Vinatics

I think it is fair to say that the star of our first Vin-atics tasting evening was the Bon Cap Chardonnay. From Chardonnay-haters (Rob and Simon) to Chardonnay-lovers (Bern and, increasingly, me) it wowed us all and went amazingly well with pretty much everything we ate. So, as I was in Robertson over Easter, I thought I’d pop in and take a look at Bon Cap and see what else they do.

The winery is completely off the beaten track. Coming from the beautiful, fertile valley of ‘Wine and Roses’ made the road up to Eilandia seem even more barren and desolate. As we bumped up the dirt track for 6km, I honestly couldn’t believe that there was going to be anything worthwhile at the end of it all.

And then we came to the brow of the hill and a whole secret little kingdom lay before us. It was like entering the set of ‘Witness’ with green fields, white farm buildings dotted amongst them, labourers amongst the vines. All we needed were some extra-long beards, a couple of pitchforks and Harrison Ford sweating sexily and we would have had the complete picture.

Bon Cap is one of the largest organic farms in SA and they make a couple of different ranges. The Ruins is their second label and offers good value for organic wines in a range which includes the interesting CVV – Chardonnay, Verdelho and Viognier. Unusually for me, we actually weren’t there to taste wines but rather to try the Bistro for a hangover-busting breakfast and if you go there for no other reason, then believe me, this is enough. A huge, homemade cooked brekkie amongst the vines whilst the kids played on one of the best jungle gyms I have seen in recent years and all for a ridiculously low price.

On the way back up the bumpy dirt road, the kids spotted baboons and their cup of happiness ran over. Totally worth the trek out there and we will be back for their R95 all you can eat Sunday buffet with lots and lots of lovely Chardonnay as well. Go try – you’ll love it.

Chardonnay kisses from Cathy