“We are proud to present you with the 2021 mid-year SAWi wine results…”
This was the opening greeting of a recent email that carried some rather huge news for Wildekrans.
SAWi (SA Wine index) has successfully developed a methodology that analyses and compiles the results of over 70 of the most prominent local and international blind wine tasting competitions. It allows for the consideration of multiple features while successfully measuring a wine’s performance over multi-vintages. The wines overall multi-vintage quality is scored out of 100, and only wines with a score of 93+ are selected.
As a simple comparison, the system is similar to how a professional sportsperson would be ranked in their league, based on their performance in the various tournaments they compete it.
We are therefore incredibly humbled and excited about our results:-
Tim Atkin is an award-winning wine writer and Master of Wine, with over 30 years’ experience and a strong international following.
He has just published his 9th report on South African’s wine scene with over 1200 tasting notes of wines he rates as the very best that South Africa offers, and this is what he had to say:-
What South Africa has achieved, not just since 1994, but in the nine years that I have been writing this report is truly remarkable. No other wine industry has made such strides, no other wine industry possesses such energy or excitement. Right now, and in the face of the huge challenges the country faces on many fronts, it’s important not to lose sight of that achievement.
Wildekrans submitted 2 wines for this edition, and we are extremely proud that both received such high ratings and praise. It’s a testament to the hard work, dedication, and talent of our team, even in the most challenging of times.
“This is an appealingly unusual blend of Pinotage with 42% Cabernet Franc, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, all sourced from Bot River. Rosemary and tangerine aromas segue into a palate that’s savoury and meaty with sinewy tannins and subtle oak. 2022-25”
“Something of a below-the-radar property in Bot River, with very good vineyards and the wine quality to match, Wildekrans is worth seeking out. Rich, wild and exotic, this has grapefruit and peach fruit, stylish oak and a tangy, stony, mouth-watering finish. 2021-25”
The winners of the 2021 SA Olive Awards were announced at a gala event at Stellenbosch on September 9th.
43 producers submitted 113 of their best olive oils, which were subject to 5 days of blind tasting and rigorous assessment. The competition was tough, and the standards high with so many amazing producers submitting beautiful, high quality EVOO!
We are therefore unbelievably pleased that two of our Extra Virgin Olive Oils received Gold in the Medium Category at the 2021 SA Olive Awards!
Please do come and try some at our Restaurant, stock up at our Tasting Room, or order via email: orders@wildekrans.com
Well done to our team, and special thanks to SA Olive Industry Association.
Join us on Friday 30 April 2021 for our first movie night under the stars. We’re kicking off with a screening of the classic ‘Pitch Perfect’.
A yummy selection of food, popcorn and a cash bar will be available on the night, so arrive hungry!
Dress up all snuggly, bring your own camping chair or picnic blanket and come with your best singing voice to join the Barden Bellas in this hilarious comedy.
Tickets: R100pp Adults R75pp for pensioners and kids (13yrs and younger)
Gates open at 18:00 and the movie will start at 19:30pm. Our Restaurant will also be fully operational.
Affectionately known as South Africa’s premier three-day stage trail run, African X is a true test of ‘grit’ as teams tackle varied terrain to cover a combined distance of roughly 74 kilometres for the weekend. With the main ‘hub’, or festival village based at the Houw Hoek Hotel, runners explore the various mountain trail routes in the Overberg.
Good food, great ‘gees’ and even better views are some of the highlights participants can expect. The highlight for us was day 2. Wildekrans was the ‘host’ venue for the start of the second leg, with runners traversing our trails as part of their demanding route for the day.
The atmosphere at the start was absolutely unbelievable, and it was incredible to see everyone set off with such energy. What an honour for us, and congratulations to all who participated!
Any fan of trail-running (or walking) will probably list the views, and challenges of navigating and judging the terrain as some of the reasons it trumps the monotony of road-running. Trail fans do not like monotony. The word ‘loop’ often mentioned on course descriptions is about as appealing as a wine-sales ban over the festive season…
That is why you’re in for a treat on our trails. We tested out the experience at the recent Human Right’s Day run we hosted with Raceday, and we’re proud to say that our runners found a great deal of variety out there.
The Raceday event had two options, a 5km and a 10km route. Curious as to the ‘no loops for the 10 kay’ proudly advertised, we opted to do the longer run and we’re glad we did.
The 10km was split into two completely separate 5km routes (so 5 kay fundis, you have a choice when you come and visit).
A pleasant surprise, unlike other trail runs, is that the start didn’t immediately take you up a 90 degree incline for the first kilometre, leaving you with thoughts of throwing away your shoes at the finish. Instead, the incline was gradual and steady. Perfect for a warmup. The first 5km route follows a MTB trail past vineyards and around a dam. You’ll have some fun running on wooden bridges, and over a couple of wooden banks. Thereafter, some switchbacks await, just to confuse you as to if you’re first, last or lost. (The route is very well sign-posted though). Make sure to keep some juice in the tank, as this first half is relatively ‘flat’ compared to the second half.
Onwards after 5km you will run downhill on the main tarred road to a bridge where you will start the second half. This well sign-posted course was laid out for running events and has a great variety of terrain. At times you’ll be running on compact, grassy single-track, at other times wild ‘no track’, hard, pebbly sections, some more switchbacks and a few evil climbs. Spectacular views await here, as we know that no wine-growing region is flat, and there’s a lot of hills this side of the farm. The mountains in the background are a subtle clue. Not to spoil the surprise, a ‘big daddy’ does await you towards the end as you pass an impressive couple of vineyard blocks, so keep those legs light for the long climb that could be called the Suikerbossie of Botrivier. As the saying goes ‘what goes up must come down’, so you do get a nice sweeping downhill into the last kilometre, but there is the tiniest, gradual incline as you come back onto the tarred section and around to the Tasting Room to finish.
We found the route was just a little shy of 10km, so if Strava stats are make and break for you, then loop around until you’re done.
It was a very rewarding run, we agree as we ‘hydrate’ at the tasting room and inhale a bacon & egg roll while admiring our medals and enjoying the witty commentary from the excellent organiser and MC, Japie.
Unbiased verdict: If you see a run organised with Wildekrans as the venue, DO IT! Otherwise, just rock up for your own self-guided adventure. Enquire at reception for the nominal permit cost, which is used to keep the trails maintained.
