When the Cape’s infamous South
Easter interrupts your beach plans, you’ll be glad to have this family-friendly
winery in the Robertson Wine Valley, in your back pocket. Van Loveren, home of
the famous Four Cousins wines, welcomes you seven-days-a-week with great food, wine
and adventure for the whole family.
The farm’s new tasting venue,
gardens and array of outdoor activities promise wine lovers and their families
the perfect environment in which to spend many leisurely hours.
Wine and dine out in the country
A mere 90 minutes’ drive from most
of the Cape’s most favourite holiday destinations brings you to the canna-lined
farmlands of Van Loveren. Here, three generations of Retief winemakers have
perfectly married tradition and innovation in six exquisite wine ranges.
There’s something for every palate among the collection comprising Van Loveren,
Christina Van Loveren, Papillon, Five’s Reserve, Four Cousins and the
eco-friendly range, Tangled Tree.
Van Loveren is renowned for its
hospitality, too. Wine aficionados return time and again for the generous
welcome and the refreshingly different wine experience offered by the Retief cousins.
“We are only too aware that wine lovers expect novel wine tasting experiences,
preferring to involve all their senses,” says Van Loveren CEO Phillip Retief. “Our
popular food and wine pairings have been developed to grant visitors a thrilling
journey with wine, extending their wine horizons.”
Daily cellar tours that include tank
and vat tastings add to a comprehensive wine experience.
At Van
Loveren food and wine pairings take on a whole new dimension with sessions as educational as they are
fun. Pairing wine with nougat and nuts, or white, milk and dark chocolate
eliminates the sometimes-daunting experience of wine tasting. Among the
delicious offerings is the pairing of a Van Loveren Blanc de Noir Shiraz with
Sally Williams Cranberry Nougat; and, Five’s Reserve Brandy complemented by an
orange zest dark chocolate.
The tasting venue with its 6.5m-high
glass panels effectively merges the famous Van Loveren gardens with the tasting
areas, while the shaded wooden deck provides the ideal space to seek shelter
during the valley’s hot summers.
Lingering hunger pangs will be
banished by Christina’s Bistro and its renowned thin crust, wood-fired pizzas while
the on-site deli will treat you to regional gems such as olives, olive oil,
cheese, meats and for your next picnic.
Outdoor adventures
A guided stroll through the gardens counts
among the favourite pastimes of visitors to Van Loveren. Fascinating stories are entwined in the trees
that Jean and Hennie Retief planted to commemorate special family occasions or
important historic events.
And for the outdoor enthusiasts who need
the action of a hike or a bike ride, Van Loveren caters for these
adrenalin-seekers too. There are picturesque 15km and 6km mountain bike routes
across the river and through undulating vineyards, and a Fish Eagle hiking
route that makes the most of the views and birdlife. Bring your own bike or
simply rent one on the farm.
Van Loveren was just voted the Best
Child-Friendly Venue on a Wine Farm and received the award for Best Food
and Wine Pairing at a Cellar Door at the Klink Awards.
For more information, visit www.vanloveren.co.za or follow Van Loveren on Twitter
@vanloverenwines or @4CousinsWine.