No trip to the Robertson Wine Valley would be complete without a stopover at Zandvliet Wine Farm. Little did I know, but Zandvliet also plays home to the tasty and zesty Clemengold Gin – and their tasting room and other historic elements are beautifully located underground, some of them several levels down – exploring was an absolute treat.
I don’t know about you but I have always loved history since I was in high school and every chance I get to look at old monuments and learn more about our country and my ancestors I leap at it!
Zandvliet has been around since 1838 and was bought by Jacobus Stephanus de Wet in 1867 – and when he died the farm was divided into three stand-alone properties – Zandvliet, Prospect and Excelsior (separate post on that), with Paul de Wet buying the family farm from his eldest brother.
180 years later, ANB Investments (also known for the well-loved ClemenGold mandarin brand) is the proud custodian of this magnificent heritage site – and they are doing a pretty good job, I must say.
So a small piece about Clemengold here… because I totally love their gin!
Ever heard of a ClemenGold? Me either until a few years ago – but they are SA’s leading mandarin, and the team have expertly crafted them into a Cape Dry style gin with subtle hints of citrus which is just about all of the things…
Add to that nine botanicals – with sundried ClemenGold peels taking the flavour lead – followed by orange peel, cinnamon, honey, ground almond, juniper berries, angelica and orris root, and coriander are macerated and vapour-infused. Nom! Add straight or pink tonic for that tang you love and add an orange slice or be funky and throw in a cinnamon stick – or both!
Zandvliet has been gaining major attention in the last few years and their awards are racking up consistently. Tim Atkins’ awarded them a highly sought-after 90+ points for the Kalkveld Shiraz 2015 (92 points) and the Zandvliet Hill of Enon Shiraz 2016 (93 points) in his 2018 South Africa Special Report, and earlier this year the Zandvliet Shiraz 2015 won Double Platinum at the NWC Top 100 awards and a Gold medal (94 points) at the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show.
Deffo worth a visit – and do ask to tour the secret underground rooms 😉
A: Zandvliet Wine Estate is found in the scenic Robertson Valley, not far from Ashton, off the R60.
T: + 27 (0) 23 615 1146
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