About Zandvliet Wine Farm in Ashton, outside of Robertson:
Winemaker Jacques Cilliers is a barrel of knowledge. His patience for perfection is probably why you can open up a bottle of Kalkveld Shiraz from Zandvliet, no matter what the vintage, and savour every sip.
What most don’t know is that Zandvliet Wine Farm is also home to ClemenGold Gin. Hectares of ClemenGold fruit line the farm side-by-side with the grapes for the shiraz.
Cilliers says they are excited to be able to offer unique experiences to customers.
“At the Kalkveld lounge we have wine tastings with our citrus products and a wine blending experience. This is a very unique offering, we also have an art gallery, every four months we have a different artist coming to exhibit.”
“You can stay over at Enon House, it is a six bedroom house with ensuites. The house overlooks the farm and let’s you unwind in luxury,” he said.
Guests can meander down to Kalkveld lounge to blend their very own bottle of wine, relax with a glass of the finest and munch on a delectable charcuterie platter.
“Since the farm was taken over three years ago by ANB Investments, it has been transformed into a hive of activity. The gin was Abraham van Rooyen’s dream. A few years ago he looked at ClemenGold as a fruit, and the unique flavour – and what it could be used in. They singled out 40 different products they could incorporate it into. There’s marmalade, biscotti, infused honey and chocolate. Since we’re in a gin trend, that was a definite way to take it. Hope on Hopkins distills our gin, we put the recipe together, it took six months before we were happy,” said Cilliers.
Zandvliet is undergoing massive transformation, more world-class accommodation, conferencing venues and an upgrade of the iconic Manor House will unfold in the next two years.
What makes your Shiraz the one to try?
“The easiest thing to say is the terroir, but you should look further than that. Our soil plays a huge fact, it is very high in salinity, and very high in lime content which makes wine naturally softer. When we pick the grapes, we don’t have to do much in the cellar. We use big oak barrels, we age the wine for two years but it has a very soft influence. Oak is very soft and gentle. Gone are the days where you buy the wine and have to wait ten years to drink it. Today you buy the wine, tonight you drink it and it’s perfectly aged. When our Shiraz ages it is plumy, liquorice flavours. It’s not spicy or peppery, it leans more toward the fruit side.”
Zandvliet Wine Farm:
Contact: +27 23 615 1146
Address: Ashton, Robertson
Website: www.zandvliet.co.za
Email: [email protected]
Prize details:
One lucky reader will win a two night weekend stay at House on Enon for two people. This is based on a dinner, bed and breakfast stay. And will also include a wine blending experience, ClemenGold and wine synergy pairing and charcuterie board for lunch on Saturday. This Prize is valid for 6 months from the date of issue, subject to availability.
How to enter:
1. Complete this easy question in our comments section below. Who is winemaker at Zandvliet Wine Farm? (Find the answer in the copy).
2. Tell us who you would take with you to Zandvliet Wine Farm.
Competition Ts & Cs:
– The winner will be announced on Tuesday April 3.
– Winners will be contacted via Facebook or Twitter or Instagram.
– Winners are required to claim their prize by April 6 at 12pm or another winner will be drawn.
– Prizes are not transferable or refundable and cannot be exchanged for money.
– Transport will NOT be provided for this prize.
Picture: Supplied