Renosterveld is considered a Critically Endangered veld type, with less than 5% of its original habitation remaining.
At Sijnn Winery in Malgas, there is 40ha of Renosterveld and David Trafford (winemaker of Sijnn Wines) is working closely with Dr Odette Curtis from the Overberg Conservation Trust to preserve this.
Odette who founded the Overberg Conservation Trust has taken the initiative to establish a Visitor and Research Centre for Renosterveld in the heart of the largest remaining area of lowland Renosterveld in the Overberg, and in fact, the world! The centre (opening next month) is north of De Hoop and 25 min from Sijnn winery.
You can read up more on the Overberg Conservation Trust and Research Centre on http://www.overbergrenosterveld.org.za/
With August/September being the best time to view Renosterveld, Sijnn Winery has decided to host a special event on Sunday, the 7th of September, beginning at 11.30am, which will include a Renosterveld/Vineyard walk with Odette and David, followed with a lunch and wine tasting of Sijnn Wines.
Cost is R300 pp, includes the walks, lunch and wine tasting.
Sijnn Winery is in Malgas, beside the Breede River (a.k.a Sijnn by the Khoisan people). David Trafford has been making Sijnn wines since 2007, the vines are now 10 years old and are successfully growing on unique soils consisting of pudding stones and bokkeveld shale.
On the vineyard walk David will show you some profile holes which were dug in 2003. These holes were dug to analyse the soil to decide where and which varietals to plant. He will explain how the soil had an influence on which varietals they planted, the influence the soil has on the growth of the vines and how the soil profile influences the character of their wine.
As there is plenty to do in the area, it is recommended that you make a weekend out of this event. You can book a rental house through Lynn on lynnmalagasproperties@gmail.com or stay at the Malagas Hotel, inquire at info@malagashotel.co.za.
While in Malgas you can take the pont over to Witsand and witness the last man-run pont in SA. For lunch you can enjoy a pizza at the Boat House. Every Saturday from 10h00 - 15h00 the Sijnn Winery is open for wine tastings and sales. Enjoy a day trip to De Hoop (30 minutes drive from Malgas) where there are plenty of activities to enjoy including walks, bike rides and star gazing.
If you have any queries or would like to reserve a seat for the Sunday lunch at Sijnn Winery, please contact Christine Andrews on Christine@sijnn.co.za or phone 021 880 1611.
Follow Sijnn Wines on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sijnn-Wines or Twitter https://twitter.com/SijnnWines.