“Blaauwklippen
is on the verge of celebrating a significant milestone in its long history,
which makes these new developments particularly opportune,” says managing
director and Blaauwklippen cellar master Rolf Zeitvogel. “Our passion for
Blaauwklippen drives us to excel on every level. The people who drink our wines
are our family and we want to welcome them in a space that makes them feel at
home, the new design is seamless, no counters, no boundaries, an inviting space
to share thoughts, passions and a sip of something special paired with some
artisanal food. Our main goal is to bring visitors closer to the true craft
behind the wine, food and philosophy that is Blaauwklippen.”
Blaauwklippen – meaning blue stones – was named after the granite present in the surrounding mountains and soils. Its erosion over centuries has ensured mineral rich vineyards that allow for the production of exceptional wines and especially Zinfandel, for which Blaauwklippen is famous. Today, it is a well-known wine tourism destination for families and wine lovers who enjoy a great day out involving wine, food and the not to be missed popular weekly Sunday family market.
The exciting
changes at the farm sees the Blaauwklippen
Wine Centre renamed the Tasting Room – an invitation to the feast of all the
senses. It has been relocated to the Blaauwklippen hospitality building located
next to the cellar.
“This is the
site where the first tasting room opened during the seventies,” says Zeitvogel.
“For us, it’s back to our roots. This will be a display of the hands-on,
artisanal work involved in producing superior quality. We are proud to offer an
authentic experience at one of South Africa’s oldest working wine farms. It is
an honour to be custodians of a spectacular piece of South Africa’s wine
history and we cannot wait to share our passion with everyone who visits us in
this new space.”
The all-new
Tasting Room incorporates several features, all geared to provide insight,
comfort and pure sensory enjoyment.
In addition to
Blaauwklippen’s award winning brandies, the Spirits Room features a selection
of premium potstill brandies by South African producers, creating the first
brandy hub on a wine estate in South Africa all available for tasting and sale,
and hosted by specially trained staff. A selection of cigars can be enjoyed on
the Oak Terrace outside, along with a brandy tasting. The full range of
Gentleman Spirits – a range of artisanal distilled products made by Urs Gmür,
master distiller Hubertus Vallendar and Rolf Zeitvogel, will be available too.
This is the ideal space to try a Zinfandel Grappa with a delicious espresso.
Blaauwklippen’s reputation for fine food is further bolstered in a new wine and food offering. Not to be missed is the Wine & Chocolate Experience where visitors can savour amongst others a delicious coriander whirl paired with the farm’s famous White Zinfandel, or a melt-in-the-mouth coffee-and-ginger dark coffee bean paired with noble late harvest Zinfandel. The spirits too get a showing; try the warm spice orange box chocolate paired with a 10-year-old potstill
brandy or a hot chilli oval chocolate with Blaauwklippen’s well-known Before
and After Apéritif. At R80pp, the value is outstanding.
If it’s something more substantial you’re after, then the new wine & food pairing adventure is for you. For only R150pp, you’ll be able to enjoy five sumptuous bite sized nibbles accompanied by five Blaauwklippen wines, meticulously paired to showcase their best flavour and aromatic attributes.
Our new Bistro is the culinary playground of charcutier Steve Jeffery of Cape Town’s famed the charcuterie, who brings
his fresh and easy approach to food. He supports the principles of free range,
hormone free, pasture-fed and ethically farmed animals cured in the classic
timeless fashion. Here you will find the finest ingredients, prepared with
passion and served with love – an unparalleled culinary experience.
The Bistro offers a selection of platters available daily
and a classical bistro home-cooked style menu in the evenings. While
parents enjoy their meal in a tranquil setting, there’s a jungle gym for the
children to enjoy. Picnics are also on offer.
The adults are
further catered for in the Piazza, a beautifully manicured courtyard adjoining
the cellar where informal wine tastings will be held. It’s also the ideal space
for private celebrations and is therefore available for hire.
A sure
highlight for oenophiles is Blaauwklippen’s vinoteque. This comprises a
carefully selected wine archive dating back to 1978. But it’s not only
for observing – no less than 33 vintages of wine are available for purchase,
making this the premier destination for that very special gift. Tastefully
decorated, the vinoteque can also be booked for private tastings or intimate
get-togethers.
For the nominal fee of R20pp, visitors can visit the Blaauwklippen cellar as part of regular, guided tours every day at 11:00 and 14:00. Booking should be made in advance.
Other
interests are still to be catered for at Blaauwklippen. Visitors can shop and
buy a wide range of products, from home ware to Riedel glassware and books to
gifts. There’s a complimentary gift-wrap service too.
If you have a
keen interest in art, visit Blaauwklippen’s very own artist-in-residence Marius
Prinsloo as he creates bright and beautiful paintings before your very eyes. He
also ensures a wide selection of works, by various South African artists, are
on display in the Tasting Room and available for sale. The farm will also pack
purchased artwork for travel.
And, before
you head home, be sure to pick up some fine deli cheese, charcuterie and
preserves – the ideal accompaniment to any one of Blaauwklippen’s superb wines.
For more
information about Blaauwklippen Vineyards, visit www.blaauwklippen.com or phone 021
880 0133.