Winery of the week - Solms delta

Solms-Delta -

The South African roots of world-renowned neuroscientist Professor Mark Solms brought him back home in 2002 to revitalise the historic Delta wine estate … and to fundamentally rethink Cape wine-making traditions in the process.

Solms assumed custodianship of the 320-year-old estate with a vision that went much deeper than re-establishing its vineyards and cellars. He also wanted to do something about the legacy of his European forebears (who had settled in the Cape six generations before) and thereby address the pressing social and economic problems facing South Africa today.

First he planted Rhône varietals, ideally suited to the dry, hot and windy ‘Mediterranean’ climate of the Franschhoek Valley. Then he and the winemaker Hilko Hegewisch introduced desiccation - a largely forgotten, ancient mediterranean vineyard practice.

The result is a stable of wines that delivers a new, uniquely South African style. These are classical wines with a difference: made from grapes desiccated on the vine in the manner of the ancient Greeks, using selected French varietals that are known to thrive in Mediterranean climes, intelligently blended with the tried-and-tested favourite grape varietals of the old Cape. The wines offer a cascade of tastes and styles, all with a distinctive sense of place

Winery of the week...Waterford!

T H E W A T E R F O R D W A Y

Just as in winemaking, it is not about a single season, harvest or vintage - it's about continuity, longevity and perpetuation; building for the future and the generations to come. The Waterford Way is a philosophy that celebrates prosperity, life, food, wine, family and friends, and guides all that we do here at Waterford. Every guest to the farm is made to feel a part of the Waterford Way, and those who have visited are drawn back often not only to the sumptuous wines, but to the heart and soul of Waterford.

T H E H I S T O R Y

Waterford Estate was created through a very special partnership between two families who had a shared dream to create a wine farm where life is cherished, the seasons mark time and the fruit always reminds of blessings, abundance and the beauty of nature. Waterford Wines (Pty) Ltd was founded in 1998 when Jeremy and Leigh Ord purchased this prime Stellenbosch vineyard land (previously part of the Stellenrust Farm). Kevin and Heather Arnold were responsible for identifying this unique site, planning the new winery and resurrecting the existing vineyards and orchards, and have been instrumental in developing Waterford into the showcase estate it is today.

W I N E A N D C H O C O L A T E

The Chocolate and Wine tasting is a unique flavour experience. Kevin Arnold and Chocolatier Richard von Geusau have created a series of dark and milk chocolates that, when paired with our Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Natural Sweet wines give you totally unique taste sensation.

R E S E R V E V I N T AG E T A S T I N G

The Vintage Reserve tasting features a selection of Reserve Wines chosen by Senior Winemaker Kevin Arnold. This tutored tasting includes some experimental wines made in the early days of Water-ford and culminates with a tasting of our Flagship Red wine "The Jem". Designed for the slightly more serious wine drinker this will give you an insight into the evolution of Waterford Estates wines.

W A T E R F O R D E S T A T E W I N E D R I V EJump onto our safari type Game Viewing Land Rover for a 2 hour trip through the 120ha Estate on the beautiful slopes of the Helderberg. Here all your senses will come into play while you take in this unique experience.

Winery of the week - Rainbows end...

The name - “Rainbow's End” is the name of the Malan family’s wine estate in the Banghoek Ward of the Stellenbosch wine region, South Africa. It is a name that conjures up associations, and among these are the divine promise of sunshine after rain, of commitment to the earth, of a destination and a pot of gold.

Tastings and Cellar tours
Tastings are offered on the “stoep” (veranda), above the barrel cellar overlooking the spectacular mountain scenery. Personalised attention by at least one of the enthusiastic family team-members by prior appointment at R15 per person refundable if more than 4 bottles are bought.

Vineyard drive
A 4x4 vineyard drive by prior appointment at R15 per person can be conducted by either Francois, Anton or Jacques to the lookout point above the highest Merlot vineyard block. (Weather permitting)

Restaurant of the week - Cafe Dijon

Café Dijon is the result of the du Plessis family's extended stay in France from which they brought back the best of everything that they saw to create this French gem back home.
Café Dijon serves classic French Country food to satisfied locals and tourists alike. A snack menu is on offer all day from 09h00 - 18h00 with Breakfasts, Pastries, Baguettes and Salads available. More substantial dishes are available during lunch from 12h00 - 14h30 and are indicated on the blackboards. The Dinner menu is extensive and offers many of the classic dishes associated with French Bistro cuisine.

The long leather banquettes, small square tables and bentwood chairs make for a cosy and intimate atmosphere while the long, curved marble-topped bar, mosaic floor, mirrors and 30's art prints add to the French café theme.

Tables outside under umbrellas and the shade of the Stellenbosch oaks are ideal for a leisurely coffee, glass of wine or a light meal while you indulge in "people-watching" in true Parisien style.

You can find Café Dijon at the following addresses:
35 Plein Street, Stellenbosch (opposite the Town Hall)

Open daily from 09h00* with Lunch served from 12h00 and Dinner from 18h00.