Ate too much, drank too much, ran a 10km, nearly died, but found my second wind at Kloovenburg Wine & Olive Estate, where we got tucked into olives, and some seriously delicious wine!
What a gem. The estate is pristine. It’s warm, authentic – everything but pretentious. It has this old school charm coupled with a modern edge. The service was friendly and professional, and Dylan (tasting room manager) was kind enough to show us the cellar.
The wine I enjoyed most was their Garnacha Peluda, a mutation of Grenache Noir. The wine had a bright, pale ruby colour to it. It’s dry, has high acidity, and medium tannin structure – soft and delicately textured. Medium (+) aroma and flavour intensity with cooked strawberries, red plum, sour cherry, ripe red apple skin, dates, and a touch of cinnamon evident on both the nose and palate. The wine was “warm” but fresh and youthful at the same time. Medium finish with a subtle greenness/stalkiness at the end, which in my opinion adds to its fresh, and vibrant appeal.
The Swartland is a truly beautiful place. It’s a place of balance. Balance between traditional and modern, young and old. There is a relaxed approach, but a very certain understanding of identity, and what “they” represent. The little town has so much to offer, and I feel like spending only 2 nights there was an insult!
Buy the Garnacha Peluda here.
Visit the Swartland here.
#riebeekkasteel #kloovenburg #swarland #wine #weekendaway
WINE, FOOD, AND EVERYTHING THAT'S GOOD! 
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