It is going to be a full day of touring and tasting - SIX (6) wineries to visit on Day One alone!
I have contacted as many wine agents as I could reach to obtain some of the wines from this list of wineries so I can offer samples for the wine class on June 17th.
This itinerary may be adjust last minute, however, as I have just learned of a special day set up at De Trafford (see below).
If there are any future updates after those posted below, I will add them to the June 1st issue when I showcase the wineries from Day Two.
Day 1
From my research, the only wine from this vineyard available in Ontario is their Meerlust Rubicon 2010.
If the tasting goes well at the vineyard, I may arrange to order in a few for the wine class scheduled for June 17th.
In the meantime, here is a quick preview...
Tasting Notes
The 2010 Rubicon is a classic vintage of this iconic Cape wine. Very deep, youthful colour, and intense almost purple hue. Very classic Rubicon nose with violets, ripe plum, cedar wood and intense spiciness. A typical liquorice note also evident on the nose. Still young and intense, promising further maturation potential. The palate is full bodied, structured but packed with fresh dark fruit and rounded, linear tannins.
The 2010 Rubicon is 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. The wine spent a total of 21 months in 60 % new French Nevers oak with 40 % 2nd fill Nevers and Alliers barrels.
With our tighter schedule to be able to visit the open house mentioned above, we will have to make a choice between Meerlust and Kanonkop for the morning tasting.
Kanonkop's wine list focuses on the area's famous Pinotage grape and with the awards that I see online, they must be making them well.
Even if I cannot find one of their wines to offer at the class, I will definitely be featuring a pinotage wine from the area so you have the chance to taste it and compare to more common varietals.
Instead of the usual tasting scheduled at a winery, we are lucky to be able to attend a special open house-style event with their two neighbouring vintners as well.
It will be a unique visit and setting to sample wines that aren't usually a part of their public offering. I am also hoping that I can track down a wine to purchase in Ontario by then - because right now, what I see is only available in Quebec at the SAQ.
I will share details of my picks and availability when I return to Canada so you can shop on your own. 🙂
Lunch at Guardian Peak
From the sleek look of their website and my South African guide's suggestion to visit here for lunch, I am looking forward to a sublime wine-loving feast. They have a white, rosé and several reds so I am sure that I will be able to have a few pairings over the meal.
Depending on their portion sizes, I can already see what my lunch will feature the salmon tartar with their rosé but the rest will depend on how the tasting goes.
I haven't been able to connect with the Ontario agent as of yet, so if the wines are good here, I may bring home a bottle and will share the info with all of you BUT I wouldn't be able to offer samples at the class.
This producer is all about the big reds! Syrah, cabernet and merlot to name a few.
The team at Aaldering were very excited to send along a glimpse of what they are all about...with a link to an issue of their Aaldering Magazine!
To dive right in, just click here...
This will be our last stop for Day One so we will, no doubt, take our time here. They sound like a fun crew from my initial contact with their representatives so it will surely be a fun afternoon - and some great wines.
Make sure to check June's issue for any last-minute notes on the wineries/tour plans above and a peak at Day Two!
Looking for a speaker for your next event or conference?
Cooking demonstrations, wine pairing events and lectures, travel talks and MORE...
She speaks with passion, insight and FLAVOUR!
To book an event or learn more, email us by clicking here
