Alto Wine Estate: Stellenbosch’s Red Wine Legacy in the Golden Triangle
Alto’s portfolio, crafted by Bertho van der Westhuizen, is a celebration of Stellenbosch’s red-wine heritage, with the Alto Rouge blend marking its 100th consecutive vintage in 2022. The wines, lauded by Mundus Vini and Veritas, range from single varietals to blends, each reflecting the Golden Triangle’s terroir.
Almenkerk Wine Estate: A Cool-Climate Jewel in the Elgin Valley
Almenkerk’s 15-hectare vineyard thrives in Elgin’s cool-climate embrace, 300–500 meters above sea level, where Atlantic breezes and misty mornings shape grapes with vibrant acidity and minerality. The soils—shale, clay, and sandstone—mirror Burgundy, ideal for Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, while red varietals like Merlot and Syrah flourish on warmer slopes. Joris, with viticulturist Michael Keown, uses cutting-edge technology—drones, infrared cameras, and electromagnetic soil scans—to optimize planting and pruning, ensuring low yields (6–8 tons/ha) for concentrated fruit.
Tasting Note: 2020 Kelp Forest Syrah, The Giant Periwinkle
In the glass, the 2020 Kelp Forest Syrah presents a deep ruby hue, tinged with a youthful purple edge that hints at its vibrancy. It’s opaque enough to suggest concentration but stops short of inky heaviness, offering a glimpse of elegance. The legs are slow and deliberate, signaling a wine with some heft, likely from its 14% alcohol, though it doesn’t scream “hot” at first glance. A slight sediment in older bottles might appear, a nod to its minimal intervention style, but nothing that detracts from its visual appeal.
Top 30 Wine Festivals and Events in the Western Cape: June to September 2025
The Western Cape’s winter and early spring months—June to September 2025—transform the Cape Winelands into a hub of wine-soaked celebrations, blending world-class vintages with gourmet food, live music, and the region’s breathtaking landscapes. As CapeVineMaster.co.za prepares for its May 2025 launch, we’ve curated the top 30 wine festivals and events across June, July, August, and September, showcasing South Africa’s 366-year winemaking heritage. From Stellenbosch’s oak-lined soirées to Franschhoek’s French-inspired fêtes, these events cater to oenophiles, foodies, and families alike. Many dates and costs are still to be confirmed (TBC), so check with organizers before planning. Here’s your guide to the season’s best, listed chronologically where possible, with a critical eye on what shines and what could improve. June 2025 1. Decorex Cape Town Wine Tastings 2. #DrinkChenin Event 3. De Hoop Wine, Whales, and Music Weekend 4. Tulbagh Arts Festival 5. Cook Franschhoek 6. Annerkant die Berg 7. Time Out Market Wine Tastings July 2025 8. Knysna Wine Festival 9. Franschhoek Bastille Festival 10. Berg River Canoe Marathon Wine Stops 11. Stellenbosch Street Soirées 12. Pinotage Festival 13. Hermanus Food and Wine Fair 14. Kamers Vol Geskenke August 2025 15. Stellenbosch Wine Festival 16. Wine Town Stellenbosch 17. Calitzdorp Expressed 18. Klein Karoo Klassique 19. Hermanus Kalfiefees 20. Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival 21. Boschendal Workshop and Wine 22. Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show Public Tasting September 2025 23. Simondium Spring Market 24. Taste the Tradition Weekend 25. Ladismith Music Festival 26. Clanwilliam Wild Flower Show 27. Robertson Wine on the River 28. Greyton Wine Weekend 29. Italian Festival at Idiom 30. Paternoster Wine & Tasting Lounge Event A Critical Sip The Western Cape’s June-to-September 2025 wine events offer a rich tapestry of experiences, from the high-energy Franschhoek Bastille Festival to the serene Taste the Tradition Weekend in Robertson. Stellenbosch’s Wine Town and Knysna’s Wine Festival stand out for scale and variety, while niche events like #DrinkChenin and Calitzdorp Expressed showcase regional specialties. However, challenges remain: high ticket costs at premium events like Boschendal’s workshop may deter casual visitors, and smaller festivals often lack the polish of their larger counterparts. Crowds in Franschhoek and Stellenbosch can test patience, and some events prioritize music or culture over wine, diluting the focus. Still, with diverse settings and passionate producers, these festivals capture the heart of South Africa’s wine culture. Plan early, book ahead, and let CapeVineMaster.co.za guide you to the season’s finest sips! Stay tuned to CapeVineMaster.co.za for event updates and join our monthly tastings to savor the best of 2025!
