#WineRoutingWithLloyd - Spookfontein Cottages

Sitting reminiscing about my #WineRoutingWithLloyd trip today had me wishing I was back in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. Specifically back at Spookfontein, where I got to spend a weekend in one of their cottages. 

There really is something magical about this place. I think it must be the combination of the location, the wine & the people - it makes me smile thinking back. The estate is nestled between The Kleinriver & the Babilonstoring Mountains with views looking out over the valley below back toward Hermanus. 

The Blue Crane Cottage was all mine - situated in the middle of the vineyards & the mountains it gives you the perfect country feel. The simple farmhouse decor reminds me of the old house on the farm that we grew up in whilst visiting grandparents. The large stone fireplace was not going to be missed out on - so I built myself a a fire & warmed the cottage up on the cooler evening. 

Each room is en-suite with it's own bathroom & with French doors that open up on the the patio whilst overlooking the vineyards & allowing that gentle sea breeze, that cools the vineyards, to move right through the entire cottage. 

Pop in to the restaurant for a late lunch & wine tasting - suddenly I'm craving the Fried Hake & Chips, served with mushy peas & a lemon mayo with a glass of the Merlot Rosé & a side order of Pork Gyoza (these are nice & spicy - working really well with the Cabernet Franc). Check out the latest menu here.

The cottages are self-catering & the I must say - the kitchen is really well stocked with everything that you would need on a visit. If you don't feel like cooking, the restaurant at Spookfontein has got you covered! Only open from Wednesday to Sunday & the kitchen closing at 15:30 - however, you can order from the restaurant & they will semi-prepare your meal & deliver it to the cottage. Think of it like a DIY restaurant quality dinner. 

Prepped ingredients arrive vacuumed sealed along with instructions on how to put your dinner together. I opted in for the Chicken Ramen, Chilli Ginger Broth & Noodles for my dinner - check out my video of prepping my dinner here. Alternatively, if you want to enjoy the outdoors & the night sky (the stars are absolutely beautiful here) - they have a braai outside & you can throw your own steak on the coals to cook something just to your own liking. 

Also - a must mention: the cottages are TV & WiFi free! It gives you that proper & much needed break from the outside world & provides you with a way to escape here in the Valley. Check out more details on the cottage offerings here.

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#WineRoutingWithLloyd - Spookfontein Wines

The Hemel-en-Aarde Valley is home to some spectacular spots. Spookfontein being one I recently discovered on my #WineRoutingWithLloyd trip.  

The farm, dates back to 1847, & derived its name from the 'myth' that when the natural springs in the mountains are flowing, you'd be able to 'see' a "spirit" or "Spook" as we would say in Afrikaans. (There was no flowing water in the mountains during my stay, so I can't confirm nor deny the legend.)

Spookfontein is considered a boutique wine estate within the valley, with only 14 hectares of the 313 hectare size farm, being under vine. I took a drive with current winemaker Nelis Uys & he showed me some of the spots on the farm & more specifically the incredible terroir in which he is cultivating vines.

Nelis is quite the character & originally wanted to be in a rock band. But then his interest in wine started growing to the extent that he ended up as a winemaker. Tasting wine out of the barrel was an exciting walkabout in the cellar. Moving from each varietal & tasting how the characteristics are developing whilst aging from one vintage to the next. His passion for wine is very evident in the way that Nelis speaks about his future vision & where he wants to take Spookfontein - so it's definitely a farm to keep on the radar to see what's coming. 

On the winelist here are the usual characters you'd expect - Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Rosé. But special #WineRoutingWithLloyd mention should be made:

1. Merlot Rosé - The colour on this Rosé, is nothing like I've ever seen before. It's intense pink in the glass! A stunning wine for the summer with those ripe red cherries & strawberries on the nose. Hints of Turkish Delight. Whilst on the palate, a refreshing minerality with a well balanced acidity finishing off with a lingering taste of those red fruits. 

2. Pinot Noir - well, the area is famous for the Pinot, but again - there is a fresh earthiness on the nose to this one, that adds to the textures. Cherries & Raspberries flow from the nose to the palate, finishing off with a lingering minerality. 

3. Sauvignon Blanc - a vibrant glass of tropical fruits with very distinct herbal notes on the nose, which follow onto the palate to develop into those cool climate stone fruit flavours. A surprising freshness accompanied by a lingering finish. 

