Tom, Stewart, Piet (guide), and locals from Stellenbosch enjoy the wine safari
Learning about viticulture made a refreshing addition to the wine tasting experience at the Warwick wine estate. Guests boarded a jeep and were treated to drive through the vineyards. The fleece blankets were very welcome on this crisp afternoon with a bright blue sky. Inspite of no foliage during this time of year there was still plenty to see and learn about. Both Piet and KPG (guides at Warwick), paused on route and explained the importance of viticulture on the final bottle of wine.
Many visitors have already seen cellars and were keen to be given an overview of the purpose of trellising, pruning, harvesting and canopy management. The biggest surprise was the age of the vines. Guests were amazed that it takes a few years before grapes are suitable for the production of wine. The subject of yield provided a whole new understanding in the final price of a bottle of wine.
Sakkie demonstated the importance of selecting the right shoots for pruning
Piet and KPG took a break at the top of the hill for guests to enjoy a glass of Warwick wine and absorb the view. Being a working farm we were lucky with the opportunity to observe pruning and Sakkie took a moment to explain with pride to his international visitors the importance of selecting the right shoots for pruning.
Education can be fun and Piet and KPG entertained the guests by equating five grape varieties with the big five animals. The king of the vineyard is Cabernet Sauvignon (therefore a lion), and the Cabernet France an elephant (for it’s thick skin) – to find out the rest, please go on the tour.
Soccer fans from USA, mother and son absorb the beauty of the view at the top of Warwick wine estate with their guide KPG
During spring and summer it will be easier to see the differences between the grape varieties by looking at the shape of the leaves and grape bunches, however this is the type of tour I would take throughout the year to observe the changes in the vineyard during the seasons.
After the tour, guests sat on the deck outside the new tasting room and tried all the wines available.
The tour takes around 45 minutes and price is R60pp. It is advisable to book in advance as the tour is weather dependent. Tel 021 884 4410
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