In this newsletter:

Cloudy Nouveau 15-16 April
Fizantakraal Private Trout lodge
Easter Spa Special

What a scorcher of a summer this is turning out to be. I sometimes even find myself longing for the return of that rotten south-easter that spoilt our festive season! But seriously if you are looking for somewhere to enjoy this glorious weather I can heartily recommend a dip in our region’s rivers, farm dams and tucked away rock pools.

This year’s harvest is heading for the homestretch and all reports received from our wineries so far are very positive. The quantity may be slightly down compared to last year, but the quality of the berries is far exceeding expectations! We are really excited about 2011 vintages and can’t wait to see what our talented winemakers can produce this year.

We know you are also anxiously awaiting the end result, and therefore we’ve decided to give you a sneak preview during our Cloudy Nouveau weekend (15 – 16 April), where you will get the opportunity to taste some of the unfiltered wines direct from the tank.

This month we also welcome a new member, the delightful Fizantakraal Private Trout Lodge which is sure to be a winner with fly-fishermen and with Breedekloof fans wanting an exclusive experience.

CLOUDY NOUVEAU 15-16 APRIL:

This is a fun way to experience what the 2011 vintage has to offer, with our wineries offering everything from Sauvignon Blanc slush puppies to sushi, Fynbos mountain hikes, a 4x4 trail, picnics and live music.

Bergsig Estate will serve thirst-quenching Sauvignon Blanc slush puppies, and sell Cabernet Jam, Pinotage Pears and freshly baked raison bread. Their Bistro will be open for breakfast and lunch. There will also be live music on the Saturday.

On the Saturday between 10am and 3pm there will be a vertical wine tasting of Merlot and pan-pizza at Kirabo Private Cellar.

A 6.5km Fynbos hike on the mountainside behind the winery is on the menu at Jason’s Hill Private Cellar, and picnic baskets are available. The farm stall stocks various locally produced crafts while the Bistro will be open for breakfast and lunch. They are also offering discounts on various wines.

Foodies can enjoy tapas and traditional Zwiebelkuchen onion tart at Daschbosch Wine Cellar, where there will also be a jumping castle and sand art for kids. There will be a Honey jewellery exhibition on the Saturday.

There will be an Oes-af potjiekos competition (R400 per team of 4) at Du Toitskloof Wine Cellar on the Saturday, with live music throughout the day. There will also be food stalls and Sauvignon Blanc on tap.

There will be special wine tasting in the cellar every hour at Goudini Wines where the coffee shop serves light meals. There will also be discounts on various wines.

Botha Wine Cellar will serve sushi and cheese platters by Ocean Basket, while Deetlefs Estate will also serve cheese platters.

Opstal Estate will offer discounts on various wines, while their restaurant offers an à la carte menu.

Visitors will also be able to drink 2011 wines direct from the tanks at Slanghoek Wine Cellar.

Badsberg Wine Cellar will host a 4x4 trail on the Saturday. Entries cost R200 per 4x4 vehicle and R100 per quadbike. The winery will be open for wine tasting and sales. The now famous Badsberg steakburgers and chips will be available, as well as a crocodile spitbraai for the more adventurous palate.

Win your weight in wine at the Breërivier Primary School’s annual Breede Mountain Bike Challenge being held on the Saturday. Registration is from 06:00 – 08:15 and the starting time is 08:30. The event offers a 55km Challenge; a 32km Funride; a 16km for Beginners as well as a 4km Kiddies Route

For a detailed programme visit our website www.breedekloof.com

FIZANTAKRAAL PRIVATE TROUT LODGE

The newest BWT member is an elegant private lodge in a dramatic setting among the Du Toitskloof Mountains.

The lodge is simply stunning, with four large en-suite bedrooms - ideally suited to groups of 6 – 8 guests.

There is a large deck with a spectacular infinity pool built over the rugged valley below. The lodge is totally exclusive so that guests can enjoy the entire place to themselves. The lodge is fully catered and gourmet meals are prepared and served daily by private chefs.

The lodge is part of a large private farm that produces organic honey, rainbow trout and Fynbos flowers for the export market.

The Elandspad, Smalblaar and Kraalstroom rivers flow through the farm, all three of which are well known for their cool clear waters that support healthy populations of wild rainbow trout.

One of the rivers feeds four picturesque trout dams set among rolling lawns, stocked with large rainbow trout and brown trout.

The venue is sure to be popular with fly fishermen, birdwatchers, hikers and other nature lovers in search of exclusivity and spectacular settings.

Bird enthusiasts can expect sightings of rare Cape endemic bird species such as the Protea Canary, Orange Breasted Sunbird, Cape Siskin and the Ground Woodpecker.

There are a number of hiking routes on the farm ranging from gentle routes along jeep-tracks to trails following the routes of the farm’s flower pickers for the more adventurous hikers.

The summer rates per night for the lodge are R6 870 (two people), up to R9 940 (8 people). The winter rates are R5 410 (two people) up to R8 420 (8 people). It is only suitable for children 12 and older. Children aged 12 – 16 pay 25% less. The large log fireplace and under floor heating ensure the lodge is cosy in winter.

www.fizantakraaltroutlodge.co.za

EASTER SPA SPECIAL:

The ever popular Goudini Spa is offering guest a discount rate valid from April 1 to April 10. Book your break at the luxury Slanghoek Villas and pay just R1 710 per unit per night. You also stand a chance to win a Weber braai. Contact Goudini@atkv.org.za or call 023 349 8100.

Click here for more information.

We will be exhibiting at the DSTV Getaway Expo this weekend at Lourensford Estate in Somerset West. If you’re heading out that way, stop by the show and join us for a glass of wine! Show times: Friday March 25: 11am-7pm; Saturday March 26: 9am-7pm; and Sunday March 27: 9am-5pm.

So If you are headed our way in 2011, remember to stop in at the Breedekloof Wine & Tourism information office in Rawsonville for brochures and maps – we are open 7 days a week and also offer a selection of our wineries’ wines for tasting and sales. For more information please visit www.breedekloof.com contact us on info@breedekloof.com or phone (023) 349 1791.

Melody Botha
Breedekloof Wine and Tourism

Media queries to be directed to Doug Carew at Splash PR on doug@splashpr.co.za

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