4. The Phantom - a Merlot dominated Bordeaux-style red blend ripe with those dark fruits - blackberries & black cherries, on the nose. Whilst soft & gentle on the palate thanks to those extra months in French Oak. A fine tannin structure that is balanced with that fruit forwardness & a velvety finish. 

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#WineRoutingWithLloyd - The Wine Glass, Hermanus

Restaurants have been hard hit over the last months & finally things seem to be taking a turn for the better. A beautiful spot I recently visited on my #WineRoutingWithLloyd trip to Hermanus, is The Wine Glass. A Bistro style restaurant & wine bar. What seems to be a quaint little place in the centre of the hustle & bustle in the Old Harbour, is a vibrant spot with lots to offer!

Showcasing only wine that is exclusively produced in the Walker Bay wine region. "The vine has to grow here and the wine has to be produced here" co-founder Jacques Le Roux mentioned. Selection clearly is key when it comes to the criteria for wines on offer. If it is produced in the area, you will find it here! An incredible selection of wines and Cap Classique options to choose from. (Wines are sourced from the small seaside villages & small towns in the Walker Bay wine district - which includes Hermanus, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Kleinmond & up to Stanford.)

In many establishments, wine by the glass is sometimes very limiting to offerings and you don't get to try those bottles on the pricier side of the menu. However what makes this spot different, is that ALL wines are offered by glass, so you can try a wider variety of wine in one place. Another bonus in my opinion - you can have a tasting of 6 wines from 6 different wine farms without even setting foot on the farm & also, safely doing so in one place. (It's like they are an extension of the wine farms all into one spot.) 

Wine tastings are done properly & you'll have a very knowledgeable patron to guide you through your experience. Wine is preserved without any risk by removing oxygen to a controlled level. (Technology is a wonderful thing.) So you can rest assured that wine won't be spoiled by the time it arrives in your glass.

The evening that I was there, it was slightly more chilly - so nestled in at a table close to the fireplace & opted for a tasting of some reds.

 - Pinot Noir: La Vierge Seduction & Creation Wines.

 - Shiraz: Villon.

 - Pinotage: Stanford Hills Jacksons.

 - Bordeaux Blends: Spookfontein Phantom & HPF Kleinboet.

What a great mix of reds to taste - a first of some for me, & at only R90 for the flight I think it is a bargain. 

If wine is not your thing - don't worry, they still have something on tap or by the glass for you: beer, gin, whisky & brandy. (So they most definitely cater for everyone.)

Being more of a bistro style restaurant, they have a some seriously good seasonal dishes on offer. I opted to dig into 2 starters & try out the hake & the salt & pepper squid. Fresh! All locally sourced & beautifully prepared - full of flavour & filling. (Portions slightly larger than expected, so you're really getting value for money on these plates.) 

Post dinner treats are always a must & those are on the menu too. Ranging from those sweet sugary desserts to a cheese platter for those of us that are already sweet enough. (The Irish Coffee Pana Cotta was just the perfect balance of that bit of sugar, texture & flavour that I needed.)

#WineRoutingWithLloyd drive by the #KiaSonet

#WineRoutingWithLloyd - Creation Wines & Heritage Lunch

The state of affairs of the country over the last few months have left everyone in some kind of chaos. One thing that's kept me calm & collected is a sense of home, food and wine. (A #WineRoutingWithLloyd trip too!)

An exciting addition to the offerings at Creation Wines is the new Creation Heritage Menu, & according to co-owner, Carolyn Martin, it's set to honour our nation's diverse cultures & rich heritage. "Food has a wonderful way of evoking memories - of sharing, feasting, loving & caring."

The Heritage Menu blends a wealth of nostalgic taste, textures, innovation & imagination. Working alongside a nutritionist & specialist in general wellbeing, this new menu is healthier, packed with flavours & pairs with the Creation wines on offer.

Chapter 1: Chef Abongile (Passion)

Umfino - a traditional Xhosa dish, modernised with peppadews, goat's milk cheese, sunflower seeds & herbs. Served alongside broccoli greens & pairs with the crisp 2021 Creation Sauvignon Blanc. 

Chapter 2: Chef Anthean (Innovation)

An inventive Fish Seedloaf Bunny Chow(der) reflecting a mixture of cultures - Cape Malay Pickled Fish, Cape Seedloaf & Indian Mango Achar. A harmonious pairing of spicy fish & creamy curry with fruit aromatics in the Creation Viognier & finishing off with a creamy mouthfeel.

