South African wine

waterford estate Stellenbosch 

While visiting South Africa back in January, among hiking the Lion's head in Cape Town, scooping up unique souvenirs at vibrant markets; selecting and visiting wine estates and vineyards was a great priority.

South Africa ranks seventh among the biggest wine producers globally according to the statistics published by OIV with an estimated 10.8 million hectolitres. My challenging mission was  to condense wine estates in two weeks and every each one of them left me breathless for their beauty of landscapes, architecture and art, and most of all unique delicious wines. 

I thought for this post it would be a great opportunity to highlight an estate that ticks all the boxes for great wine estate: exclusive wine blends, adventure and gorgeous scenery. 

Waterford Estate Wine Stellenbosch

The Wine Safari experience offered by the Waterford Estate intrigued me to visit this estate. I was not entirely sure what to expect from a morning adventure and wine tasting. Having arrived at the estate that is set among beautiful Cape mountains forming breath-taking landscapes, I almost felt for a moment that I was in Tuscany as the venue resembles a traditional Tuscan Villa. 

During the wine safari we had few pitstops where we tried a selection of different wines whilst absorbing breathtaking scenery while spotted few local animals and learnt more about host's wines. 

The whole experience of the estate tour, wine tasting and pairing with some delicious and beautifully presented snacks, not to mention a unique wine and chocolate pairing, was absolutely exquisite. 

Wine of recommendation 
For this wine estate I've picked a wine that is one of the most distinctive blends that I've ever had due to its diverse grape union - Cabarnet Sauvignon as the base, Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese, Barbera, Mouverde. 'The Jam 2012' vintage truly is a gem, named after the vineyard's owner and a truly beautiful wine.

The complexity of the wine with different aromas and powerful blend of fresh black fruit, spice, tobacco, leather that work well balanced together with elegant tannins that chance a long memorable finish for days.

Pairing
Red meat, soft and hard cheese and spicy food.

Tips
The estate can be visited without any prior announcement, however for the wine safari make sure you book in advance, especially during the peak season. The safari is organised in very small pair groups or if preferable you have a possibility to book just for yourself and your partner. 
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