Neethlingshof tasting room review

Where it's at

There are nearly 600 wineries in South Africa but which are worth visiting? Here we help you narrow down the best cellar-door experiences among the seemingly endless permutations of wine, food, landscape and history.

 

The interconnecting pine tree avenue of Neethlingshof is a notable icon; an intriguing natural design that conveys a Gaudi-like inspiration - and one of winemaker De Wet Viljoen's objectives is to ensure that the trees are maintained in their current form.

Along with this project, recently completed renovations have provided a new look and layout to the tasting area. The shop has moved to the entrance, creating far more space and a logical flow for wine tasters/buyers.

While larger wineries can take on a somewhat commercialised feel, less favoured by those in search of a more personalised experience, the revamp has allowed the winery to cater for both large and small groups.

At one side of the tasting room there is a designated large group tasting area, completely separate from the more individualised counter settings and table-and-chair set-up on the other side. Wine pourers are knowledgeable and helpful.

A real contrast has been created between the traditional elements, like the reed ceiling of the tasting area and thatched roof of the shop, but with the modern ambiance of the screeded floor and lighter, open spaces. A further revamp project takes place outdoors as viticultural guru Eben Archer carries out some uprooting and replanting.

Whether it's a first-time experience or out of interest to check out the changes, the wines are most certainly a further motivation for a visit.

The Unwooded Chardonnay 2009 (R35) is excellent value and a good example of this style where fruit components and lemon-lime characteristics show why they don't necessarily need oak influence to produce substantial flavour. Another must-try is the Malbec 2008 (R55), full of plummy pluckiness.

The Short Story Collection Caracal 2004 and Owl Post 2007 (R100) take over from predecessors Laurentius and Lord Neethling Pinotage. Wines that are robust but elegant, they carry further charm in the stories behind their conception - of particular note being a respect for the environment.

Efforts to keep the ecological system in balance have led to the return of the caracal to the farm, and encouraged roosting from the owls. Keeping the natural vegetation in the vineyard has brought back original Renosterveld, but also an increase in mice. The owls are a way of controlling breeding without resorting to chemical intervention.

Another wine worth trying is the Weisser Riesling Noble Late Harvest (R80), which was named after Maria Magdalena Marais, the energetic young widow who began managing the farm in 1813. Currently sold out, the next vintage will be available from August.

The Restaurant provides a convenient stop over. The menu offers a fairly standard selection and is therefore reasonably priced. A starter with unusual appeal is the Smoked Kudu with PawPaw and Mint.

NEIGHBOURS OF NOTE

Asara - offers a hotel and formal restaurant, Sansibar, and a deli with a chocolate tasting at R25 for a selection of four; a favourite was the Glanduia Crisp. Herb-fl avoured olive oils, including garlic, basil and oregano, are R49 (250 ml) and R79 (500 ml).

Wine tasting is somewhat "self-service" in style unless you're in a large group. The unusual Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc 2009 draws attention - a white wine made from the red grape variety, with yellow apple notes and peach and pear on the palate.

Clos Malverne - wines to note are the Chardonnay, Cabernet/Shiraz and fl agship Auret. There is also a spacious restaurant with sweeping views onto Devon Valley, and a spa off ering a range of treatments, including grapeseed body exfoliation and a Pinotage Grape Skin Bath.

Devon Valley Hotel - golfers can enjoy a choice of excellent golf estates within an easy radius, including DevonVale and De Zalze. There are seven conference venues, and a tasting of SylvanVale wines can be done at the Cedarwood Lounge & Bar.

Simonsberg Cheese Factory - an awardwinning collection of fi ne cheeses including Creamy Blue, Simonzola, Cambrieni, Brie, and a limited release Matured Gouda and Matured Cheddar.

ADDRESS: Polkadraai Road,
Stellenbosch
TEL: 021 883 8988
EMAIL: info@neethlingshof.co.za
WEBSITE: www.neethlingshof.co.za
TASTING & SALES: Mon-Fri 9-5;
Sat/Sun 10-4