Red Blend from the Hemel en Aarde now selling for R35

Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc.

Wonderful Chardonnay selection on offer. 

5% discount on 6 bottle mixed case of Chardonnay purchased.

Cabriere Chardonnay/Pinot Noir

Buy 6 bottles of more and pay only R85 per bottle 

Any Day is a Good Day for Chardonnay

With some misunderstanding cleared and a few style adjustments made the reputation of Chardonnay has been repaired and the signs are there that Chardonnay is in vogue again with sales increasingly steadily the past ten months.  This grape varietal is celebrated bi-annually at De Wetshof with an impressive presentation relaying the inspiring message about Chardonnay.  Chardonnay is the fifth most widely grown grape variety planted and found wherever wine is produced.  With origins in the southern region of Burgundy and a village named Chardonnay the varietal was originally smuggled into South Africa by Danie de Wet and Jan Boland Coetzee in a chocolate box in the early 1980s.  This undisclosed endeavour led surprisingly to the Vine Improvement Association fast tracking the improvement of Chardonnay vine material through experimentation.  Hemel-en-Aarde Chardonnay and Pinot Noir specialist Hamilton Russell Vineyards also indulged in smuggling in plantings of Chardonnay because of restrictive KWV wine management rules at the time.  This risk was well rewarded pioneering plantings of Chardonnay and obviously Pinot Noir for which the Hemel-en-Aarde Area is now well known.

Esteemed wine journalist Andrew Jefford was the guest speaker at the 2014 Celebration of Chardonnay and his speech emphasised the greatness of Chardonnay.  Jefford feels the great lesson of the Chardonnay revolution of the last thirty years is that excess ambition in one’s approach to Chardonnay will be harshly punished.  The reason why ABC came to stand for Anything But Chardonnay was the showiness of excessively ripe and heavily oaked Chardonnay.  Jefford emphasised that the skill in Chardonnay craftsmanship lies in restraint.  This skill has obviously been mastered by the Chardonnay producers of the Hemel-en-Aarde area judging by the number of awards received continuously.  Lovers of Chardonnay can opt for the heavier, creamier flavours brought by barrel aging or the light freshness of un-oaked Chardonnay.    The factor of wooding or not wooding can make a huge difference to its flavour and aroma.  Vanilla, butter and coconut are all indicators of oak maturation – a method favoured by the winemakers of Hemel-en-Aarde.  Bouchard Finlayson’s Peter Finlayson believes that a Chardonnay character is best achieved through the compliment of maturing in French oak barrels. Yet Finlayson also crafts a Chardonnay Sans Barrique.  Sans Barrique means that there was no barrel aging applied in the production of the wine, making the wine not too dissimilar from a Sauvignon Blanc but with less green flavours.  The ripeness of the Chardonnay berries plays a role in that a less ripe berry lends to greener apple flavours and very ripe fruit brings out fig and pineapple flavours.  Another well-received un-oaked Chardonnay is the Felicité Chardonnay made by Gordon and Nadia Newton Johnson. The local variety of Chardonnays include those produced by Hamilton Russell Vineyards, Ataraxia, Bouchard Finlayson, Newton Johnson, La Vierge, Sumaridge, Ataraxia, Domaine des Dieux, Creation, Crystallum and Whalehaven.  New Hemel-en-Aarde producer, Restless River, recently joined the Chardonnay force and if you enjoy a wooded Chardonnay you should waste no time to try a bottle of their finest.  Tomorrow is another Chardonnay.        Frieda Lloyd

Hot List for February

Wine Village Hot List for February

Opstal Blush  This wine is unique because it is a blending of the grapes and not of the wine. The lovely salmon/rose/onion-skin color is a result of 3 hours of skin contact. The wine combines the red berry fruit and pepper flavours of Syrah grapes with the intensity of peach & apricot fruit flavours from ripe Viognier grapes. Normal price R 53 p/b  Now on offer for R 48 p/b
Gabrielskloof Rosebud  Rosebud is an off-dry blended Rosé made with Viognier and Shiraz fruit.  As suggested by the name, the wine is youthful, full of promise and a delight to behold (and consume), with subtle rose perfumes enticing the drinker to take another sip. Beautifully balanced and layered. Normal price R 60 p/b   Now on offer for R 54 p/b
Zorgvliet Silvermyn Rosé  Salmon pink colour. The nose reminds of fresh raspberries and cranberries with a touch mango. The wine is crisp on the entry but rounded in the mid palate with an explosion of red berry flavours.  Normal price R 46 p/b   Now on offer for R 42 p/b
Karusa Muscat Rosé  An off-dry, modern vibrant style with an intense lively rose colour. Expressive raspberry and frambois flavours with a touch of rose petal and musk. The palate livens up with a fresh and crisp fruit driven taste and finely balanced sugar.   Normal price R 53 p/b    Now on offer for R 48 p/b

