A Leisurely Walk to The Oldest Pinotage Vineyard

Hear interesting stories from the owner, taste wine, and tuck into a cheese luncheon

The Top of The Hill Vineyard Walk takes place once a month on a Saturday during summer and you can attend the next one on Saturday, 25 January 2020. The walk is hosted by the owner, Pieter De Waal, who has many interesting stories to share about the history of the vineyard.

Charl Theron de Waal became the first winemaker in South Africa to produce a Pinotage wine in 1941. He produced this wine on request of Professor Abraham Izak Perold, who created and grew the first Pinotage vines in 1925. This was the first experimental barrel of Pinotage produced in South Africa, with the first commercial Pinotage wine being sold in the early 1960s.

THE VINEYARD WALK
The 2.5km walk is done at a leisurely pace surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the Stellenbosch Kloof Valley, the breathtaking Simonsberg, Stellenbosch and Hottentots Holland mountains, as well as the neighbouring farms, vineyards and dams.

You’ll walk to a vineyard named Top of the Hill Pinotage vineyard, which is The oldest Pinotage vineyard in the world, according to Helga Truter, Sales and Marketing Manager at De Waal Wines. The Pinotage bush vines were planted by the current owner’s father, Danie de Waal in 1950. You’ll stroll through the vineyards to a lone giant fig tree standing on the highest point on the farm, next to the 70-year-old vines.   Here, you will taste the Top of the Hill Pinotage from the 2015 vintage, before heading back to the tasting room and terrace.

HAVE YOUR CHEESE AND EAT IT TOO
At the tasting room and terrace, you’ll taste four other wines and enjoy a cheese luncheon. This includes a selection of local cheeses, home-baked breads, preserves and local treats, accompanied by a glass of wine from the De Waal Wines lifestyle range.

STEEPED IN HISTORY
The De Waal family has been producing wine in South Africa for nine generations. Pieter de Waal, who hosts this event, is part of the ninth generation and lives in the manor house on the farm, a national monument dating back to 1791.

ATTENDING TOP OF THE HILL
Attending the event costs R295 per person, and it is suitable for adults. To make a booking, please contact admin@dewaal.co.za or +27(0)21 881 3711. The experience is limited to a maximum of 16 guests to keep it personal and intimate. The walk is scheduled to take place on 25 January, 22 February, and 28 March 2020. Parking is available at the farm’s tasting room at no cost. 

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If you love walking, check out the St James Coastal Walk and hikes in Cape Town. 

Find out more about the South African varietal Pinotage, and have you heard about these special Sunday tastings and top wine tasting spots?

While you’re in the winelands, why not check out Haskell Vineyards?

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