Cape Town - It takes time to become a “name” in the competitive wine and hospitality industries. Ask about Klein Welmoed on the outskirts of Stellenbosch and you will draw a blank most of the time, but I sense this is about to change.
This working wine and olive farm with a boutique guest house has a strong KZN connection. Durbanite Steve Chase markets their Foothills wines and Pietermaritzburg residents Glenn Hesse and Tim Featherby have poured their passion into the farm since buying it in 2008, replanting the land and developing the homestead and wines.
The estate nestles in a shallow valley with sauvignon blanc, viognier, pinot noir, shiraz, semillon and chardonnay cultivars and fragrant olive groves planted around the farm. From the stoep or a lounger alongside the pool on the front lawn, you can see past the oaks, past sheep grazing among the arum lilies and grasslands below the guest house, towards the spectacular backdrop of the Helderberg mountains.
General manager of the guest house, Michelle Kitshoff, was my smiling hostess, who made sure I was comfortably settled. The elegantly restored main house with its classic Cape Dutch lines contains four en-suite bedrooms, a lounge and pantry/kitchen/ breakfast area. I was in Olive Cottage, one of four gorgeous self-catering cottages.
These luxurious homes from home combine tasteful architecture and beautiful interiors, blending modern convenience with rustic charm. Air-conditioning, fireplaces and underfloor heating, flat screen TV, wi-fi, Foothills wines at cellar prices from the honesty bar, fresh flowers and lovely outlooks are all part of the package.
Klein Welmoed offers bed and breakfast and, while the food is fabulous, so is the food at nearby restaurants and wineries. Big, burly Bennie Booysen, Klein Welmoed’s farm manager, whisked me off to sample a few.
We began at Zorgvliet on the Hellshoogte Pass, where Klein Welmoed’s Foothills wines are made. Foothills wines are, I reckon, about to gain traction in the market.
The current range is very enjoyable and very accessible. Manager Bennie spoilt me with a barrel tasting and preview of what will soon be available. Wow! These wines have great character and are sure to be showstoppers.
Zorgvliet wines deserve mention too, particularly the sauvignon blanc. Almost opposite Zorgvliet is the ostentatious Delaire Graf. Closer to “home” is the Waterford Estate, another very impressive and grand affair.
More special was next door Kleinood, where Bennie took me to sample a very special shiraz and lovely olive oil. Owner Gerard de Villiers should (and clearly does) know a thing or two, being a leading winery designer with over 150 wineries to his credit.
Klein Welmoed’s neighbour and buyer of their grapes, Cavalli, is well worth a leisurely visit as well. Take time to wander around their beautiful, eco-friendly initiatives, sample their fine wines and fine cuisine – and don’t miss visiting their wonderful art gallery.
If you don’t feel like cooking, 96 Winery Road is just around the corner. The restaurant is busy every night and did not disappoint with either food or atmosphere.
Stellenbosch centre is about 15 minutes away and the Indian Ocean beaches (the warmer side) of Gordons Bay or Strand are not far in the opposite direction, with Cape Town a half hour drive away.
Braaiing near the pool or at the cottage at Klein Welmoed, bass fishing in the dam and picnicking under a tree are all recommended, and it certainly is the place to be in the late afternoon.
Clouds gather and change colour around the mountain, Fish Eagles swoop and call, guinea fowl, pheasants, sheep and Egyptian Geese get ready to bed down, adding a varied soundtrack to the tranquil scenery.
l Call 021 842 0045 and visit www.kleinwelmoed.co.za or https://www.facebook.com/kleinwelmoed
Sunday Tribune