the final blend with the ripe primary fruit flavours.

Tasting note: tons of red fruit such as red cherries, plums and red berries. Layers of oak, spice and wood shavings are integrated with savoury and tomato notes mingling together with a long and lingering finish. A firmly structured and full-bodied wine which will benefit from careful ageing and will perfectly complement grilled sirloin and rump steaks.
- One Formation White Blend 2020 Retail price: R87
The range consists of a White Blend (Chenin/Sauvignon/Grenache), a Red Blend
(Shiraz/Grenache/Viognier), a Chenin Blanc, a Shiraz and a Grenache Noir. This blend in particular consists of 65% Chenin Blanc, 20% Sauvignon Blanc and 15% Grenache Blanc. The Sauvignon Blanc and Grenache Blanc underwent brief wood maturation in older small French barrels for three months in order to add a bit of complexity to the blend. The final blend was left on the lees for a further two months with regular batonnage before bottling, resulting in a rich, full wine with both structure and finesse.

Tasting note: Shows ripe pear and melon flavours as well as green pepper notes are evident on the balanced palate, followed by a gentle lingering finish. The old bush-vines of the Chenin Blanc yield ripe, creamy stone fruit flavours which are complemented by the crisp green fruit of the Sauvignon Blanc. The addition of Grenache Blanc in this blend provides richness and texture with ripe pear flavours. Finely flavoured dishes of seafood and poultry will complement this wine.

Garden Route Sauvignon Blanc 2019 – Retails for R86 a bottle

Produced and distributed through De Krans. Harvesting takes place mid-March during early morning to ensure the coolest possible berries. The fruit is handled with extreme care and only berries are hand selected. At the cellar the clusters are destemmed and lightly crushed into a closed tank and left on the skins till the next day. The free run juice is separated and fermentation takes place at cool temperatures for about a month. The wine is left on the lees for another 6 months before bottling.

Tasting note: The palate shows refreshing tropical fruits and cut grass/green pepper with a flint finish, well balanced acidity and a lingering finish. The perfect poolside tipple for the sweltering summer heat. Food pairing suggesting: serve with fresh cob or stump nose, served with a lime dressing. This wine also works well with any pâté or crisp summer salads.

Middelvlei’s Cinsaut Rosé 2020 – Retail price: R105 (not pictured here)

Made from 100% Cinsaut grapes, the fruit is sourced from only the best vineyards in the Western Cape.

Tasting note: on the palate shows delicate bursts of summer berry and juicy watermelon. Pale salmon pink in hue with a delicious fruity finish. Another poolside tipple for the win. Can be paired with grilled seafood or chicken dishes. Pairs well with a black olive tapenade, or any seasonal inspired salads. Also partners perfectly with grilled herbed lamb chops, lamb burgers with Moroccan spices or sweet and sour salmon teriyaki.

Do let me know in the comments if you have any questions or would like to see more of a particular topic on my blog.

Yours in Vino x
January 4, 2021
How to Best Spend 24 Hours at Blaauwklippen Wine Estate in Stellenbosch
**Disclaimer: I was hosted at Blaauwklippen Wine Estate‘s expense in exchange for this review on the experience. My view is unbiased and reflects the my opinion on my stay on the farm and not that of the winery**

Situated in the bustling town of Stellenbosch lies the lush and beautiful winery of Blaauwklippen. An estate that is shaped by 300 years of commitment to quality winemaking and passion. The farm was founded in 1682 by Gerrit Jansz Visser, but it wasn’t until 1688 that the first vineyards were planted in the fertile soil of the estate. Fast forward to 1899, when Cecil John Rhodes became the owner of Blaauwklippen, but only for one day! In 1971 the renowned Stellenbosch Wine Route was founded, with Blaauwklippen becoming one of the first members. The Route is still going strong today as one of the biggest tourist attractions in the Western Cape.

By 1977 the very first Zinfandel grapes were planted on Blaauwklippen, with the first wines produced three years later. By 1977 the very first Zinfandel grapes were planted on Blaauwklippen, with the first wines produced three years later. Blaauwklippen became the first winery outside of the USA to join ZAP (Zinfandel Advocates and Producers) in 2008. And in 2015 Blaauwklippen Vineyards celebrated 333 years of establishment.

