Waterford Wine Estate, situated in the idyllic Blaauwklippen Valley in Stellenbosch, is a sophisticated yet unpretentious winery with natural beauty & rustic Provençal charm - long known for one of the best wine tasting experiences in the Cape!
*Please note: all information is correct at the date of publication. See winery website for up-to-date info!
Their courtyard, surrounded by wine cellars, is the main attraction (besides the wine of course!) with a magnificent iconic fountain in the centre and trees along the perimeter for extra Summertime shade.
Waterford encourages guests to explore all the senses – sight, smell, sound, touch & taste. Tickle your senses with their many tasting options... you won't be disappointed. Choose from their Reserve Tasting @R350pp (discover the aging potential of the best Cab & Shiraz they have to offer; includes The Jem), Wine & Chocolate Experience @R110pp (a series of dark & milk chocolates paired perfectly with select Waterford wines), Waterford Estate Experience @R165pp (a selection of Waterford wines, plus the Wine & Chocolate Experience), The Jem Tasting @R115pp (experience their internationally recognized flagship wine, The Jem, in a varietal specific Riedel glass), or their Portfolio Tasting @R110pp (a selection of site specific Waterford wines & Estate Wines grown, vinified and bottled on the property).
SALT, Waterford's courtyard restaurant, offers not only curated lunch menus but a SALT & Wine Tasting journey where 3 wines are expertly paired with intricate, flavourful cuisines (think Elgin Sauvignon Blanc 2020 paired with a Fleur du Sel Rooibos tea Smoked Salmon trout & cos emulsion... yummy!). Looking to share? Try their handcrafted platter for 2, as we did on our last occasion there - locally cured & smoked meats, boerekonfyt, marinated green olives, farm baked sourdough, local camembert with spicy toasted cashew nuts and more... delicious!
Explore your surroundings with the Wine Drive Safari @R1 600pp only! Experience this once-in-a-lifetime expertly guided 3-hour trip through the beautiful estate while tasting their award-winning wines amongst their vineyards of origin, ending with a wine & chocolate tasting back at the winery! Or participate in their unique Porcupine Trail Wine Walk @R715pp - 3 different routes at varying levels of intensity, allowing you to explore the vineyards & natural fynbos at your own pace; includes a selection of 3 wines accompanied by a light lunch followed by a wine & choc tasting on your arrival back at the estate.
Family-Friendly
Although there are no specific activities for tots, you are welcome to bring them along! They can run around the fountain and, if a bit older, visit the resident geese at the lake. Your tots will savour the succulent fish from SALT's well-rounded family-friendly menu.
Tasting Notes
Waterford Rose-Mary - a Blanc de Noir with a natural acidity leading to a soft texture & a crisp, delicate finish; a minerally-driven aroma with delicate undertones of raspberry.
Waterford Chardonnay Single Vineyard - a brilliant olive-green hue with fresh peach pip & lime aromatics followed by a gentle influence from oak.
Waterford Old Vine Chenin Blanc - an elegant, well-textured palate with flavours of peach, honey & stone fruit.
Waterford Elgin Sauvignon Blanc - notes of fresh granadilla & green apple fruit, with underlying chalk & slate; flavours of crisp fruit with a fresh, natural acidity & a long finish of flavours.
Waterford Heatherleigh - an infusion of depth, aged ripeness & vibrant youthfulness with perfumed apricots & muscat characteristics; a blend with low alcohol & sugar content best served chilled.
Pecan Stream Sauvignon Blanc - a more tropical style shaped around fresh fruit aromas i.e. granadilla, pear & apple with hints of peach & gooseberry, with a palate that expresses a softer acidity compared to more typical Sauvignon Blancs.
Pecan Stream Chenin Blanc - balanced & fresh with light elegant fruits; aromatics of fresh pear, peach pip, honeycomb & apricots with hints of delicate white flower undertones.
The Jem - their iconic flagship wine named after the owner of Waterford, Jeremy Ord. A master blend of red varietals epitomising the best of the vintage at Waterford Wine Estate. Enticing aromatics of rich dark chocolate & plum, with layers of earthy tones, cloves, violets & dark, red berries. A well-balanced palate coated with velvety tannins providing fullness & a natural acidity enhances the lasting finish.
Waterford Cabernet Sauvignon - a typical dry tannin structure with a balanced finish; an attractive aroma of pure fruit & earthy notes complemented by pencil shavings.
Waterford Grenache Noir Single Vineyard - orange rind, earthy red cherry & exotic fruits with hints of clove on the nose; a palate layered with red cherries, earthy notes & umami flavours alongside velvety dry tannins.
Kevin Arnold Shiraz - prominent aromatic of red & dark fruits with earth & cold stone accompanied by plum & leather undertones; a natural acidity with classic granular tannins.
Waterford Elgin Pinot Noir - aromatics layered with ripe wild berries, cherry tobacco & cherry tomatoes; a robust & intense palate with vibrant flavours and a savoury finish with a refreshing balanced acidity.
Pecan Stream Pebble Hill - a unique blend using Italian & Spanish varietals, led by Shiraz, leading to fruit-forward aromatics of violet, cherries & liquorice accompanied by notes of cigar box spice; a palate of abundant dark red fruit & a balanced natural acidity.
Waterford Antigo - Cabernet makes up the majority of the blend with a soft, lush fruit aromatic & tannins that are rich, soft & sweet.
Contact Me – Hilary - at hello@winetots.com for more details on your favourite spots & to book a personalised tour of your own – behind the scenic routes of the Cape Winelands & beyond!
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Click here to check out our previous blog “Pinotage Fun Run '22 @Neethlingshof”!
Important info:
https://www.waterfordestate.co.za/https://www.waterfordestate.co.za/; info@waterfordestate.co.za; 021 880 5300
Waterford Wine Estate Trading Hours: Daily 10am - 5pm
SALT Trading Hours: Tues - Sun 10am - 3:30pm