On top of the hill at 43/800 - Glen Carlou, Stellenbosch

Wine farm 43/800 is Glen Carlou in Stellenbosch!

I have rated this wine farm experience 4 star.

OVERALL RATING	WINE	SERVICE	FOOD	LOCATION
82%	87%	80%	81%	81%

 Glen Carlou was bought over in 1985 by the Hess family who are known for producing world famous beer, water and now also wine since 1844. They have positioned their wine farms to be a destination for fine wine and art and have farms in Australia, USA and Argentina. 

 ACTIVITIES and OTHER AMENITIES: 

• Wine tasting – FREE! Choose 6 wines. There are no bar snacks though.
• Restaurant - fine dining! View the Summer 2017 menu HERE. 
• Art Gallery
• Zen garden

BOOKINGS: Bookings are not essential but are if you are going to the restaurant.

WHEN TO GO: All year round but better in the summer.contact: +27 21 875 5528 | welcome@glencarlou.co.za [gallery type="rectangular" size="large" ids="3602,3603,3604,3605,3606,3607,3608,3609,3610"] CHILD/PET FRIENDLY? Not really. There aren't any jungle gyms and I didn't see any children when I visited. This is more of a tourist destination. I did however see one dog in the restaurant.LOCATION: Situated along the R45 in Stellenbosch about a 45 minute drive from Cape Town. Google Map

OTHER RATINGS:  Check out what others say about this farm on Trip Advisor by CLICKING HERE. 

Click HERE to view the ranking of this farm against others I have already reviewed.

Here is my experience:

 I stumbled upon this farm whilst driving down the R45 and what a pleasant surprise. 

I was glad to sit indoors with the cool air-conditioning because it was so hot outside.

The wine tasting area was a communal one at the bar, plus the tasting was free.

They have a good range of white and red wines and the service was friendly and speedy.

The below 2013 Cab Franc was one of my favourites which had only 1268 bottles produced. Lovely and dark red in colour.  It was matured in new French 225 litre oak barrels for 18 months. On the nose I could pick up sweet spicy notes of black currant and cassis. On the palate, it was extremely well rounded - a dark berry flavour rounded off with a hint of eucalyptus. R425 a bottle.

 

There was also a 2016 Viognier collection with 1852 bottles produced. R105 a bottle.

 

The views from the restaurant balcony are pretty spectacular!

I love how the wine is colour coded. The below is the Grand Classique 2013 which is a Bordeaux style wine.  33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 17% Petit Verdot, 14% Malbec and 13% Cabernet Franc. R135 a bottle. If you love fruity wines like Cab Sauv and Merlot, then this one is for you. It was really well rounded from the other varietals which has given it a rich colour and herbal scent. This would be an excellent food wine.

 Note now the blue label. This is the Syrah 2010 for R135 a bottle. Syrah is french for Shiraz. A good, full bodied, fruity and spicy wine. You will pick up notes of red berries, cloves and even cinnamon. On the palate it is wonderfully juicy with a lingering spicy finish. This wine would pair wonderfully with roasted pork belly. 

Onto the black label - I feel like I should be quoting Johnny Walker Whisky here :) This is the Petit Verdot 85% and Tannat 15% blend 2011. Traditionally, Petit Verdot and Tannat are added in small quantities to blends due to their high tannins. However, due to the climate, this blend has produced some soft tannins. You can certainly pick up an oaky nose and the wine is very berry with a slight hint of dark chocolate.

 The Pinot Noir is lovely for summer. Best served chilled. It has enjoyable strawberry flavours and a good acidity. Best enjoyed on its own but it would be good with some seared tuna too. R145 a bottle.  On the way out, take a look through the art gallery and gift shop. This Platter's wine guide is a must have. So which farm will be next?x