Chapter 3: Chef Elanor (Alchemy)

A health benefit bomb with no less than 12 nutrients. This Strawberry Sorghum Salad with organic rooibos & sour fig leaves add 'feel-good' & flavour - a beautiful complement to the berry bouquet on the Creation Rosé.

Chapter 4: Chef Jean (Charisma)

Freshly harvested straight from the Creation dam, Waterblommetjies served in a Risotto with fresh & crispy textures to create the full experience. Finished off with the Creation Pinot Noir - a wine that is also full of texture & aroma. 

Chapter 6: Chef Jean (Resonance)

Here comes the braai. Mouthwatering lamb smoked with rooibos & wild rosemary, then grilled on a griddle pan. Succulent & full of flavour, the lamb is served with a macerated tomato and Chakalaka sauce. An all encompassing dish needs to be paired with a big bold wine & the umami-rich Creation Syrah, Grenache is just the glass. 

Chapter 6: Chef Marcel & Chef Venolia (Déjà Vu)

South African classics - Koesisters & Malva Pudding! Full of flavour - these go perfectly well with the ever versatile Creation Chardonnay. What would a Heritage Day be without Milk Tart? This one however - is super light & dairy free. (The cinnamon accentuates the fruits in the Creation Chardonnay.)

Originality has always ruled at Creation & the Heritage Menu is a delightful fusion of everything South African. 

What a way to celebrate South African Heritage post lockdown & a way for the us to come together, & in a even better in a healthy way? (Reservations are highly recommended - this past Saturday was a beautiful Spring day out at Creation Wines & it was busy.)

#WineRoutingWithLloyd 2021 driven by the #KiaSonet

#WineRoutingWithLloyd - Ataraxia Wines

Ataraxia - a Greek philosophy term that is used to describe a lucid state of robust equanimity, that is characterised by ongoing freedom from any distress & worry.

And when you arrive at Ataraxia, you can just see & feel why this name is perfectly suited. 

The estate sits on what I believe is a heavenly stretch of land just beneath the peak of the Babylon's Tower mountain range, with a very interesting mix of terroirs to work with. 

I sat down with Kevin Grant, winemaker at Ataraxia & I had one of the most incredible wine tasting experiences. We spoke not only about wine, but also food, travel, reading & life in general. I felt so at home there on the couch in the tasting room, that I honestly didn't want to leave 3.5 hours later.

One very interesting comment that Kevin Grant made, was that he makes white wine & red wine. And that it just so happens that the Chardonnay & Pinot Noir are the 2 cultivars that are the expressions of those red & white wines. But only because he went back to the soil to see exactly what would work best in what he has on the estate, & that dictated what he would plant. Everything that ends up in a bottle of Ataraxia, starts with what is in the soil. The wine is a pure expression of the soil that it is grown in. 

The Ataraxia mission is to get the dirt into the bottle with minimal intervention. 

So, if you've been following my journey, then you know that I am a lover of a Wooded Chardonnay. 

In the words of Kevin Grant - "The most accurate & faithful way possible, our unapologetically wooded white wine mirrors the terroir in which our Chardonnay vines are grown." This is probably one of the best Chardonnay's that I have ever been exposed to. A beautiful complex wine with lots of body that is graceful. Intense fruit flavours intertwined with a beautiful creaminess. A 100% barrel femented beauty!

Then Kevin Grant took out a bottle with no label. It was the 2017 Pinot Noir that had been bottled in January & this was the very first bottle that had been opened for the public. How cool to sit there & literally be the first person in the world to get to drink a glass of the the 2017 Pinot Noir with the winemaker himself.

The wooded red wine, again, is made from a grape that is most suited to express the terroir. It just so happens to be a Pinot Noir. These grapes are the last to be picked in the Hemel-en-Aarde valley. With a glass of transparent red wine that seems to reflect the light, the nose promises a blend of ripe red cherries & fresh earth & a touch of that oak. All of which follow through on the palate sensually as a slightly more medium bodied wine that hits all the right points. A soft fruit aftertaste in the finish makes it a wine that I could drink every day. 

Lastly I need to mention this tasting room, which has aptly been named the Wine Lounge. It is possibly one of the most spectacular & dramatic positions, that has been built in the style of a chapel on top of a hill under the Babylon's Tower peak. It stands out as this incredible little building on the hill that you can spot from a distance. 

First time visitors also get to ring the bell announcing that they have just had their first tasting at Ataraxia. (I'm sure it won't be the last either though.) Check out me ringing the bell here.

Check out Ataraxia here.