Out and about in Simonsberg, Stellenbosch
Terroir is the notion that wines should taste of the place where the grapes grow. We invite you to travel with us as we explore South Africa’s different winegrowing appellations.South Africa’s Wine of Origin (WO) scheme came about in the early 1970s and was based on the classification systems of Europe. Today the WO classifi cation recognises “geographic units”, “regions”, “districts” and “wards” in order of size from biggest to smallest.
INTRODUCTION
Of the seven wards that make up the greater Stellenbosch district, Simonsberg- Stellenbosch is situated on the slopes of the mountain with the same name, standing 1390m above sea level at its highest point.
Greater Simonsberg is one of five subroutes on the Stellenbosch wine route. It incorporates an area bigger than that which falls under the WO classification, so if you follow it you will encounter wellknown farms like L’Avenir and Simonsig, even though they are not formally located within the Simonsberg-Stellenbosch ward. For more info, see www.wineroute.co.za.
WHAT TO DO
Enjoy a traditional Cape snoek barbeque at Kanonkop Winery if you are a group of 15 people or more. Tel 021 884 4656.
Stock up on indigenous plants and herbs at The Nursery & Curio Shop at Delvera on the R44. Tel 072 693 2183. Here you can also buy an assortment of cheeses at La Masseria. Tel 021 884 4940.
Challenge grandma to a game of boules at Uitkyk Estate. Free equipment is provided and the prepared surface ensures fair gaming for all ages. Tel 021 884 4416.
Explore the Klapmutskop Renosterveld Conservancy along various trails through the five farms that share ownership of the land – Delheim, Elsenburg, East Hill, Le Bonheur and Warwick. For more information and bookings, call Dirtopia at 021 884 4752.
WHAT TO SEE Children will love the Jersey cows at Rustenberg, where visitors can view the pampered bovines (the oldest registered herd in South Africa) in their “five-star milking parlour” at 05:30 or 16:00. Tel 021 809 1200.
Art lovers should visit Muratie to view the art of GP Canitz, who owned the estate in the 1940s and 1950s. Tel 021 865 2330/6.
WHERE TO STOP
Organise safe delivery of your wine purchases through The Vineyard Connection Wine Shop & Wine Freight Company. Tel 021 884 4360.
Enjoy traditional Cape cuisine at The Lucky Store in Idas Valley Tel 021 887 2746.
The Hydro at Stellenbosch, near Rustenberg, offers a “Hydrating Body Drench Experience” incorporating grapeseed products and Pinotage body oil – a perfect end to your wine experience. Tel 021 809 3800.
WINES TO TRY
Alongside are some of WINE magazine’s favourite wines from the Simonsberg. The selection is by no means exhaustive – space constraints mean only a finite number can be featured. Nevertheless, they provide a good introduction to what the ward has to offer.