Meerlust Wine Estate: A Stellenbosch Legacy of Elegance and Innovation
Meerlust’s story begins in 1693, when German immigrant Henning Huising settled on a granite outcrop just 5 km from False Bay, naming his new home “Meerlust,” or “pleasure of the sea,” for its coastal breezes. In 1756, Johannes Myburgh purchased the estate, launching a family legacy that now spans eight generations. Today, Hannes Myburgh, a trained winemaker who studied at Geisenheim and Château Lafite, upholds this tradition as the estate’s custodian, alongside Cellar Master Wim Truter, appointed in 2020 after stints at KWV and global wineries.
South Africa Wine Harvest 2025: A Rebound of Quality Amid Challenges
The 2025 South African wine grape harvest, now past its halfway mark, is poised to deliver exceptional quality, with early estimates suggesting a crop size on par with 2023’s 1.183 million tonnes— a significant improvement over 2024’s record-low 1.099 million tonnes from 87,848 hectares.
Schenkfontein Wines: A Swartland Saga of Family, Grit, and Great Grapes
Named Schenkfontein—after a legendary schoolteacher, Leermeester Schenk, and a modest mountain stream that caught Hennie’s eye—the estate embodies tenacity and vision. Hennie, a seasoned farmer, pivoted to wine when his son Philip’s birth prompted a rethink: with five grandsons, the family farm was too small to sustain them all. Winemaking, Hennie’s forte, became the family’s new frontier.
From Scrum to Sip: Marthunis J. Barnard’s Journey into the Heart of South African Wine
April 25, 2025 7:52 pm From Scrum to Sip: Marthunis J. Barnard’s Journey into the Heart of South African Wine In the fast-paced world of tech, where deadlines loom and sprints dictate the rhythm, Marthunis J. Barnard keeps a steady hand as a Scrum Master at Tour Axis, guiding teams through the complexities of agile project management. His head is firmly in the corporate game, orchestrating seamless collaboration for a company that powers travel experiences across South Africa. But venture beyond the stand-ups and sprint reviews, and you’ll find his heart beating to a different tune—one that resonates with the earthy aromas of Pinotage, the crisp zing of Sauvignon Blanc, and the rolling vineyards of the Cape Winelands. For Marthunis, a family man with a wife and two young boys aged three and one, wine isn’t just a hobby; it’s a passion that’s blossoming into a full-fledged calling, embodied in his vibrant wine blog, CapeVineMaster.co.za. This is the story of how a tech professional’s side hustle is becoming the soul of his life’s work. A Scrum Master with a Taste for Adventure Marthunis’s day job at Tour Axis is all about structure and synergy. As a Scrum Master, he facilitates agile workflows, ensuring teams deliver high-quality travel solutions with precision. His LinkedIn profile paints a picture of a seasoned professional, adept at fostering collaboration, resolving blockers, and driving projects to completion. With a knack for mentoring and a deep understanding of agile methodologies, Marthunis thrives in the dynamic tech environment, where every sprint is a chance to innovate. His work supports Tour Axis’s mission to connect travelers with South Africa’s rich tapestry of experiences, from safaris to coastal getaways. It’s a role that demands focus, adaptability, and a cool head under pressure—qualities Marthunis brings in spades. But even as he navigates burndown charts and backlog grooming, there’s a part of him that’s always wandering through the vineyards of Stellenbosch or savoring a glass of Chenin Blanc at sunset. Wine, for Marthunis, started as a casual interest—a bottle shared with friends, a weekend trip to Franschhoek. Yet, what began as a hobby has grown into something far deeper, fueled by a curiosity about South Africa’s wine culture and a desire to share its stories. “My head is in tech,” he says, “but my heart? That’s in the wine industry, where every bottle tells a tale of the land and the people behind it.” CapeVineMaster: A Passion Project Takes Root In 2025, Marthunis relaunched CapeVineMaster.co.za, transforming his love for wine into a platform that celebrates South Africa’s wine farms, varietals, and tasting experiences. The website, set to officially launch on May 1, 2025, is a labor of love—a digital haven for wine enthusiasts, novices, and travelers alike. Through monthly online tastings, weekly blogs, and a comprehensive directory of wine estates, Marthunis is building a community that demystifies wine and makes it accessible to all. His articles, like a recent piece on Ashton Winery’s chocolate and wine pairing, blend vivid storytelling with practical insights, capturing the magic of the Cape