Joostenberg Wine Tasting: Organic Wines with a Time-Honoured Story

I recently had the opportunity to visit Joostenberg Wine Estate for a wine tasting experience. Let me tell you, it was a truly special experience that I highly recommend!

Joostenberg Wine Estate is known for their organic wines and the rich history that accompanies each bottle. When you visit their estate, you are not just tasting wine; you are immersing yourself in a story that has been passed down through generations.

From the moment you arrive, you are greeted with warm hospitality and a sense of tradition. The estate itself is stunning, with picturesque vineyards that stretch as far as the eye can see. It’s a sight that immediately transports you to a different time and place.

As you begin your wine tasting journey, you are guided by knowledgeable sommeliers who are passionate about their craft. They will walk you through each wine, explaining the unique characteristics and the careful processes that go into crafting each bottle. It’s a true education in the art of winemaking.

And the wines themselves are truly exceptional. Joostenberg wines are made using organic and sustainable practices, which not only elevates the quality of the wine but also ensures that you are supporting a more environmentally conscious approach to winemaking.

One of my personal favorites was their Chenin Blanc, a crisp and refreshing white wine that is perfect for a warm summer day. Each sip was bursting with flavors of tropical fruits and citrus, making it impossible not to fall in love.

But it’s not just the wine that makes Joostenberg special; it’s the story behind each bottle. The estate has a long history that dates back to the 17th century, and you can feel the weight of that history as you walk through the vineyards and taste the wines.

I left Joostenberg Wine Estate feeling inspired and with a newfound appreciation for the art of winemaking. I highly recommend a visit to anyone who is looking for a unique and memorable wine tasting experience.

This farm right on the border between Stellenbosch and Paarl sticks to the tried and true methods.

When it comes to making great wines, it all starts with the grapes. And at Joostenberg, they make sure to grow their grapes in the most natural way possible. That means no artificial fertilizers, no pesticides, and no added modifications. They’ve been doing things this way since the late 1600s.

The Joostenberg farm has been in the Myburgh family since 1879. But it wasn’t until 1999, when fifth-generation brothers Tyrrel and Philip took over, that they started bringing back the traditional winemaking practices. Thanks to their commitment, Joostenberg achieved full organic status in 2012.

The real deal

Welcome to our charming tasting and wine sales room! Our rustic waenhuis, or wagon house, has been lovingly transformed into a cozy space where you can enjoy our delightful wines. As you savor each sip, take a moment to appreciate the breathtaking scenery that surrounds you. From the farmyard and garden to the sprawling vineyards beyond, the view is simply enchanting.

Our winemaker, Tyrrel Myburgh, is passionate about the winemaking process. He believes in a minimalist approach, using traditional techniques that have stood the test of time. We don’t believe in interfering with nature’s work of art. That means no additives or modifications. We let the grapes guide us through the cellar, allowing their natural flavors to shine. For us, the terroir, or the unique characteristics of the land, is sacred and shouldn’t be tampered with.

When it comes to making truly exceptional organic wines in South Africa, I believe it all boils down to one simple thing: caring. Yes, you heard me right. Caring. It may sound strange, but it’s true. By truly caring about every step of the winemaking process, from the moment the grapes are picked to the bottling and labeling, we are able to capture and express the unspoiled essence of the terroir in each and every sip.

A harmonious medley of flavors

Every week in our tasting room, we select five bottles to uncork and try out. Some of these may be older vintages or wines that are more experimental in nature.

One of our standout wines is the Joostenberg Bakermat, which is a rich and intricate blend of red wines. We also have the Family Red, a wine that holds a special place in our hearts during Myburgh family get-togethers. Additionally, we offer a couple of exceptional chenins, which many consider to be the finest white wine grapes in South Africa.

I want to share with you some stories about our wines. Each one has a unique tale, like the enchanting Cinderella story of our Agteros Chenin Blanc. This wine is a true hero, just like the courageous Klippe Kou Syrah. And let’s not forget the exotic Fairhead white blend, which was inspired by our remarkable family matriarch.

Now, let me introduce you to some of our best-sellers. The Chenin Blanc Noble Late Harvest is a perennial favorite, loved by many. And we have two special wines that pay homage to our great-grandfathers. The first is our Cinsault, and the second is the Myburgh Bros. Muscat d’Alexandrie. The Muscat is made from grapes grown in a neighbor’s old hanepoot vineyard and has a dry yet incredibly aromatic style.

Each of these wines has its own unique character and story. When you try them, you’ll experience the passion and dedication that we put into every bottle. I hope you enjoy exploring our range of wines and discovering the stories that make them truly special.

Hey there! Let me tell you about the Small Batch Collection of rare and experimental wines. These wines are super special because they’re made in really small quantities. Can you believe that the Roussane only had 264 bottles, and the Mourvèdre had just 288? That’s not a lot at all!

So, why do they make so few? Well, it’s because the winemakers want to do something different. They want to go beyond the usual and try new things. They want to capture the true essence of a specific vineyard in the most amazing way possible. And by making these small batches, they can really push the boundaries and see what they can create.

Now, if you’re getting excited about trying these wines, you’re in luck! We have a great offer for you. You can get a complimentary wine tasting. That means you can sample these rare and experimental wines for absolutely no cost at all. How awesome is that? It’s a fantastic opportunity to see if these wines are to your liking.

So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and shop now to get your hands on these unique and limited wines. Trust me, you don’t want to miss out!

Complimentary wine tastings

At the Kraal Restaurant, you can have a relaxing lunch every weekend. The restaurant has a great atmosphere, just like the tasting room. Chef Garth Bedford creates a new menu each week, and you can pair your meal with one of the five featured wines. You can order the wine by the glass, carafe, or bottle. Before you eat, you can even try a complimentary wine tasting.

The restaurant is open from Friday to Sunday, from 10am to 4pm. The cost is R75 for four wines. If you have any questions or want to make a reservation, you can call 021 200 9903 or email winery@joostenberg.co.za. The Kraal Restaurant is located on Hoopenburg Road in Muldersvlei, Stellenbosch.