The Hermanus Wine Club

We meet on the first Tuesday of very month at 6:30 at the Wine Village where members enjoy a welcome drink. The formal tasting takes place upstairs in the Wine Forum, above the Wine Village.
 

The tasting roster for the year as follows:

February      Rust en Vrede Porfolio
March           Heritage Heroes of Nederburg
April              Janno Briers Louw of Eenzaamheid
May               Top 10 Chenin Blanc
June              Springfield Estate
July               Super Red Blends
August          Hermanus Wine & Food Festival
September   Lothian Vineyards
October        Top 10 Sauvignon Blanc
November    Waterkloof and False Bay wines
December     Christmas party at the Wine Village

General Information on the Hermanus Wine Club:

Key Elements:
Arrange 10 Wine Appreciation evenings per annum with quality wines in a wide price range. We meet on the first Tuesday of every month at 18:30 in the Wine Village reception area. After enjoying a  welcome drink we move upstairs to the Wine Forum for a formal wine tasting.
Tasting glasses, spittoons, score card and order sheet, biscuits and water jugs will be made available at each tasting. We usually finish at around 20:00.
Benefits to Hermanus Wine Club members:
Enjoy 10 formal, tutored evening wine tastings per year.  Tastings will take place in the Wine Forum of the Wine Village with plenty of free parking available to members.
We meet on the first Tuesday of every month, starting in February with last tasting in December.
In August members are offered free entry to the Hermanus Wine & Food Festival.
Wine Club members are offered wines at discounted rates on all wine purchases.
Offer special discounts on wine orders at formal tastings.
Membership fees & monthly tasting costs:
Annual Membership will be R320.00 per person payable in advance at the WINE VILLAGE.
* We will issue membership cards this year. Remember to show this card when making your wine purchases to ensure that you are invoiced at Wine Club prices.
Swallows and Visitors Fee – R35.00
How to sign up to the Hermanus Wine Club:
Join us on the first Tuesday of the month at 18:00, excluding August and sign up.
Membership card will be handed over on payment of membership fees.
General:

You do not need to know a lot about wine to join our Wine Appreciation Club.  This is a social and fun way to learn about wine, speak your passion and share your thoughts with some like minded persons.
If you are unable to attend a tasting be so kind and notify us at least by the Monday morning before the Tasting.
Yes, you are welcome to bring guests. Notify us and we will ensure a secured place. Please pay your Guest Fee of R35.00 per guest on arrival.
70% of our wine appreciation is experienced by our sense of smell.  Please avoid the use of perfume and aftershave before coming to the tasting.
At the same time avoid using lipstick, lip-ice or brushing teeth just before the tasting.
Although we will supply some crackers during the tasting we would advise you to have a light snack or sandwich before arrival. [We do not advocate dancing on the tables!]
While the tasting is on, it is polite to listen to the presenter. Questions and comments relevant to the tasting are appreciated, however.
Once the tasting is over, it’s time to socialise!
Smoking is not allowed before and during the tasting.

Tutored classes in 2015:

•Wine Appreciation @ Wine Village. Four 2 hour tastings that will leave you more comfortable on all aspects of the enjoyment of wine. [April 1, 8, 15 & 22. R 500.00 per person]

•Wine & Food Appreciation @ Wine Village. Four 2 hour wine & food pairings that will open more windows about the enjoyment of wine with food. [June 3, 10, 17 & 24. R800.00 per person]

Seats are limited to 20 per course, so hurry and book now.

For more information or to subscribe to our newsletter contact winevillage@hermanus.co.za or +27 (0)28 316 3988.