Winelands while offering tips for readers to explore it themselves. What sets CapeVineMaster apart is Marthunis’s approach: he’s not a sommelier or a vintner, but a self-proclaimed novice on a journey of discovery. “I’m learning alongside my readers,” he admits. “Whether it’s decoding tannins or finding a budget-friendly Pinotage, I want to make wine fun, not intimidating.” His blogs reflect this ethos, weaving personal anecdotes—like swirling a glass of Shiraz while his boys nap—with detailed reviews of estates and varietals. Posts on wine tasting for beginners and affordable wines under R100 showcase his knack for breaking down complex topics into relatable, engaging content. The site’s vision, as Marthunis outlined in an earlier conversation, is to list every wine farm in South Africa, share their stories, and foster a community where readers contribute their own experiences. It’s an ambitious goal, but one that’s rooted in his genuine love for the craft. From Hobby to Heartbeat Marthunis’s journey into wine began modestly, sparked by a visit to a Robertson Valley estate years ago. The rolling vineyards, the scent of oak barrels, and the stories of winemakers captivated him. What started as occasional tastings evolved into a dedicated pursuit—reading about grape varieties, experimenting with food pairings, and documenting his adventures. “At first, it was just something to do on weekends,” he recalls. “But the more I learned, the more I wanted to share it.” His wife, a patient supporter of his growing obsession, often joins him on wine farm visits, their two boys in tow, turning tastings into family outings. These trips, from Ashton to Viljoensdrift, have become the heart of CapeVineMaster, inspiring blogs that capture the warmth of South Africa’s wine culture. Balancing a demanding tech career, a young family, and a burgeoning blog isn’t easy. Marthunis often writes late at night, after his boys, aged three and one, are asleep, or steals moments during lunch breaks to research varietals. Yet, the hustle feels less like work and more like a calling. “Wine brings people together,” he says. “It’s not just about the drink—it’s about the stories, the land, the community. That’s what I want to capture.” His passion shines through in CapeVineMaster’s vibrant content, from guides on Sauvignon Blanc to reviews of family-friendly estates. Readers are invited to join the journey, whether through comments, story submissions, or virtual tastings, making the site a collaborative celebration of wine. A Family Man with a Vision At the core of Marthunis’s life is his family. A devoted husband and father, he cherishes the chaos and joy of raising two energetic boys. His wife, his partner in both life and wine adventures, shares his enthusiasm for exploring the Winelands, often planning family-friendly visits to estates with play areas or picnic spots. “The boys are too young to understand wine,” Marthunis laughs, “but they love running through the vineyards or chasing each other at a tasting room.” These moments ground him, reminding him why he’s pouring his heart
Ashton Winery: A Robertson Valley Treasure with a Sweet Twist
As a wine blogger for CapeVineMaster.co.za, I’ve visited my fair share of estates, but Ashton’s unpretentious charm and innovative tasting experiences left a lasting impression. From its rich cooperative history to its diverse wine portfolio and a chocolate pairing that had my taste buds dancing, my day at Ashton was a delightful blend of rustic warmth and refined flavor.
Wine Tasting for Idiots: Sip, Swirl, and Rate Like a Pro (No Snobbery Required)
April 24, 2025 7:45 am Wine Tasting for Idiots: Sip, Swirl, and Rate Like a Pro (No Snobbery Required) Picture this: you’re at a wine tasting, surrounded by folks swirling glasses, sniffing like bloodhounds, and tossing around words like “tannins” and “terroir.” You take a sip, nod thoughtfully, and think, “Tastes like… wine?” Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Wine tasting can feel like a secret club with a PhD requirement, but here at CapeVineMaster.co.za, we’re spilling the grapes: it’s way simpler (and more fun) than it looks. Whether you’re a total newbie or just want to fake it ‘til you make it, this guide will teach you how to taste and rate wine like a pro—without needing a sommelier’s salary or a thesaurus. Grab a glass, channel your inner wine wizard, and let’s dive into the basics with a side of sass and some wallet-friendly wines to get you started. Why Bother Tasting Wine Properly? First off, wine tasting isn’t about being fancy—it’s about squeezing every drop of joy out of your glass. When you learn to taste properly, you’ll notice flavors you