Stellenbosch Wine Tasting: Discovering Tradition at Middelvlei Estate

When you find yourself in the beautiful town of Stellenbosch, there’s one thing you absolutely cannot miss out on: wine tasting. And if you’re searching for an unforgettable experience, I’ve got just the place for you.

Now, let me tell you, there are wine tastings, and then there are wine tastings. And let me assure you, folks in the grape basket of the Western Cape know good wine like Carrie Bradshaw knows… well… good grammar?

Take a look at this adorable photo of a wine farm dog living the tough life! Isn’t it just heartwarming?

Embrace a Unique Stellenbosch Wine Tasting Adventure

Hey there! Let me tell you about my visit to Middelvlei Wine Estate. It was such a fantastic experience! I got to meet Ben and his three adorable dogs, Merlot, Papsak, and Alsace. They showed me around the cellar, which was built back in 1941. The Momberg family has always valued tradition, so Tinnie, Ben’s dad, makes sure to combine old and new techniques to maintain the high quality of the wines at Middelvlei. It’s really impressive!

One thing that caught my attention was the way they handle the grapes. They still use open tanks, which allow them to stomp the grapes, a process called pigeage. It’s a traditional method, and I have to say, it sounds like a lot of fun! I even got to try it myself. Crushing grapes with my feet was something I’ve always wanted to do.

Ben is not only passionate about wine, but he’s also a big animal lover and conservationist. He has taken great care of the cellar by designing special roosts for barn owls. He has even rehabilitated several blue cranes, which is incredible. And guess what? They even have wallabies in their mini menagerie! How cool is that?

Now, I know what you’re probably wondering. “But how are their wines?” Well, let me tell you, they are simply amazing. I had the pleasure of tasting some of their wines, and they were absolutely delicious. Middelvlei Wine Estate offers a league of incredible wines that you can’t find anywhere else.

So, if you’re a wine enthusiast like me, you should definitely pay a visit to Middelvlei Wine Estate. You’ll get to explore the cellar, meet Ben and his furry friends, and savor their exceptional wines. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss!

League of incredible wines. Photo by Scarlet Nguni

Middelvlei Wines are just like our family – uncomplicated and classy.

Let me introduce you to three of our exceptional wines:

2013 Chardonnay: This Chardonnay is full of flavor, with a spicy and smooth taste. It has refined but fruity notes of guava that will delight your taste buds. Imagine Reese Witherspoon in Walk The Line.

2011 Pinotage/Merlot: Our Pinotage/Merlot blend is a powerful and well-rounded wine. It has a rich 50/50 blend with hints of leather and tobacco. The bright plum and cherry notes are perfectly balanced. It’s a wine that demands to be taken seriously, just like Audrey Hepburn meets Angelina Jolie on a UN Ambassadorial visit.

2012 Free-Run Pinotage: This wine is unique to South Africa. It’s a mix of pinot noir and cinsaut varietals, called pinotage. Our Free-Run Pinotage is soft, smooth, and voluptuous. You’ll taste delightful notes of raspberry and oak. Imagine Scarlett Johansson addressing parliament.

At Middelvlei, we believe that a good wine is like family – it brings people together and creates unforgettable moments. So, why not choose one of our exceptional wines and make your moments even more special?

The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine that catches your attention right from the start. Its sharp almond aroma tantalizes your senses, while its robust and velvety flavor envelops your palate. The mature cherry and blackberry notes add depth and complexity, making it a truly delightful experience.

When I think of this wine, I imagine someone with high cheekbones and an athletic appetite, like Rhona Mitra holding a smoking gun. It has that same intriguing combination of strength and allure.

Another exceptional wine from Middelvlei is the 2010 Momberg. This wine is a tribute to the winemaking father, Stiljan, and his unwavering commitment to consistency and quality. Tinnie, in crafting this flagship red, focused solely on creating a wine of exceptional quality. That’s why the composition of the Momberg changes from year to year – only the very best makes it into the bottle.

The Momberg is a deeper, more complex wine with a rich bouquet. The berry notes are complemented by undertones of leather satchel, giving it a sense of gravitas. It reminds me of a graceful older woman of royal birth, like Caroline, princess of Monaco. It’s a wine that demands respect and admiration.

But what really impressed me about these wines was something else entirely. It was that initial moment, that first taste, when they had me hooked. They had me at hello. And from that point on, I knew I had found something special. These wines are more than just drinks – they are experiences that captivate and enthrall.

2010 Shiraz: This Shiraz is like no other. It’s shy yet full of flavor, playful and captivating, with a unique blend of muddy earth and acetone aroma that transforms into the scent of French violets. It’s a bit like Coco Channel wearing rubber boots. It’s my absolute favorite!

When I left, I couldn’t resist buying a whole case of Shiraz and a few bottles of their flagship red. I knew I would need to restock soon because that supply was already running low!

Come with an appetite

Hey there! Let me tell you about this amazing place I discovered. They have something called a Boerebraai, which is basically a farmer’s barbecue. It’s a must-try for anyone visiting from abroad. They serve traditional South African food with a fancy twist. You’ll love their delicious roosterkoek, braaibroodjies, and moerkoffie. The best part is, the atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly. You can spend a whole day there, enjoying great food, fantastic wines, and the beautiful outdoors.

And guess what? They even have a mini zoo! You and your kids can explore the farm life and meet cute animals like goats, geese, and even tortoises. Make sure to keep an eye out for the wallabies!

Looking for accommodation?

So here’s the deal: there’s this super adorable cottage on the farm (because you know, it’s not the best idea to drive after indulging in some old-school wine tastings, and nothing beats waking up on a farm), but unfortunately, it was fully booked when we visited. So instead, we ended up staying at these trendy Rustenbosch Guest House Apartments, inspired by none other than the Big Apple itself. Now, let me tell you, these self-catering units were a godsend in the scorching summer heat of Stellenbosch, a bustling little city. Each apartment opened up right onto a beautiful pool and garden area, offering a heavenly oasis of coolness. Oh, and let me give you a pro tip: if you’re willing to shell out an extra R100, go for apartments 1-3. They’re bigger and give you more space to stretch out and unwind.

Rustenbosch apartments: New York style in Stellenbosch. Photo by Scarlet Nguni

Now, let me tell you about our apartment. It was seriously the sweetest setup – so quiet and comfortable that those blackout curtains pulled some serious magic on us, and we ended up oversleeping the next morning. And trust me, that never happens! And for a coffee fanatic like me, you’ll be thrilled to hear that they provided real coffee and a plunger. Unfortunately, we missed out on breakfast because we slept in, but let me tell you, those on-the-go health muffins were to die for. Hands down the best I’ve ever had.