South Africa suffers no shortage of fascinating wine experiences. We have game viewing wine safaris, ice cream and wine pairings and ‘bottle your own blend’ experiences – but have you ever heard of a wine hike?
Let’s introduce you to Waterford Estate, situated perfectly in the Blauuwklippen valley.
You drive in through the little stone walls, make your way through two dams with ducks and little goslings gliding along the water and then drive through the orchard with the impressive Italian style villa waiting to greet you at the end.
Waterford Estate is a 120 hectare estate of which only half is under vine. This makes for a perfect balance of natural fynbos and vegetation in harmony with thriving vineyards, some of which are under the Old Vine classification (making them more than 35 years old with their oldest vines being planted in 1966). You truly are treated to the best of South Africa’s flora in synergy with some of the oldest South African vines.
There are three different route options that you can choose based on your experience and capabilities. The lengths vary from 1.5km to 5km (Important to note is that they all come with the same amount of wine!).
You don’t have to do any of the heavy lifting except for bringing the glass up to your mouth. Your guide has all the necessities for you to enjoy a wine-filled afternoon with a delicious light lunch. Your wine glass could be filled with a wonderful selection of any three Waterford wines. We were lucky enough to be the only two people on the hike and were afforded the opportunity to tailor the selection to what we preferred. We’re big fans of the Rose-Mary, a rosé made in such an elegant style with a unique combination of varieties (Shiraz, Mourvedre, Malbec, Sangiovese, Cinsault, Tempranillo – it previous vintages it contained Grenache). Our second choice was their single vineyard Chardonnay, delightfully refreshing and crisp with a slight oaky note coming from the 9 months fermented and aged in 300L French barrels.
As you guide collects the wines and picnic box, you find a trail leaving the Waterford Estate. You snake your way through the vineyards as your guide details more about the varieties that are grown and the soil types you’ll find. Mostly shale and rock with large clay deposits. You then make your way through dense fynbos vegetation where the scent envelops you, an earthy slightly peppery fragrance that has a honeyed element to it.
After the fynbos, you find yourself descending into a secluded clearing in the forest with a sizable picnic table to fit the entire party. Out comes a crisp white tablecloth, a couple of glasses and three full bottles. And a wonderfully packed lunch.
We whiled away our time between the trees, sipping slowly away on fantastic wines and listening to the wind dance through the vineyards.
Afterwards you walk along some more vineyards and come out where it all started, through the dams and between the orchards before you arrive at the Waterford home.
After some light exercise, delightful wine and a hearty lunch you’ll arrive to being treated to some more wine! A chocolate and wine pairing underneath the shady trees and perched perfectly in front of the Waterford fountain that’s made itself onto the labels of every wine. We were beyond spoilt to be presented with a tasting of the 2012 Jem. Unheard of! The Jem is a red blend with a unique combination of the Bordeaux Noble varieties as well as an addition of Barbera and Sangiovese and Mourvedre.
Chasing wine in every corner of the world,
Tristyn
Waterford Estate
+27 (0) 21 880 5300
info@waterfordestate.co.za
