Buitenverwachting Wine Farm

Buitenverwachting Wine Farm is situated in the heart of the historical Constantia Valley in Cape Town, South Africa. The farm boasts an exceptional range of wines as well as one of the top restaurants in the country. In addition, there are numerous other reasons to visit this beautiful farm that has been part of the rich history of the Cape since 1796.

The farm is on the east-facing slopes of the magnificent Constantiaberg, about 12km from False Bay. Originally part of the Constantia Estate, which was founded by Simon van der Stel, the first Governor of the new Dutch colony at the tip of Africa.

First sold as a 200 morgen sub-division to Cornelis Brink in 1773, Buitenverwachting changed hands often. And yet it flourished as a wine farm, due mainly to the 90 000 vines planted in 1825 by Ryk Arnoldus Cloete, brother of the famous Hendrik Cloete of Constantia.

From 1866, the fortunes of Buitenverwachting were linked to those of the Louw and Lategan families. One of the most colourful characters was Oom Danie Lategan, whose trademark was the freshly picked camelia he wore on his lapel every day. It was his daughter, Olivia Lategan, who was to forge the link between the Lategans and the Louws. Born at Buitenverwachting, she returned as mistress of the farm when she married George Louw.

Imbued with a sense of history, the Mueller family has retraced the roots of Buitenverwachting. The farm was lovingly restored to its former glory while extensive planting of the most selected of cultivars was initiated. The result was a maiden grape harvest of 100 tonnes - the first harvest the farm had seen in 30 years. An historic achievement that lived up to its name: Buitenverwachting - ''Beyond Expectation''.

A small block of Hanepoot table grapes which still bears fruit despite its ripe old age of nearly 100 years, has been retained as a growing tribute to the heritage of Buitenverwachting.

from: http://buitenverwachting.co.za/history.jsp

80% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Chenin Blanc, 10% Rhine Riesling. This full bodied cuvée offers a variation of fruit charcters including ripe gooseberry, green peppers, green melon and hints of tropical fruit. Due to the character of this Sauvignon based blend, it goes well with any seafood as well as salads and a variety of Mediterranean dishes. [read on...]

£6.70

Christine is iconic in South Africa. It has been at the forefront of "Bordeaux Blends" for many years and consists of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot Petit Verdot and Malbec, offering rich red fruit characters of ripe cherry and blackcurrant with dark chocolate and tobacco undertones. Extremely elegant, hugely rich and complex with a sympathetic gentle integration of French Oak. For the connoisseur. [read on...]

£13.60

A wonderful Sauvignon Blanc ranked amongst the very best of this vintage. The wine has a pale lemon yellow colour, and a bouquet reminiscent of green figs with hints of gooseberries, grapefruit and lime zest and an infusion of green peppers. Dry, full-bodied with a lingering finish. [read on...]

£7.30