89 of 800 - Nederburg, Paarl
Just before the Huguenot tunnel lies one of South Africa's original and iconic wine brands - Nederburg. Purchased in 1791 - it has an incredibly rich history - some of you may actually still have a Nederburg in your family cellar from the 1960s or 70s (if you do, take a piccie and tag me on social, I would love to see). Today, they are owned by Distell and have blossomed into a one-stop wine destination with tasting room, cellar tours and a restaurant.
In the tasting room
Parking is easy and access to the tasting room is wheelchair friendly.
The tasting room has this amazing seating arrangement around the fireplace which is perfect for the winter months.
On a sunny day, you will absolutely love siting amongst the vines.
If you don't get a chance to book, the staff are very accommodating and I would perhaps then recommend that you start at the bar. In between tastings, be sure to walk through the wine museum for some historic reading whilst you sip away. If you have a sweet tooth, they have a sweet tasting pairing for just R60.
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The wines
I was absolutely blown away by a range produced by former cellar-master, Razvan Macici, called the Heritage Heroes. He paid tribute to the heritage of Nederburg by producing a range of premium wines dedicated to the people who made the brand what it is today. Here's the range...
The Anchorman
A Chenin Blanc dedicated to founder, Philippus Wolvaart. Together with his wife, Margharita, they laid anchor and tamed a wilderness in 1791. It's a wonderfully round Chenin with rich minerality - think apricots and oranges, flowers, raisins and spice. The fermentation process of this Chenin is quite unique. Whole bunch fermented which has not been pressed or crushed at all, in the barrel. I literally could not stop drinking this one :)
The Brewmaster
The Brew Master is a Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc dedicated to Johann Graue, who took over at Nederburg in 1937. He was a German brewer and tea specialist who introduced many technological cellar innovations, such as cold fermentation, and revolutionised winemaking in South Africa.A classic in style with aromas of dark fruit, cigar box, and hints of vanilla.
Airhawk & Motorcycle
The Airhawk is dedicated to Graue’s son, who tragically passed in an aeroplane crash. This refreshing, wooded Sauvignon blanc, made from cool-climate vines, pays homage to Johann Graue’s son, Arnold, who was renowned for his winemaking prowess. A bouquet of green figs and asparagus opens onto a crisp, complex and multi-dimensional palate.
The Motorcycle is a Rhône-style red blend of Grenache, Carignan and Shiraz that honours the legendary winemaker Günter Brȍzel, who was cellar-master at Nederburg from 1956 to 1989. Unaware that he was to be the last piece of the Heritage Heroes puzzle; 21-year-old Gunter Brozel - The Motorcylce Marvel, stepped in to help Graue in the cellar. Arriving in 1956 he was soon promoted to cellar master. The sound of Brozel’S BSA 1954 motorbike emanated from the vineyards while he’d make his rounds. It was under his leadership that Nederburg’s prize-winning momentum dramatically accelerated.
The Beautiful Lady
In honor of Graue's wife, Ilse, who revived the spirit of the winery. Still today, her rose garden stands testimony to her grace. a Gewürztraminer that is elegant and refined with hints of rose petals and Turkish delight, its fruity litchi and pineapple notes are offset by a shimmering acidity.
I was really impressed with the absolute scope of wines available for tasting at Nederburg. No matter what you like, they have it. From MCC to full-bodied reds, sweet wine and even unusual, Italian varieties. They have it all!
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In the cellar
I was so fortunate to be able to go on a cellar tour. You can book this experience too and I would highly recommend it. It is hands down, the largest cellar you have ever seen in your life! This massive room depicted below is just the barrel room!
Most wine estates these days really care about the environment and Nederburg is no different. All of their waste product like grape pips and storks are recycled and used as compost or made into grape seed oil.
Through the cellar tour you will learn all about the history of the estate and even meet Günter Brözel himself, albeit in statue form.Günter was cellarmaster and MD at Nederburg for 33 years before he retired in 1989. He was the first South African to win the Winemaker of the Year Award at the International Wine and Spirits Competition in 1985 and was the first to make the Chardonnay/Sauvignon Blanc blend, which later became a global trendsetter.
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The restaurant
The Nederburg Red Table restaurant is an absolute hidden gem. Top quality food prepared by Head Chef Edmore from Zimbabwe. The menu is very well priced and the setting is tranquil. What's more is that this restaurant has an in-house Sommelier to help you pair the perfect wine with each course.
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The Manor House
The Red Table Restaurant serves from the original manor house which was home to the original winemaker. It screams classic luxury and will take you back in time to when dinner parties, candle light and piano tunes is what life was all about.
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The garden area is equipped with a jungle gym and there are even some swings for mom and dad to enjoy a coffee too.
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I had a wonderful time at Nederburg and I am sure you will too.
