Archive for the ‘places’ Category

Wine beauties meet hairy beasts when the colourful wine community of Bot River sets the stage for its annual Barrels & Beards celebration to toast the local winemakers’ post-harvest looks and latest fruits of their labour on Saturday, 20 April 2013.

Each year the laidback wine folk of this prized yet unspoilt Winelands pocket in the Overberg, follow a tradition of ‘no shaving or barber visits for the duration of the harvest season’, only to reveal their scruffy facades during a fun-filled ‘beard parade’. And this year’s event promises one big hairy hullabaloo.

This exclusive evening includes a hearty ‘terroir to table’ potjiekos dinner of unique tastes and produce from the area, whilst cool-climate, top quality wines from more than eight local producers will be on sale. The ‘boereorkes’, Die Stoepsitters, will add sakkie-sakkie vibes to this homegrown affair.

Along with esteemed judges, guests will get to vote for the boldest beard in Bot River and sharing the spotlight with raging beards and monster mo’s will be the latest 2013 cellar gems to be sipped and savoured straight from the barrels

Barrels & Beards 2013 takes place at The Old Shed at Anysbos Farm on the Swartrivier Road, Bot River and starts at 5pm. A shuttle service will be available on the evening in support of responsible drinking.

If last year’s sell-out inaugural Barrels & Beards event is anything to go by, tickets will be flying fast so make sure you get hold of yours today. Tickets cost R250 per person and include a complimentary barrel tasting of the latest Bot River wines, a souvenir wine glass, dinner, music entertainment and real country hospitality.

For more information or to book your tickets contact Nicolene Heyns at nicolene@botriverwines.co.za. Seating is limited and no kids are allowed.

Tucked away beneath the fynbos, on a farm situated on the Van der Stel Pass near Bot River, lies KolKol Mountain Lodge – a place where a short breakaway will be remembered as a truly unique experience! If you’re planning a weekend away this Winter, this is a must. They’re also catering for honeymoon couples have a look at the packages. Yum and just what you need to make it extra special…

We been part of some lovely tastings in the last couple of weeks. Thought I would post some pics for you to see  and of course show off how beautiful Cape Town is in Summer !

The Vineyard Hotel & Spa in Newlands celebrated a beautiful Sunday afternoon in their gardens with a bubbly festival.

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Casa Labia in Muizenberg organised a relaxing get together of Méthode Cap Classique producers and invited loyal customers and guests to a magic afternoon of bubbles and picnics.

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Just letting you know what we’ve been up to, we’ve been busy , mostly preparing for harvest, quietly and kindly informing the grapes to ripen perfectly , telling the weather to play nice and then we wait…

The 13th and 14th of February were the harvest dates this year; rather appropriate considering how much bubbly is generally consumed on this day.

Harvest was a couple of days later than last year and this was due to the rain (25mm!) we had over the weekend which kept us on our toes and me constantly thinking should I go test the grapes again every couple of hours. Overall , even ripening, appealing grapes and with foreman Jonathon and viticulturist; Leon Engelke looking after these beauties; I’m very happy.Here are some pics of the harvest

We carefully go through bunches, checking for uneven ripening or unsavoury grapes that have ripened too much. We brought in just under 15 tonnes and I am pleased with the 19’balling (sugar level) , this always gets me nervous, a couple of degrees more or less and it changes the feel and style for the entire vintage to come .
Overnight in the cool room to compose themselves and keep freshness, then to the cellar for whole bunch pressing, the cellar we use has a gravity fed system , I like to think that the grapes don’t even realise what’s happened to them till they’re in tank as juice; with this tender process we keep juice clear , clean and pure.
We are at the stage now where the wine has settled and  inoculated with yeast to let the juice ferment into alcohol aka yummy potential!Here’s a nice basic diagram that I found that explains the process..

Other than harvesting, Genevieve MCC obviously took part in Valentine’s Day,I took the liberty of visiting all the boutique wine shops in Cape Town before V-day to pop a gorgeous card around the necks of the Genevieve MCC bottles for those in a rush to find a gift on the day AND then still find a ‘ to my sweet –heart card’ hope you were all spoiled with love.

We also teamed up with Bread Restaurant which is part of the Bromwell Boutique Mall in Woodstock, they offered a exquisite Valentine’s dinner with the Genevieve MCC .Do yourself a favour next time and pop in ( there’s ample parking opposite the building) have a quick snack or lazy lunch and browse through the beautiful exclusive items they have for sale. PS: Their Almond Croissants are addictive….

For a quick summer meal idea: Genevieve MCC was featured in Winestyle magazine Summer edition : paired with Tuna Tarte +Avocado Salsa + Lime Zest. Recipe

Email if you need some Genevieve MCC delivered: melissa@genevievemcc.co.za

Here are some nice tastings coming up in March with Genevieve MCC flowing..

• 3rd March: Vineyard Hotel: MCC Festival ” festival of bubbles ” 15h00 – 18h00

The Vineyard Hotel & Spa will be showcasing up to 17 wine estates when it hosts the Cape’s Finest Méthode Cap Classique Festival on Sunday 3rd March 2013 for R165 per person.
to view more information: click here

• 30 March: Wine@ the Mill (Biscuit Mill , Woodstock)  10:30 -12:30

Dearest Bubbly Lovers,

Genevieve MCC has been busy this year, a big thank you to all the support and of course the many moments that Genevieve MCC could be part of your special occasion!

The 2010 vintage has been a hit with our loyal clients and become a favourite to the many newcomers, we’ve received 4* in the Platter Guide 2013, our intent to make top quality, elegant and delicious bubbly is starting to show and receive recognition.

Some tastings coming up if you wish to pop along and join us for a glass in December:

•    20th December: 16:00-19:00 Vino Pronto 44 Orange Street Gardens Cape Town

•    28th December: 16:00 – 19:00 Wine Concepts Kloof Street

•    29th December: 11:00 – 13:00 Wine @ the Mill, Old Biscuit Mill Woodstock Cape Town.

Need to stock up on Genevieve MCC, have a look at stockists page.

Wishing you are all a very good festive season and may 2013 bring you success, good health and plenty Genevieve MCC!