never knew existed (hello, blackberry jam in that Shiraz!). Plus, you’ll figure out what you actually like, so you’re not stuck sipping something that tastes like regret just because it was on sale. And rating wines? That’s just your way of keeping score, like a diary for your taste buds. It helps you remember the winners and avoid the duds. Ready to get started? Let’s break it down into five easy steps: See, Swirl, Sniff, Sip, and Savor (and then rate it like a boss). Step 1: See—Check Out That Color Before you dive in, hold your glass up to the light (or a white napkin if you’re feeling extra). Wine’s color can tell you a lot about its age and style. Red wines range from bright ruby (young, like a frisky Pinotage) to deep garnet (older, like a wise Cabernet Sauvignon). Whites go from pale straw (crisp Sauvignon Blanc) to golden honey (oaked Chardonnay or an aged Chenin Blanc). Rosés? Think pink, from blush to bubblegum. If it’s cloudy or looks like dishwater, something’s off—send it back! Pro tip: Tilt the glass and check the “rim” (where the wine meets the edge). A paler rim often means an older wine. No need to overthink it—just notice and move on. Step 2: Swirl—Get That Wine Dancing Now, give your glass a gentle swirl. Place it on a table if you’re worried about looking like a rookie who just baptized the tablecloth. Swirling mixes oxygen into the wine, waking up its aromas (fancy word for smells). Watch for “legs” or “tears”—those drippy streaks on the glass. Thick, slow legs usually mean higher alcohol or sugar content, like in a sweet Muscadel. Thin, fast legs? Probably a lighter wine, like a Colombar. Don’t stress about analyzing the legs too much; it’s more about getting the wine ready to sniff. Plus, swirling makes you look like you know what you’re doing. Win-win! Step 3: Sniff—Stick Your Nose In There Here’s where it gets fun: shove your nose into the glass and take a good whiff. Don’t be shy—this isn’t a delicate sniff like you’re testing perfume. You’re sniffing for clues about what’s in the wine. Ask yourself: What do I smell? Fruits like apple, berry, or citrus? Maybe herbs, spices, or something weird like wet dog (yes, that’s a real wine aroma)? Common aromas include: Whites: Green apple (Sauvignon Blanc), peach (Chenin Blanc), or butter (oaked Chardonnay). Reds: Cherry (Pinotage), plum (Merlot), or pepper (Shiraz). Rosés: Strawberry, watermelon, or rose petals. If you smell something gross, like vinegar or damp cardboard, the wine might be corked (spoiled). Otherwise, take a few sniffs and let your imagination run wild. No one’s judging if you say it smells like your gran’s fruitcake! Step 4: Sip—Don’t Gulp (Yet) Finally, take a small sip—not a chug, tempting as it is. Let the wine roll over your tongue before swallowing. This is where you taste the flavors you smelled, plus a few extras. Ask yourself: Sweetness: Is it dry (no sweetness, like most Sauvignon Blancs) or sweet (like a Muskapino)? Acidity: Does it make your mouth water, like biting into a lemon? High acidity = crisp (think Colombar). Tannins (reds only): Does it feel grippy or drying, like oversteeped tea? Tannins come from grape skins and oak (common in Cabernet Sauvignon). Body: Is it light like skim milk (Pinot Noir), medium (Merlot), or full like cream (Shiraz)? Flavors: Do you taste the fruits or spices you smelled? Any surprises, like vanilla or chocolate? Take another sip to confirm your thoughts. If you’re feeling fancy, slurp a little air with the wine (like a reverse straw). It sounds goofy but amplifies the flavors. Don’t worry if you can’t name every flavor—just focus on what stands out. Step 5: Savor—Think and Rate After swallowing, notice the “finish”—how long the flavors linger. A long, pleasant finish (like a good Pinotage) is a sign of quality. Short and meh? Probably a basic wine. Now’s the time to rate it. Keep it simple with a 1–10 scale: 1–3: Blech, pour it down the sink (or use it for cooking). 4–6: Meh, drinkable but forgettable. Fine for a braai. 7–8: Yum, I’d buy this again! Great for date night. 9–10: Holy grapes, this is life-changing. Hide it from your mates. Jot down your thoughts in a notebook or app. Note the wine’s name, vintage, and what you liked (e.g., “Loved the berry vibes, but too oaky”). Over time, you’ll spot patterns in your tastes. Pro tip: If you’re tasting multiple wines, spit into a bucket (yes, really) to stay sharp. Or don’t—your call! Tips for Tasting Like a Champ Cleanse Your Palate: Between wines, nibble plain crackers or sip water to reset your taste buds. Avoid strong flavors like garlic or coffee before tasting. Use a Good Glass: A tulip-shaped wine glass traps aromas better than a plastic cup. No