80 of 800 - Yonder Hill, Stellenbosch

Wine farm 80 of 800 is Yonder Hill Wines in the Stellenbosch wine routes! Yonder Hill like to hang their hat on their quality Merlot - but also produce some great value for money white blends, red blends and even a dry Rosé.This farm will make the perfect starting point for your wine tasting day. It is quite small and intimate and a tasting should not take you longer than one hour. Afterwards, I would recommend visiting Earnie Els Wines or Hidden Valley which is just a 5-10 minute drive down the road.BOOKINGS: Book your wine tasting in advance to avoid disappointment.  To reserve your tasting, Email: tastingroom@yonderhill.co.za or Tel: +27 21 855 1008WINE TASTING: Taste 5 wines with a small platter of olives at only R55 per person. Or add a cheese platter for R190. This is really great value guys!  I also like how they serve your wine in proper glasses.WHEN TO GO:  This wine farm is best for the winter months as it has a cosy feel and a fireplace.TIME OF VISIT: This visit should not take you longer than 1 hour.SERVICE: Friendly and relaxed.RESTAURANT: No.OTHER AMENITIES: No.ACCOMMODATION: No.CHILD/PET FRIENDLY? Not recommended.LARGER OR SMALL GROUPS? Best for 2 – 6 people.LOCATION: About a 45 minute drive from Cape Town in Stellenbosch/Somerset West region  - The Helderberg. Yonder Hill Wines Directions. OTHER RATINGS: Learn what others have rated on Trip Advisor by reading the Yonder Hill Wines Trip Advisor Review Page.

Here’s my experience:

Finding Yonder Hill was really easy and it is clearly sign posted on the R44 road.The drive into the farm boarders an Ankole (cow/bull) field. You will absolutely love the size of these creatures' horns!Parking under the trees was easy and it was only a short walk to the tasting room.The tasting room has a small and intimate, inside area...Plus a wonderful upper deck overlooking the iconic mountain (found on the labels of their wine).I met with wine maker, Abe Beukes, who took me on a tour of the cellar. Here, you can see the Inanda red blend 2017 maturing in the barrel. It was so nice and cool on a hot summer's day.Onto the tasting! The Sauvignon Blanc and Rosé (Merlot and Petit Verdot) was sitting on ice - deliciously refreshing! The waiters bring the wine to you so there is no need to move from  your seat.The Merlot 2013 received a Platters 2018 4-star as well as a Gold for Vitis Vinifera 2017. It's matured in French oak barrels for 18 months - great value at R190 a bottle.I was also fortunate enough to try a bottle that Mr. Beukes was testing for readiness - the 2016 Nicola. It's a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Merlot and only a small amount of quality barrels were selected for this blend. It's rather premium at R250 a bottle which spent 18 months in French Oak Barrels. What a treat!And how cute are these Christmas hats! What a cool gift idea!Your visit is definitely not complete without taking a few photos in this open field. Mr. Beukes said that it won't be open for long as they are planning on planting vines here plus renovating a room for weddings and functions - watch this space!Don't forget to catch the Ankole on your way out. ;)I had a great time.So which farm will be next?x