THE ELEGANT AND UNIQUE LOUISVALE WINES IN STELLENBOSCH

Best for MCC / SparklingChardonnayfood and wine pairingMCC/Sparkling wineStellenbosch

23 Sept

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I visited Louisvale Wines just before lockdown in March and looking back, now that the alcohol ban has been lifted, what a fabulous place this is! If you're a lover of Chardonnay and Cap Classique then look no further because these beauties are paired with incredible food and views!

Louisvale started producing wines in 1988 and prides itself on its signature award-winning Chardonnay wines and for being one of South Africa’s pioneers of this cultivar. Louisvale is passionate about the ‘Art of Chardonnay” and is tirelessly committed to the task of crafting and creating some exceptional Chardonnay wines.

Range of Louisvale Wines South Africa awarded wine Stellenbosch

So far, Louisvale has won numerous prestigious wine awards and has just won three Golds at the recent Michaelangelo awards (4^th of October 2019) for its 2018 Chardonnay, and for its Brut and Rose MCC wines.

Since 1994, the Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes have been sourced from the neighbouring vineyard where the winemaker, Simon Smith of 22 years, partners with the owner in managing the vines to Louisvale‘s exact specifications to ensure the wines retain their Louisvale character.

During your visit at Louisvale, ask your host about the history tour and they can tell you a bit more about the historic photos which are hung on the wall adjoining the venue to the manor house.

Louisvale Wines: The location

Louisvale is in the Stellenbosch Wine Route not too far away from the popular JC Le Roux in Devon Valley. The striking and unusual architecture of the restaurant and wedding venue was made to resemble that of the surface of the Khoekhoen reed mat hut.

The inspiration of this design by Christof Albertyn, came from the history of the land in this area. It was in this location that the first manmade structures in the Cape were created by the Nomadic Khoekhoen. Their domed structures were made from Taaibos laths, covered with woven reed mats and animal skins.

During the winter months, the natives lived inland, close to the water sources and then during the summer months, they moved to the coast where they lived off seafood such as Perlemoen and Allekrik. This is why when you look closely at the floors, you will see chips of shell embedded in the concrete. The glazed, cave-like openings not only reflect the shapes of the openings in the Perlemoen Shells, but it gives the venue absolutely beautiful views!

Louisvale offers the perfect setting for weddings, corporate events or any celebration, and can accommodate up to 150 guests.

Wine Tasting

Taste 6 wines for R50, the Cap Classique tasting is R30, or why not do it all! The wine tasting venue is actually situated in the manor house and so if you are able to do a wine tasting in the restaurant area, then you are in luck. Booking is a MUST! Also, do not let the opulence put you off, Louisvale has a wine for every wine lovers pocket. Their value range is called Stone Road.

The wine tasting is professionally conducted with each wine poured for you and explained.

If it's a nice day, take advantage and sit outside. The tree that you can see in the photo below is the original tree, planted all those years ago. I believe it is older than 200 years old and it is "sick" so they are doing all they can to preserve the tree. It really does add to the beauty of this estate.

The Restuarant

The restaurant at Louisvale is a delight, bringing you fresh ingredients, served elegantly on hand-crafted plates. The menu changes with the seasons so you can go back time and time again and each time experience something different. Paired with fabulous wines of course!

The Executive Chef is Kirstie du Toit who studied at The Culinary Academy (TCA) at Backsberg and comes from a family of bakers and farmers. It really is a treat and at the end of the day, value for money too! Get a light meal for around R80, a main for around R180 and dessert around R70.

I thoroughly enjoyed a glass of chardonnay with the prawn starter and then the Dominique with a Bobotie pie for mains.

In conclusion

I had a great day out at Louisvale and would recommend this experience for a sophisticated day out with family and friends. I would not recommend this winery for children. Best suited for groups of 4-6, sunny or rainy days, come hungry and expect to spend 2-4 hours, bookings are a must!