South African Wines are a great bang for your buck. South Africa has been making wine for a very long time, and a lot of producers practice biodynamic farming and organic farming. Babylonstoren is one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms, a restaurant, hotel, and spa. This place is stunning with breathtaking views, a farm to table restaurant on site, as well as luxurious sleeping accommodations; it’s truly an oasis.
To visit the days are intentionally “unscripted”. They leave hotel guests free to do as they please. Stroll out onto the farm of 200 hectares and see fruit being picked in the orchards or vines being pruned (depending on the season). Enjoy a walk through the fruit and vegetable garden (guided or unguided ).
“Pick your own salad or enjoy a meal in the superb restaurant. Perhaps a massage in the spa after lunch? Or a stroll along a clivia lined stream? Then a swim in the farm dam or a bout in the gym, before sundowners? Or rather sample some of the excellent wines grown on the slopes all around the Simonsberg, possibly the finest terroir for wine in Africa? You can choose. Or simply lounge and read, in summer in a hammock strung among tree trunks, in winter curled up before a fire.” – Babylonstoren.com
Now… onto the sips that stole my heart! The 2015 Mourvèdre Rosé has a nose full of strawberry and white blossoms. One swirl, sniff and sip, and you can’t help but feel happy. At $18.00 it’s a steal and one of my favorite rosés I have tried all season.
The 2015 Chenin Blanc was bright and floral with crisp melon and guava notes. This white wine is so refreshing and soft and makes for the perfect picnic wine on a sunny afternoon. For those seeking more peach and apricot, the 2015 Viognier is just for you. This striking wine is lightly oaked but is so completely well balanced and beautiful.
South African reds are some of my favorite reds during the summer time. Usually I enjoy Pinotage from South Africa, but Babylonstoren has a 2013 Shiraz that is out of this world, yum! Paired perfectly with lamb this spicy and intense red is one you’ll love anytime of year. Those that enjoy a blend… the 2014 Babel Red is black currant and spice bomb and is absolutely delicious.
I think you’ll truly love these wines, give Babylonstoren South African wines a try!
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