Haute Cabrière

We had a fantastic time at the Bastille Festival this weekend. Blue, white and red ribbons were all over Franschhoek. As you walked down the main road you could feast on food and drinks that were supplied by all the shops, bars and restaurants on the strip. The majority of the people were dressed up in the French colours and wore cute berets. Something that was also prominent was the security that was present all over Franschhoek. This created a safe atmosphere as we all know the horrors of pick pocketing that occur as some of these events.

There was also a market you could browse at. Apparently the Franschoek Village Market is there every Saturday from 09:00-14:00. I was impressed by the variety as well as the prices of the produce.  You can buy a large piece of cheesecake for only R20.

We decided not to go the festival wine tent but to visit a wine farm and then soak up the atmosphere in town.

We visited Haute Cabrière and wow I was impressed. I regularly drove past the hobbit house looking cellar and was always intrigued . The weather on Saturday was perfect so we sat outside on the lawn to soak up the sun and the beautiful view.

Let the tasting begin!

Our host Luvuyo was extremely charming and hosted a great tasting experience. There are three tasting options to consider that are R20, R30 or R40.

We went for the "Classic tasting" which was 6 wines for R30.


Now all the MCC's are named after the original founder of Haute Cabrière, Pierre Jourdan. The still wines are named after the property. Haute Cabrière was the first place in South Africa to produce wine according to the correct methode cap classique style. All their wines are produced from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir cultivars.

Our charming host Luvuyo!

We started with the Pierre Jourdan Brut(R110). Now this is one of my favourite alcoholic beverages to drink. If it was possible I would request and IV infusion of this every Saturday :). It provides you with a refreshing and crisp explosion in your mouth. I bought a bottle which will be enjoyed next weekend! Can't wait!

Pierre Jourdan Brut

Next was the Pierre Jourdan Rose(R120). It's made with 100% Pinot Noir cultivar and has a beautiful blush colour and fruity taste. Not as refreshing as the Brut.

Pierre Jourdan Rose

We were very impressed with the Pierre Jourdan Tranquille(R55). This is a very 'dangerous' wine as you can easily finish a bottle on your own. It's a fresh and crisp white wine that will pair perfectly with light salads or seafood.

The other three we tasted were the Chardonnay Pinot Noir(R85), Unwooded Pinot Noir(R85) and Pierre Jordan Ratafia(R85). As a group we preferred the unwooded Pinot Noir over the Chardonnay Pinot noir. The Ratafia is a 'sweet wine' that would definitely warm you up during these cold winter evenings.


The tasting experience at Haute Cabrière is one I would return to. I have done a lot of wine tastings and always enjoy them but rarely I say that I want to return. Haute Cabrière is an exception as they offer a comfortable environment, excellent wine tasting hosts and a beautiful view. Even the parking guard was very charming. A great thing about Haute Cabrière is their education center where they ensure a prosperous future for their employees' children. It's overseen by a qualified teacher and children of school going age can do their homework here in the afternoon while the small kiddies come for day care. I take my hat off to an establishment that goes the extra mile for their employees!

Wine and food pairing wheel

Dining at their adjacent restaurant is also on my bucket list. They also offer cellar tours Monday to Friday from 11:00-15:00 and if you visit on a Saturday you can enjoy the cellerman's tour at 11:00.


Were you at the Bastille Festival? What wines or places stood out for you??

Cheers!

 

Visit them at the beginning of the Franschhoek Pass (R45)
Contact them at 021 876 3688 or restaurant@cabriere.co.za
For more information visit their website
Tweet them @HauteCabriere
Like them on Facebook

Take note: Haute Cabriere Restaurant is closed from 14th July- 5th August for their winter break.