Wine Celebration

Wine Celebration at the Wine Village

It’s summer, it’s the festive season, it’s Christmas and it will soon be New Year! Wine Village in Hermanus is celebrating 17 years of wine excellence with the sensational Wine Celebration. There will be 20 different wines on tasting every day throughout the season.

The Wine Village is known for its vast selection of premium South African wines and during the Wine Celebration more than 80 wines from 15 different cellars will be available for tasting.

These include:  Antonij Rupert Wines: Protea Range, Cederberg Private Cellar, Diemersdal Estate, Saronsberg, Tulbagh Winery, Truter Family Wines, Stellenzicht Vineyards, Du Preez Estate, D'Aria Winery, Zorgvliet Wines, Jean Engelbrecht Portfolio, Donkiesbaai, Rust & Vrede Estate and Guardian Peak Wines.

This taste treat is geared for the entire family with all kinds of delicious flavours to explore, from olives to lemon curd and home made jams.

The Wine Village offers a variety of excellent gifts. With a grand selection of South African olive oils alongside infused vinegar, mustard glaze, caper berries, Egyptian Dukkah as well as homemade jams, salad dressings, fruit preserves, biscotti and much more.

Also available for tasting is premium South African potstill brandy, gin, whisky, port, muscadel, craft beer and grappa.

Create lasting memories by celebrating with top Methodé Cap Classique and Sparkling wines of South Africa, stocked and chilled at the Wine Village.  

Come and enjoy selection of Craft beer from more than 15 private brewers and broaden your taste horizon.  

The Hermanus Hemel en Aarde Valley is Pinot Noir paradise, with four of the top Pinot Noir seatings in South Africa to prove it. All Hemel en Aarde wines are available from the Wine Village at cellar door prices.

The friendly, knowledgeable staff is more than happy to assist with your selection, make recommendations and help with gift selections.  

The Hemel en Aarde Village is a splendid destination as there are three wineries, five restaurants, art and ceramic studios, a village stall, health centre, cycle shop, nursery, beauticians, interior décor shop and children’s play area. This is also the starting point for the Hermanus MTB trails in the Hemel en Valley, which should you wish can also be walked or jogged.

Visit the Saturday morning market in the courtyard for fresh, organic veggies and seasonal specialities.

Come indulge and spoil yourself. There is plenty of free, safe parking in our tranquil village, so do join us this festive season for a fine wine time.

Wine Shipments Wines delivered world-wide best to suit the requirements of the client. We also consolidate shipments - ask us for a quote. We send from 1 bottle to full containers world wide. Various rates available by AIRFREIGHT or SEA FREIGHT.

•For a free quote contact us on winevillage@hermanus.co.za.

Purchase wine online With over 6000 wines on our database you are spoilt for choice. Please view a selected few from the Elgin to Elim area or email us your wish list. If it is out there we will find it for you. We will provide you with a quote within 24 hours. Please visit our website.

 Join our Wine Club Email me on winevillage@hermanus.co.za if you are interested in joining.

Jean Daneel

The weather has cooled down and summer feels like a distant memory; unless you’re enjoying a glass of wine. Jean Daneel Signature Sauvignon Blanc captures the summer memories with tropical and citrus flavours with hints of ripe pineapple, mango and dried apricots. The 2013 is the maiden vintage and forms part of the Jean Daneel Signature collection.

The wine goes very well with seafood as well as rich dishes. Jean Daneel Signature Sauvignon Blanc is the perfect wine for weddings, engagements or gatherings. The elegant bottle and label is an asset to any party. The wine has an aging potential of 5 to 8 eight years, so stock up now and enjoy the wine for years to come, or for that special occasion.

Jean Daneel Signature Sauvignon Blanc is available for at R95 a bottle at Wine Village Hermanus. There are only 20 cases available at this price; so don’t delay, buy some today.

