Three hundred and two years ago, one Jan de Waal, born in Amsterdam, arrived in the Cape as an employee of The Dutch East India Company, then an important Dutch Company which helped the Dutch colonise and then trade with countries in the East. He was granted a piece of land which is now known as 93 Bree Street. The property has been declared a national monument and is today named Jan de Waal House. Jan bought the farm Schotcheskloof and developed the single-story house on the farm into a long, double story house with 14 bedrooms, just perfect to be able to accommodate all of his 17 children! It was here that the De Waal family started making wine, nine generations ago. De Waal Drive, a scenic artery into the city, and De Waal Park, in the city bowl are named for this family.
The annual celebration of Pinotage, International Pinotage Day, takes place on 14th October. Pinotage, Uiterwyk, the De Waal’s Stellenbosch Farm, and the De Waal family are synonymous, like horse and carriage, love and marriage. The oldest Pinotage vineyard in South Africa is on the Estate, the Top of the Hill, planted in 1950 by Koffie de Waal and his brother Danie, the father of current owner Pieter de Waal. Looked over by a large wild fig tree.
The first Pinotage wine was made in South Africa by CT de Waal, an Oenologist and friend of Abraham Perold, who created Pinotage. There were sufficient grapes to make a barrel of the wine.
On International Pinotage Day, Saturday 14th October, you can join Pieter de Waal on his Top of the Hill Walk, a regular and fun summer experience. And a tasting of Top of the Hill Pinotage 2014 in the vineyard.
This is followed by a return trip to the Terrace at the Cellar where you will taste four other of the Estate’s wines. A delicious cheese luncheon, consisting of a selection of local cheeses, preserves, South African delicacies accompanied by a glass of the Estate’s Young Vines range. All for an even-handed price of R195 per person.
The walk is about 2km, done at a relaxing pace, with many interesting stories and history told by Pieter. The walk is weather-permitting and in case of rain, will be postponed. It is an intimate affair with only 16 guests on the day. Reservations need to be made at least 4 days in advance, and bookings will be confirmed with receipt of payment.
To book, please contact Helga admin@dewaal.co.za or call +27.21 881 3711.
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