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Cape Wineries: Off the beaten path estates:

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lynsay in South Africa,, Community & Culture,, Food & Wine,, Quirky Stuff,,
July 08th, 2011 at 2:57pm
Tags: Cape Point,, Cape Town,, Cities,, Culture,, Nature,, Township,, view,, Views,, Wine,

So we’ve all heard about the celebrated Cape Winelands, but I'm not sure many know about the rather unconventionally-situated boutique wine farms in and around Cape Town.

 

(The view from Cape Point Vineyards - image courtesy of NHKVY)

 

Situated in Noordehoek - approximately 30 minutes from the center of the Mother City - are the Cape Point Vineyards, enjoying some of the most beautiful panoramas and sea views in the Cape Peninsula, and neighbour to Silvermine Nature Reserve. Who would’ve thought superior wines could be cultivated amid the icy Atlantic Ocean?. This unique maritime climate is in fact said to be a big factor in the success of the farm’s award-winning wine selection: Sauvignon Blanc (international award for best Sauvignon Blanc in the world in 2007), Isliedh, Chardonnay and Splattered Toad. This atypical boutique produces limited-quantity wines and is the only wine farm on the Cape Point route; so next time you’re traversing the Peninsula, pop in for a tasting at the Cape Point Vineyards’s fabulous tasting room.

(The vineyards in Noordhoek)

 

From the seaside to the city lights, it seems Cape Town’s city centre is not only renowned for its legendary nightlife, fabulous restaurants and diverse culture – it is also one of the few capital cities in the world to add city winery to its list of accolades . Signal Hill Winery, located in Prestwich street in the Cape Town business district, follows the old-age European tradition of growing vines in the city, which saw the winery plant its first grape seeds  in 1997 to become a distinguished (and the only urban winery) in South Africa. As one of the first boutique wineries, Signal Hill has a long standing reputation as a world-class winery producing small quantities of renowned and highly sought-after wines. These rare vintages can be found all around the world and have resultantly won numerous international awards, including the highest rating ever for a South African wine in the USA and France (18/20 for Clos d'Oranje and 96/100 for the Eszencia). Signal Hill Winery is not open for public tastings but for a list of local and international stockiest click here.

 

(Signal Hill Winery - image courtesy of the gallery)

 

From city sights to the gravel roads of the township:  in Cape Town we know the townships to be notorious for their connection to illegal and excessive use of alcohol, but Kate Jambela together with community leaders in Gugulethu thought they would put a positive spin on this controversial topic. The Township Winery grows its grapes on the West Coast but has a first-rate winery, production facility, in Gugulethu (or Gugs as known by the locals). The Township Winery’s Philippi Sauvignon Blanc 2010 is already making waves with its crisp, fresh flavours. But in this case, even if the French don’t think its our best produce we don’t mind too much because this Sauvignon Blanc has a special blend of flavour and character – the character and spirit of Cape Town’s people. The wine has feel-good undertones because of its strong community project elements: the profits from the wine sales are used to replace old shanties with brick-built houses.

 

(Kate Jambela's fascinating take on the humble beginings of The Township Winery)

 

So next time you’re feeling slightly adventurous, ward-off the instinct to stick to what you know and dare to try something different by sampling a uniquely cultivated wine. You never know what awaits; like the French you may just be pleasantly surprised!                                                   


 

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Recent Comments

  • 1: 

    Thanks for sharing Lynsay. I can’t believe I’ve never been to the Cape Point Vineyard’s – and I’ll definitely keep an eye open for the Philippi Sauvignon Blanc 2010. I agree with Kate Jambela’s sentiments in the video “people want to be respected for what they deliver. They want to have pride in their work and achievements.” It definitely sounds like a project worth supporting – and if that involves drinking more Savignon Blanc, well that’s just fine by me!

    Professional Expert
    sandramallinson
    July 11th, 2011 at 11:04am

  • 2: 

    My favourite off-the-beaten-path wine route is the Bot River one. Head for Luddite and get some of Niels Verburg’s Shiraz - it’s the best in South Africa.

    Expert on the Ground
    thefynbosguy
    July 11th, 2011 at 3:47pm

  • 3: 

    What a great idea! Would be keen to visit the Cape Point vineyard for sure - making for great views as well.

    I think if you’ve got good soil, a good climate and a good wine-maker, you can make some great wine!

    Professional Expert
    kimberoo
    July 11th, 2011 at 4:12pm

  • 4: 

    Have driven past the Cape Point Vineyard a hundred times on my way to the beach…would make for a good day out, especially with the Noordhoek village (housing the excellent Food Barn) just around the corner.

    Traveller
    hagen
    July 13th, 2011 at 2:42pm

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