Was R115 Now R95 Save R20

Kranskop of Klaasvoogds

Kranskop of Klaasvoogds

The monthly Hermanus Wine Club was all about Kranskop and Newald Marais braved the cold and windy weather to present his wines of the Klaasvoogds Valley, near Robertson. Seven of the eight vintages that Kranskop have on offer were tasted. Each of the wines were stunning beauties of outstanding quality and value. The Pinot Noir Kranskop Pinot Noir was a beautiful example of his wine and showed us that the best wines do not have to be the most expensive, or certainly not from specific areas. It was a great tasting and thoroughly enjoyed by all of us. Thanks Newald!  Read more

Father’s day is on the 15th of June and a good bottle of red wine (or white) is a great gift idea for your dad. We are offering special discounts on:

• Kranskop Pinot Noir 2011 R92 

• Hermanuspietersfontein Die Arnoldus 2009 R236.00 

• Agaat John David 2012 R73.50

• Belfield Aristata 2010 R133

• Bosman Adama 2013 R139

• Beaumont Cape Vintage 375ml R75.00

Purchase Wine Online

With over 6000 wines on our database you are spoilt for choice. Please view a selected few from the Elgin to Elim area, or email us your wish list. We'll provide you with a quote within 24 hours. 
Visit our website by clicking here!

Wine Shipments

Wines delivered world-wide best to suit the requirements of the client. We also consolidate shipments - ask us for a quote. We send from 1 bottle to full containers world wide. Various rates available by AIRFREIGHT or SEA FREIGHT.

•For a free quote contact us on winevillage@hermanus.co.za.

Join our Wine Club and save

Email winevillage@hermanus.co.za for more information about joining our wine club. Our Wine Club tasting is on 2 July with Anthony de Jager of Fairview.

Ashbourne

Shimmering Ashbourne!

Aromas of lemon and lime awake the senses and on the palate you will be rewarded with a fresh, somewhat crisp citrus flavour mellowed by the fruit weight of the Chardonnay.
80% Sauvignon Blanc with the rest unwooded Chardonnay. Quite delicious for any occasion. 

Bottle Price: R69.95

Buy 6 bottles or more and pay only R66 per bottle

This is a saving of R23.70 per case of 6 bottles

Don’t delay, place your order now.

Ashbourne wines are named after owner and founder, Anthony Hamilton Russell’s great, great grandfather, Lord Ashbourne who was Lord Chancellor of Ireland in the late 1800’s.  

Kate Lewin of “The Eighth Art” was appointed to implement the design of our label.

We wanted a label with a strong “Belle Époque” feel which evoked family ownership and the flora and fauna of the beautiful Hemel-en-Aarde Valley where the wine is made. The “who from” and “where from” needed to underpin the overall style.

The “Belle Époque” was a highly social time of optimism, enjoyment and the pursuit of beauty almost to the point of abandon. Fine wine was very much a part of this – an everyday part of this. A graphic artist was retained by Kate who had a good feel for design from this period, and we looked back at numerous labels and images from the period. The Belle Époque had its signature colours, which we incorporated with a twist – they had to have an inspiration from our surroundings in the Hemel-en-Aarde area. The blue/green came from the faded inside wall paint of an old abandoned farm cottage in the valley. The vivid and more faded pink came from the inside and outside of a certain type of mussel shell we find on the sandy beaches of Walker Bay (the Atlantic Ocean Bay which cools and moderates our vineyards). The orange came from the small, rare Arum Lily frog we get on our property.

We rate family ownership and hands-on involvement highly and this was expressed on the label by incorporating aspects of the crests and the family mottos in Latin of Lord Ashbourne’s family, The Hamilton Russell family and the Nel family (Anthony’s wife’s family). The Pelican, Goat, small six point star and cockle shells all derive from the various family crests.

Flora and fauna of the area are reflected in the lilies, frogs, sunbirds and shells. The pelican too can be seen in the valley from time to time.

Tel: 028 316 3988

Fax: 086 509 4931

Email: winevillage@hermanus.co.za

Ataraxia

Hot Off the Press!

The wait is finally over! Ataraxia Sauvignon Blanc 2014 will be released on Thursday, 22 May 2014. To celebrate this, Wine Village is offering a 5% discount on every 12 bottles bought.

Be one of the very first to try the new Sauvignon Blanc from Ataraxia, don’t delay, as the promotion is only valid while stocks lasts.

More good news is that the price of the wine remains the same as the 2013 vintage at R95 a bottle.

Case price: R1,083 (bottle each R90.25)

You save:  R57

Don’t delay, place your order now.