The Western Cape Winelands of  South Africa - Cape Winelands - Wine, Tours, Events and Festivals, Things to do, Restaurants and Accommodation

OK, so while I definitely don't claim to be an expert or authority on tasting wine, I do believe that growing up in this wine rich region, combined with having worked here in the wine tourism industry for some while, has given me a keen insight into wine farms, wine types and possible recommendations in the area. I've always had a taste for wine (Thanks Mom and Dad!!) and I believe that I can honestly and objectively share my thoughts and findings on wines which I have tasted and sampled from the Cape Winelands region of South Africa personally.. After all this is a wine website!!

I'll begin very simply by plainly detailing my thoughts and opinions on the wines I taste in order to give our readers some direction and possible advice when trying to make up their minds as to what to drink. We're all about promoting this spectacular area and the incredible wines found within it. Rest assured that we will not review a wine here without having tasted it beforehand. If you have any comments, suggestions or thoughts on my findings or would like to connect with us please feel free to use the comments form at the bottom of the page.

Yesterday,  I asked one of the friendly wine tour guides I know form Easy Rider Tours to pick up a bottle of Dieu Donné's - The Cross (1999) for me and I must say that I was very pleasantly surprised. I really enjoyed the few glasses I sniffed, whiffed and swirled.

A robust Cabernet Sauvignon, this Silver Medal winner at the Michaelangelo Intenational Wine Awards 2006 forms yet another part of Dieu Donné, in Franschhoek's fine wine repertoire. They  Really easy going and smooth, I completely agree that this is a very full bodied and flavourful wine. I noticed the really strong color and beautiful texture of The Cross (as with most of Dieu Donné's wines) which I appreciate, as a heavier red is without a doubt where my soft spot lies. Very silky, established and aromatic. You really can taste the love that has gone into this bottle. Very easy to drink alone (which is sad but defintely bearable) I had no problem at all getting to the bottom of this top class Franschhoek red.

Described as..

full bodied and deeply flavoured with clean cigar box aromas and chocolaty richness. Aged 20 months in new French oak barriques.

The 20 months ageing in fresh French Oak barriques is definitely noticeable on the nose, but does not overpower or confuse the overall flavours of this wine. Definitely not too young, this 1999 red has just the right level of tannins resulting in it being easily pallateable and very smooth on the nose. The resulting bouquet is rich and aromatic, well aged, balanced and regal taste with a slight hint of youthful appeal.

I have always enjoyed all of Dieu Donné's wines and can definitely recommend that any true "red head" (red wine lover) should pop around to their tasting room and try out their range of tasty and full bodied reds.

Awards: Michaelangelo Intenational Wine Award, Silver - 2006
13.5% vol

South Africa is abuzz with World Cup fever, and as the big day draws nearer there seems to be no end to the excitement. With the opening and semi-final matches, amongst others, taking place in Cape Town, allowing for hair-raising traffic congestion, what better place for locals (and fellow South Africans) to come to than the tranquil and picturesque Franschhoek Wine Valley for their World Cup experience.

During the months of June and July, some of Franschhoek’s luxuriously quaint, yet affordable B&B’s, guest houses and award-winning boutique hotels, will be offering visitors to the area ‘Value Added Weekend’ packages, allowing you the opportunity to unwind and recharge your batteries.

Some of the ‘Valued Added Weekend’ establishments include: