Alluvia, not just a pretty face
21 Jun 2013
Treated with the honeymoon suite at the Alluvia Wine Estate, there was very little to complain about - it's a truly magical setting. Blessed with a sunny day in the middle of winter, we were lured into the "vineyard lifestyle".
Travel through the little city that is Stellenbosch and head towards Helshoogte Pass, situated between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek is Alluvia Wine Estate. Launched just nine years ago, this specialist winery has picked up a raft of awards. But before we imbibe in the wine, I have to emphasise how absolutely beautiful the property really is.
A slice of heaven
Picture a richly green valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains; a dam, just below the bank on which your home-away-from-home sits, serves as a perch to a variety of birdlife, which breaks the sublime silence as they take flight; sheep carelessly grazing on their allocated lot as the sun dips below the majestic peaks. You'll find this little bit of heaven nestled snuggly in the Banhoek Valley.
Once the sun bids you adieu, you'll want to make your way indoors promptly - it gets quite nippy in the valley. The Clovelly honeymoon suite, along with the rest of the accommodation at the farm, is named after the soil types found at Alluvia, so expect an earthy vintage feel to the decor. You can cosy up in the private lounge and warm up by the fireplace with a glass of ilka in hand.
Soil from the gods
Producing award-winning wine, of which we quite willingly partook, is no easy feat, but having soil sent from the gods helps this farm meet its mandate: creating a world-class wine. The soil type consists of alluvial deposits combined with the major underlying soil structure of granite in the mountains and Table Mountain Sandstone. Read more on their unique wine production method on www.alluvia.co.za.
The complimentary bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon - confirmed as the most suited variety for the plot - went down a treat. If you're a fan of this popular red wine grape variety, the ilka is a winner - smooth and accessible, yet full-bodied and fleshy, this blend is subtly alluring. We feasted on a smorgasbord of cheese, along with other picnic delights packed by the kitchen at Alluvia - I would recommend a hearty steak with this wine, otherwise let your hair down and pair it with a meaty fish.
Compliments to the kitchen
Romantics will appreciate the soft lighting in Clovelly, along with the luxurious spa bath, double shower and a glorious king-sized four-poster bed on which to rest your head.
Having to drive back to Cape Town the next morning, we woke up well before the sun hit the valley in order to beat the traffic, but breakfast on the patio in the early morning air is a must. I'd advise to sleep in well after 7am or the cold might put a chill on the warm romantic atmosphere. We were served a second picnic basket filled with muesli, yoghurt and a selection of sliced fruit, along with freshly baked cappuccino muffins, complemented by an orange juice blend. I must mention that both baskets were well portioned with fresh, great tasting meals - compliments go to the kitchen.
Once you've experienced the vineyard lifestyle, you'll not want to leave in a hurry, and if you do have to leave, you'll want to return promptly! Alluvia Wine Estate isn't just a pretty face; it's got great down-to-earth character.
For more information, go to www.alluvia.co.za.
About Sindy Peters
Sindy Peters (@sindy_hullaba_lou) is a group editor at Bizcommunity.com on the Construction & Engineering, Energy & Mining, and Property portals. She can be reached at moc.ytinummoczib@ydnis.