The Blaauwklippen Blending Competition was founded in 1984 and over 30 consecutive years later remains the only wine competition in South Africa aimed at consumers and not producers. In the tasting room next to the deli you will find blending kits for purchase. The perfect gift for the wine geek in your life (or yourself).

My stay on the farm kicked off with a wine tasting consisting of their renowned Zinfandel, White Zinfandel, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and their delicious MCC crafted from their maiden varietal, the Zinfandel of course. My favourite out of the tasting selection would have to be the phenomenal Malbec and the delectable MCC. The Cab. Sauv. is in a league of its own too! With classic notes of eucalyptus and bell pepper on the palate. A typical award-winning Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon.

What followed was a tour of the famed manor house to refresh the senses and the legs. Each and every room had a luxurious airiness with an opulent aesthetic, I couldn’t help but wonder what it must be like to stay in the some R40 000 a night large manor house. My favourite room? You guessed it, the kitchen! A kitchen made of dreams, envisioning many days of meal preparation spent feeling like domestic goddess Nigella Lawson.

Blaauwklippen takes pride having something available for everyone to indulge in. Not much of a wine consumer? Try their craft gin range and do a gin and nougat pairing. The tasting consists of three different types of gin, paired with three different flavours of locally crafted nougat to perfectly match the flavours that each gin holds. The pairing is R135 per person. I particularly loved the Zin Gin. The Zinfandel juice infused gin is rested for up to three months before diluted with Reverse osmosis water is added to reduce to bottling strength. Vapour infusion is seen as a more superior method than steep and boil since botanicals do not over-boil. The vapour slowly extracts the delicate flavour or essential oils of these botanicals to form the Gin. On the palate, you will find sweet red berries with cranberry juice, dry piny Juniper and tea-like tannins which reminds me of Christmastime and mince pies. The Gardin Gin is a typical dry gin with hints of orange zest and floral accents. I can definitely see myself sipping on this throughout summer. The Farm Gin, the last in the juniper berry laced trio, shows bursts of wild fig, pink peppercorn with slightly sweet and silky smooth herbal and floral notes. Really balanced and pairs well with the pecan nut nougat. I absolutely adore the fresh floral designs on each bottle.

Friday nights at Hamm & Uys are quite the occasion, with pizza being the star of the show. Every Friday evening the farm-based restaurant hosts a pizza evening with live music as entertainment for the hungry hoards. Pizza is made fresh in-house in their wood-fired oven with delicious seasonal toppings. Why Hamm & Uys? I LOVE the aesthetic and of course, the delicious offerings they have on their menu, such as the generous serving of mussels served in a beautiful dutch oven with roosterkoek to mop up the white zinfandel laced juices! The beef burger with crispy wedges and roasted marrow bone is the ultimate! I enjoyed my pizza and burger with the winery’s unforgettably delicious Malbec.

The indulgent evening ended with a good night’s rest in our luxe cottages on the beautiful farm. Our Saturday morning proved to be a busy one starting with a short walk to the magical glass cathedral in the already sweltering 30 degrees C Stellenbosch heat. To fuel our next adventure we had an MCC and Almond Biscotti pairing in the shade followed by my brave yet really long attempt at sabrage. We were met by Viticulturist Jaco van der Westhuizen who graciously fielded our novice wine questions and showed us through the lush vineyards ready to be harvested soon.

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YAY! I did it! 🙂 It only took over 2 minutes!

A scrumptious breakfast spread was set up in the beautiful manor house dining room.

Without reservation or bias, Blaauwklippen Wine Estate is a sensory experience to be taken in little by little, by staying over or visiting frequently. Family-friendly? Check! Wine enthusiast-friendly? Check! Craft gin enthusiasts? Check! Luxurious and comfortable accommodation? Check! Check! Delicious food on offer at resident restaurant Hamm & Uys? Check! Check! and check, please! I cannot wait to be back, whether it’s for the pizza evening’s or Sunday markets held every Sunday on the farm.

