On a wet Friday in Stellenbosch, I stepped off the road and right into a world of wines. Brenda Karamba, an exceptionally educated sommelier whisked me away on a journey via the Stellenbosch Wine Route – all inside 4 partitions.
Image: De Warenmarkt
The Simon Wine Emporium is a tasting room and on-line retailer devoted completely to labels which might be Wine of Origin Stellenbosch – making it the primary of its type in South Africa.
A wall lined fully with wine bottles on show greeted me upon entry and made for wonderful Insta-selfies. However somewhat nearer inspection revealed a powerful assortment of a number of the nation’s most-awarded wines.
Image: Simon Wine Emporium
Right here, I sampled the perfect from the designated sub-routes of the Stellenbosch Winelands: Higher Simonsberg, Stellenbosch Berg, Stellenbosch Valley, Helderberg and Bottelary Hills. Even throughout the comparatively small area, every of those wineries produces wines which might be totally different from their neighbours, owing to seemingly insignificant components like the particular location within the valley, soil kind and actual quantity of ocean breeze every property will get.
Image: Anita Froneman
Up for tasting are some 145 wines from 73 Stellenbosch Wine Route member estates. Additionally on this treasure trove are chosen ‘outdated vine’ wines administered by the Outdated Vine Venture, which have been all produced by vineyards a minimum of 30 years outdated.
With such an nearly overwhelming number of tasting selections, I leaned closely on Daniël Kriel – co-owner of the Emporium and De Warenmarkt restaurant the place the tasting room is situated – to assist me select. Then, Brenda guided me via a string of wines, simply answering my questions on every thing from barrel sorts to storage timeframes totally.
Image: Anita Froneman
Along with the usual portfolio, there are additionally uncommon, classic wines on the record, most of that are unavailable elsewhere. These wines are from the private cellars of the winemakers themselves, completely for the Emporium.
Image: Simon Wine Emporium
Swirling a glass of Shiraz in entrance of the cosy hearth, the energetic ambiance and louder-growing chatter jogged my memory that it was lastly weekend. No higher time for a great bottle of wine.
Particulars
Tastings are achieved at De Warenmarkt complicated, 20 Ryneveld Avenue, Stellenbosch.
Inventory just isn’t stored on-site and might solely be delivered. Order in particular person or on-line at www.simonwineemporium.co.za
Open from Monday to Saturday, from 11am to 6pm and Sundays, 11am to 3pm.
For extra data e mail [email protected]
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