Cape Town - Watching the activity in the reception area of the Vineyard hotel in Newlands recently one could be forgiven for thinking the recession had ended. The place was packed with international travellers arriving and leaving, while, on the terrace overlooking the tranquil gardens and mountain backdrop, tables of visitors from at least four continents were revelling in the weather and a bountiful breakfast buffet.
Across the lawns, past the resident tortoise, to the edge of the Liesbeeck river, a stony path winds it way downward to a shady ledge, where bubbly chilled in silver buckets and hotel general manager Roy Davies welcomed the media.
The occasion? Celebrating the first wine grape harvest at the Vineyard in 150 years or so.
Alongside us, the three rows of sauvignon blanc and two of semillon loomed, tall and healthy, showing evidence of professional trimming and training.
The vineyard story has its roots deep in Newlands history. Turn the clock back 213 years, and we find a string of country estates in this outlying region of Cape Town. Today, their names live as schools and clubs – and at this hotel.
The sophisticated walls of the Vineyard hotel today surround some of the original, when this was the newly built country home of Lady Anne Barnard and her husband, British colonial secretary Andrew. Their indigenous garden was surrounded by acres of vines bearing wine grapes. The harvest was made into the Barnard’s house wine by their neighbour, Daniel van Reenen of Papenboom, and this was often poured as the couple entertained frequently.
The house changed hands several times over the next couple of centuries, and was transformed into a hotel around 1894. Rudyard Kipling and his family were among the early guests. By the middle of the 20th century, it was a popular rendezvous for locals, as well as a venue for weddings. Its reputation for a good table and fine wine was soon established and well maintained. Today, the Vineyard is known as an elegant destination where both business travellers and holidaymakers are assured of consistent and genuine hospitality.
Thanks to Davies’ enthusiasm, the Vineyard is also renowned for offering an outstanding wine experience, as a string of winemakers from Cape cellars bring their products, discuss pairing with the chefs, and share their expertise with diners during five-course feasts. This year’s programme – Tastes of 2013 – reads like a winelover’s dream as monthly events partner a winery with varying cuisines or menus from celebrity and aspiring chefs.
Four years ago, the winelands marked the 350th anniversary of the first wine made at the Cape, an event carefully recorded by Jan van Riebeeck in his diary of February 2, 1659. Five renowned wine producers joined guests at the Vineyard hotel to mark the planting of an infant vineyard on the river banks.
Meerlust, Klein Constantia, Simonsig, Warwick and Waterford contributed expertise as well as the vines, and continued to do so over the next four years.
Last year, the grapes were monitored by viticulturists Francois Malan of Simonsig and Stiaan Cloete of Klein Constantia.
Early last month, unseasonal rain raised fears of possible rot on the grapes and the decision was made to pick immediately.
On February 15, the maiden harvest, 76kg of grapes, was brought in from the vineyard at the Vineyard.
The precious load was rushed off to Klein Constantia whose winemaker Matthew Day is in charge of making a white blend worthy of its unique origins.
It will be wooded, it’s certain to be nurtured, and its production will be carefully recorded in the ongoing story of a country house where hospitality is complemented by good food and winning wine.
* WineStyle magazine is holding a summer wine party at Simon’s restaurant on Groot Constantia estate on March 15 and 16. The show starts at 4pm on Friday and at noon on Saturday and is limited to 500 guests.
The ticket price of R100 includes wine glass and free tastings. Tapas, picnic fare and charcuterie will be on sale.
For details, contact Kalinka at [email protected] or call 083 227 1167. Tickets are available from Webtickets. - Weekend Argus