A massive thank you to the amazing team at Blaauwklippen for their warm hospitality.

To visit or make a booking:

Blaauwklippen Wine Estate

Strand Road, R44 Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, 7600
- - TASTING ROOM / CELLAR +27 (0)21 880 0133
- - HAMM & UYS EATERY +27 (0)66 495 0270
- - GENERAL ENQUIRIES +27 (0)21 880 0133
- OPENING HOURS Summer Times (1 October – 30 April) Mondays to Saturdays: 10h00 – 18h00 Sundays & Public Holidays: 10h00 – 17h00Winter Times (1 May – 30 September) Mondays till Saturdays: 10h00 – 17h00 Sundays & Public Holidays: 10h00 – 17h00
Information in this post about the winery is supplied by their website.
January 30, 2020
An Evening of Food and Wine Pairing at Kunjani Wine Estate

*Please note, Kunjani winery hosted me to attend the dinner, however, all views are my own*

I recently attended the very first wine and food pairing dinner at Kunjani wine estate in Stellenbosch. You may recall I was at their label launch earlier this year. The dinner consists of six courses and will be a regular occurrence at the boutique winery which will feature a fresh, seasonal menu with every dinner hosted by co-owner Pia Watermeyer.

The first course was a beetroot goat’s cheese salad, pistachio goat’s cheese balls, fig compote, grapefruit perfectly paired with the Kunjani Stolen Chicken Rosé 2018. It was quite a warm evening so this went down quite a treat! The second course, line fish, grilled artichoke, cauliflower puree, broccoli, pak choy, white wine chive sauce paired with an equally delicious Kunjani Chenin Blanc 2018.

The third course, was a refreshing palate cleanser of lemon sorbet to prepare us for the next course which was North-West Kudu carpaccio, quail eggs, horseradish, parmesan shavings, radish, pickled vegetables paired with my personal favourite, Kunjani Shiraz 2015. Next was an incredibly delicious biltong-spiced sirloin, king oyster mushrooms, carrot & cauliflower quenelles, asparagus, broccoli paired superbly with the Kunjani Cabernet Sauvignon 2017. Dessert always being my favourite course, was a chocolate-mint nougat mousse, pistachio crumbs, frozen yoghurt, and a brandy snap paired with the Kunjani Merlot 2017.

The dinner costs R550 per person, including wine and gratuity.
Bookings essential, prepayment secures your seat. Limited to 30 guests.

Note: bookings are subject to availability. Cancellations 7 days or less prior to the date of the dinner are non-refundable. T&Cs apply. This is a special event and due to space restrictions long/mixed tables are allocated and not individual tables. To book your spot for the next dinner call: +27 87 630 0409, or email: info@kunjaniwines.co.za For more information visit their Facebook page for updates: https://www.facebook.com/Kunjaniwines/

Thank you Kunjani for graciously hosting my husband and me, we can’t wait to be back again soon!

December 4, 2019
Kunjani Wines Launches Fresh New Wine Labels

Driving up into Devon Valley, it feels as if you’re in an autumnal Tuscany dream. Kunjani Wines, is perched up on a beautiful hill, where you immediately recognise the bright red hues and unique architecture in the building of the young winery. I’ve only read and heard good things about Kunjani wines, so this would be my very first time visiting. I quickly accepted an invite a few weeks back to the launch of their refreshed wine labels for their entire range of wines and to experience all they have to offer.

Yes! That’s me on the right and a new friend! 🙂

The afternoon was filled with an amazing warm autumnal ambience, which one could taste not only in the wines but the food too! The industry’s best attended to document and celebrate this important milestone for Kunjani Wines. I went home with a new favourite Shiraz, new friends made at this auspicious event and a taste for more of what Kunjani has to offer.

Kunjani means ‘hello, how are you?’ in isiZulu, and like co-owner Pia Watermeyer says that is how a friendship or warm dialogue starts. Quite serendipitous. Kunjani wines is a new boutique winery situated in the Bottelary Hills of Stellenbosch, that opened it’s doors in November 2017 and made a name for themselves as a wine destination that. offers, modern chic accommodation with spectacular views of the valley, fine food and wines that are already racking up a few awards!

