L'Avenir tasting room review
L'AVENIR - refreshingly natural
You might expect slick service from this wine farm acquired by Chablis-based highfl yer Michel Laroche in 2005, and yet there is refreshingly little artifice when it comes to operations at the tasting room. The building at L'Avenir at the foot of Simonsberg does not make a grandiose impression either - it has a simple, understated façade.
Parking is equally unassuming, but ample nonetheless (although I do wonder whether it's big enough to cater for the 250 guests that can be accommodated in the big function hall adjacent to the tasting room, The Venue @ L'Avenir). Not my worry today, however, as I'm simply here to experience the tasting facilities. Access is wheelchair friendly.
Deep purple cushions in a plush lounge area lend a tasteful edge to the room. It has a main tasting counter at its centre, as well as further facilities along big glass windows that invite views of vineyards to be part of the tasting experience. I take a seat where Leona makes immediate eye contact and provides me with the necessary tasting procedures. All the wines (bar the imported Laroche labels) are available for sampling. A R15 fee is asked.
Whilst it might be easy to serve patrons when your attention is undivided, Leona's assistance does not come across as forced. There is a genuine interest in the wines she pours. And she is genuinely friendly. She also knows residual sugars and pH counts without having to scuttle around for pages in flip-file covers. A pro; even if she is bluffing, she has me convinced, and impressed, which is what counts.
During my tasting a French couple arrives and receives equally laudable treatment. Two students from Stellenbosch also enter to friendly smiles. Egalitarian service seems to be the motto here. How refreshing.
A fresh bottle of the flagship Grand Vin Pinotage 2006 is opened for tasting. Given that it's a weekday and not normal practice at wine farms to open their more expensive flagships if there isn't a steady flow of feet, this is even more impressive. Selling for R250 a bottle ex-cellar, Leona admits that getting to taste this wine when freshly opened is a definite perk of her job.
I find equal enjoyment in the lesserpriced Pinotage 2007 (R120) of which I buy a bottle, as well as two bottles of the Chenin Blanc 2006 (R50).
Leona informs me that a restaurant is set to open its doors soon - and with the farm having made such an impression I am sure to return. Tel 021 889 5001; www.lavenir.co.za
OPEN: Mon - Sun 09:00 - 17:00
Sat & public holidays 10:00 - 16:00
SERVICE: 10/10 - friendly, authentic,
eloquent and easy going
AMBIENCE: 7/10 - big windows
overlooking vineyards and cosy lounge
corner
VALUE: 6/10 - some value in the
Classic Range
QUALITY: 8/10 - Go for the brooding
Grand Vin Pinotage 2006
