Dad Attilio is primarily in charge of the vineyards but also manages the other agricultural activities on the farm like the Olive and Plum orchards and is proud of his veggie garden, which produces an ongoing range of fresh produce used seasonally by the family in typical Italian style.
After an amusing and at times frustrating run-in with the baboon troop on the farm especially in the early years, Attilio has learnt to allow a certain amount of attrition and in this way keep a happy medium between nature and business. “But we do chase them off sometimes and they have learnt a few lessons about when to let go and make a fast move back into the mountain,” he laughs.
This introduction to the local wildlife was one of the first lessons learnt when moving to their African dream site and it’s therefore no wonder that he loves their two full-bodied reds honouring these interesting creatures, namely the Baboon’s Cuddle Pinotage 2012 and the Baboon’s Back Shiraz 2012. (Both wines are available from www.ayama.co.za at R79 per bottle or from selected retailers in the Western Cape and Gauteng.)
Attilio loves cooking and is often found behind the stove or eagerly donning a braai apron. “When winter sets in we get into the mood with seasonal dishes like our Italian Onion Soup or Beef and Porcini stew, both of which can be paired with these wines perfectly,” he explains.
Ayama Wines and well-known Italian restaurant La Masseria on the R44 between Stellenbosch and Somerset West is inviting families to join them for Father’s Day on Sunday, 15 June when a buffet lunch and a selection of Ayama wines will feature @ R225 pp for adults or R95 for kids under 12.
Bookings essential at +27.218813654 or info@lamasseria.co.za