When Design Indaba went on its search to find the perfect setting in which to host its international speakers, thank them and wish them farewell, it seemed almost inevitable that the search led to the dramatic hillside bastion of Waterkloof Wine Estate.
Situated on the slopes of the Schapenberg in the Helderberg Winelands, Waterfkloof Estate overlooks False Bay as well its very own high-altitude amphitheatre of vineyards which produces their classically elegant, European-style wines. The estate stretches 300 metres above sea level with the Hottentots-Holland and Helderberg mountains as a backdrop.
The diverse, fertile soils, fanned by the cooling breeze of the nearby ocean, make for perfect conditions for slow ripening allowing the grapes to develop their deep flavours, complexity and finesse. It is these grapes that produce three collections for the estate: the flagship Waterkloof range, the expressive Circumstance range and the fleshier Peacock Ridge range, plump with concentrated fruit.
Following a well-established “slow wine mantra” as well as a minimalist approach, Waterkloof uses a state-of-the-art gravitational cellar expertly designed for traditional hands-on winemaking. The cellar makes room for time-honoured winemaking practices such as open top, wooden fermenters, whole bunch pressing and the use of gravity to avoid excessive pumping of the wine.
If you are a diner that enjoys views with their food, then Waterkloof’s signature restaurant will have you struggling to decide what is better: the gourmet food prepared by Burgundian chef Grégory Czarnecki or the beautiful surroundings seen out the 10 metre high glass promontory. Waterkloof offers a perfect way to experience the elegant restaurant as well as the modern wine tasting lounge amidst the outstretched fynbos splendour by hosting wine tastings on horseback in partnership with the adjacent Orion Stables & Riding Academy.
The distinctive character of each wine Waterkloof produces is defined by the unique culmination of fortuitous circumstances that influence the individual vineyard sites. These include soil, aspect and altitude, which all play a vital role in manifesting the best quality in each bottle.
For more information visit: www.waterkloofwines.co.za or contact Waterkloof Estate at Tel: 021 858 1292
