Cape Town - Take advantage of the beautiful autumn weather and get outdoors for a leisurely stroll around a farm.
Avontuur in Stellebosch produces wonderful wines and magnificent thoroughbreds.
Now is a good time to do it as it’s not too hot and the vineyards are a riot of rich warm hues. In the southern hemisphere racehorses are bred to be born as close to August 1 as possible – they are all given the same official birthday – so the lush green paddocks fenced with white poles are filled with exuberant youngsters and swollen-bellied pregnant mares.
On a sunny day it’s pure joy to see their sleek glossy bodies. In two private enclosures you’ll see champion stallions Var and Oratorio, who have sired top bloodlines.
Setting out from the tasting room, you can take a map and do a self-guided tour in your own time, or you can employ the services of Phil Taberer, who owns the farm with his brother Michael.
Having him at your side, as I did, will ensure you learn more about the history of the farm and the family. He’ll also answer all your questions about horse breeding, which is an elaborate international affair, and rather saucy. The walk is gentle and suitable even for the chronically unfit (like me).
Whichever option you choose, you’ll finish back at the tasting room for a chocolate and wine pairing. The chardonnay is paired with a cinnamon, orange and ginger chocolate, and is followed by Pinot Noir Chardonnay with cherry chocolate.
The almond and orange chocolate was my favourite, with cab sav merlot. The last two wines are cab franc with mint, and Shiraz with chilli. As with any pairing, these are guidelines and you’re most welcome to try different combinations if you prefer. No one will judge.
On its own, the pairing costs R60 a person, while a self-guided walk including the tasting is R70, and booking isn’t necessary unless you’re part of a large group of 10 or more.
You can do it any day of the week between 9am and 4pm.If you want Phil to take you around (weekdays only), it will cost R120 including a welcome drink and the tasting, and for this you need to book 48 hours in advance as numbers are restricted to a minimum of six people and a maximum of 20.
The farm hosts various special events throughout the year, from live music evenings during the summer, to a monthly breakfast club. Basic wine tastings of five wines, including the MCC and estate brandy, cost R30. The farm has a lovely restaurant with seating inside around a fireplace for cold days, or outside on the veranda with views across the vineyards and paddocks on warm ones.
A photo posted by Avontuur Estate (@avontuurestate) on May 11, 2016 at 4:23am PDT
l Avontuur is on the R44 in Stellenbosch. For more information call 021 855 3450 or email [email protected] to book for the above. For general inquiries email [email protected]
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