Set on one of the busiest roads in Johannesburg, witkoppen, is a quaint beach bar with personality galore!

The greenhouse was the home for this wine tasting with Hawksmoor wines.

Earlier that day, I met up with a friend that I hadn’t seen in 2 years. Our brunch turned into an afternoon break and wine tasting under a chilly South African sky.

Matjieskuil Farm has a long history spanning over 300 years, with vines and viticulture a constant theme. The current owners purchased in 2004 and have meticulously restored , under the guidance of “Heritage Western Cape” most of the farm’s historic buildings, including the main Cape Dutch house.

-Hawksmoor.co.za

The host, Bongani, a fellow wine lover, delivered a comprehensive history of the farm where he got to know this wine. He had handpicked 6 wines that I had the privilege to indulge in.

Well he raved about the triginta, I found my pallet leaning towards their cabernet sauvignon and my friend agreed. Light on the pallette with deep undertones that classically personify this wine as a typical cab sauv. It was one for the record books. Our cheese platter allowed to create our own pairing session and I got to show off the amazing depth of flavour a true cabernet sauvignon has to offer.

I was a little disappointed not to taste more white wines. I never lean towards them so I feel like I never give them the time of day.

We make a single variety wine from each of our If there are going to be rules, then there has to be an exception to the rule! Our rule is only to use the grapes from our farm for Hawksmoor wines. Notwithstanding this, Cabernet Sauvignon is a very popular grape, particularly with our overseas guests who have taken our venue for an event such as a wedding or birthday party. Most of our neighbours, and certainly our farm workers (who live on the farm) are Afrikaans speakers. It is for this reason we chose the name “Buurman” for our single varietal Cabernet Sauvignon since it means “neighbour” in Afrikaans – and it was from a good neighbour that we sourced the grapes.

-Hawksmoor.co.za

Stellenbosch is the home of many large and small wines. Their positioning allows them to produce amazing white and red wines. This particular region where Hawksmoor is location makes really great reds, so it’s no wonder that our host, Bongani, chose to showcase them.

What I appreciate about their wines is their ability to create wines that are true to their blend. From colour, to smell and even translating into taste.

With some of their wines getting recognised in the Platters association, I am definitely looking forward to trying more of their wines on my next trip to the Cape.

Here’s a little more pics of the night.