Travelling regularly to the Cape Winelands over the past ten years, especially around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, I have been to quite a few of the excellent wineries in this area. And never have I been disappointed whatever winery I have visited. Yet, with only a few days each year to explore those I have not visited yet, I am obviously keen to find those which are the most unique. Although my plan is to visit most of them in the end.
It was either a lucky coincidence or simply meant to be that I came across Louisvale Wines in a magazine featuring their new event facility. With its unusual quirky design, it is right up my alley as you will know if you follow my blog.
That said, the building blends in with the surroundings quite naturally. That’s because the new building does indeed reflect the traditional domed huts of the area’s first inhabitants, the nomadic Khoekhoen.
The Khoekhoen were indigenous herders that are believed to have originated somewhere in the northern parts of today’s Botswana and have migrated as far south as South Africa’s Cape region around 2,000 years ago. Their livelihoods were based on stock and they would move with their herds on a seasonal basis.
Louisvale Wines is nestled right at the end of the beautiful Devon Valley near Stellenbosch, on top of the gentle slopes overlooking the stunning surroundings.
The winery’s complex, with the new facility added to the historic manor house perfectly blends the traditional Khoekhoen style with the Cape Dutch architecture that was brought to the area by the early European settlers in the 17th century.
Both the large wooden deck in front of the old manor house as well as the offer stunning views over the surrounding vineyards and mountain range.
These days, you can basically pick where you want to have a wine tasting or lunch: The historic manor house with its large wooden deck or the new Khoekhoen which not only offers stunning views over the surroundings from the inside as well, but also an amazing contemporary design and art exposures.
As for the wine, Louisvale Wines is particularly known for their award-winning Chardonnay. In fact, the winery is considered to be among the pioneers of Chardonnay in South Africa. Thus you should definitely try both their Chardonnay and unwooded Chardonnay while there.
Whilst Louisvale vineyards are planted exclusively to Chardonnay, they also source vines from other vineyards in the area to make other wines too.
The winery recently launched their own MCC range (referring to Methode Cape Classique wines, sparkling wines produced using the traditional method for Champagne), including an excellent MCC brut and an MCC brut rosé.
In addition, they also produce a Sauvignon Blanc, two still rosé wines along with a Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot.
It’s not only the exquisite wine that makes a stop at Louisvale worthwhile, however. The on-site restaurant offers excellent locally sourced food. The French-Italian inspired menu changes on a monthly basis but you can expect there will be some cheese and charcuterie platters, pizza as well as local meat like ostrich or springbok.
Louisvale Wines
Devon Valley Road
Devonvallei, Stellenbosch, 7600
https://www.louisvale.com/
Carrots and Tigers 