The Labels

Co-owner Paul Barth, Pia’s husband, wanted to retain a the two hands doing a ‘fist-bump’ on the label which symbolises a greeting. Pia wanted to incorporate the architectural elements of the tasting room and restaurant building. The new labels are printed in a trendy charcoal hue with a glossy high to contrast the matte paper.

The Owners

A chance encounter brought together a German entrepreneur, Paul Barth, and Pia Watermeyer, a South African businesswoman. Their relationship has proven that with great wine and good food, even language and culture barriers can be overcome.

“We believe wine is a universal language,” explains Pia. “Nothing builds a relationship, and keeps friendships going, like sharing a bottle of fine wine and excellent food. And we offer both here at Kunjani.”

Paul, however, is more than just an entrepreneur. He hails from the Rheingau wine region of Germany and both his father and grandfather were winemakers. As a child he helped with the harvest every year, so coming to South Africa and establishing his own wine brand on his own “piece of heaven” was a dream come true for him.

The Winemaker

Behind every wine bottle is a great winemaker! Carmen Stevens is just that. Carmen graduated from the Elsenburg Agricultural College in Stellenbosch in 1995, becoming the first POC winemaker in South Africa. She joined Distell as assistant winemaker for the Zonnebloem brand. Later she took on the role as winemaker for Distell’s new Tukulu brand, a BEE project.

Two award-winning top 10 Pinotages, a stint in California and representing the Tukulu brand abroad was followed by a period at Welmoed for Stellenbosch Vineyards. Then spent 8 years at Amani where she won the 2008 Decanter Red Bordeaux Varietals Trophy for her Amani Cabernet Franc/Merlot 2006.

Today Carmen utilises Kunjani’s very own Shiraz grapes and sources other varieties used in the estate’s wines. “We are very meticulous about where and from whom we buy grapes,” says Carmen. “Quality is of the utmost importance as we strive to always put the best in every bottle of Kunjani wine.” The Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards adjacent to the property are managed by the team at Kunjani, providing a hands-on approach for all red wines in the portfolio.

Kunjani has only 2½ hectares under vine, all Shiraz, while Carmen also has access to nearby Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot vineyards. The winery’s Riesling is imported from Germany’s Rheingau region. Being one of the most distinguished wine regions in the world. Riesling being one of two grape varieties that is prominent in the wine region of Rheingau.

The Food

Kunjani’s restaurant menu is tweaked and curated by the stellar chef Lamek Mnisi, who has been at the helm of the Kunjani kitchen since it’s opening in 2017. Not only does he look for high quality seasonal ingredients and innovative ideas when creating each season’s menu, but he continually renews the menus so that regular patrons always find a new dish that will surprise them when visiting the estate.

In line with their philosophy to only source seasonal ingredients and the very best fresh produce, Kunjani has streamlined their menus to reflect their passion for locally sourced, fresh, wholesome and healthier food options that are sustainable. By sourcing only locally grown produce, the restaurant aims to act responsibly towards the planet and its natural resources and reduce its carbon footprint. As a result, they only source fish from the green list of South African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (SASSI).

The Accommodation

Kunjani’s accommodation consists of four private, self-catering villas with stunning views – Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet and Stolen Chicken. Shiraz and Stolen Chicken can sleep up to four people, while Merlot and Cabernet each accommodates two guests. The villas are conveniently close to Stellenbosch and Cape Town and surrounded by vineyards. They are fully equipped and include luxuries such as washers and dryers, coffee machines, wall-panel heating, air-conditioning, smart TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi and private, shaded verandas with braai facilities to enjoy an alfresco dinner by the vines.

Make a date with your bests for a wine tasting paired with delicious food or plan a wine-filled getaway at Kunjani Wines.

Contact Info

Tel: +27 87 630 0409

Business Hours

Open 7 days a week.
Mon – Fri: 9am – 5pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 5pm
Public Holidays: Open

Physical Address

Kunjani Wines
Farm 90/20, Blumberg Drive
Devonvale, Stellenbosch, 7600

June 20, 2019