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We are very proud that the organizers of the , the largest mountain bike stage race in the world, have chosen Meerendal Wine Estate to host the Prologue of the Absa Cape Epic on Sunday 25 March 2012.
The participating riders are at the focal point of this highly regarded international event. Their satisfaction, well-being and enjoyment of the race are the organisers' primary goals and we are looking forward spoiling them too with our hospitality here at our beautiful wine estate...
The dramatic new route of the ninth edition of the Absa Cape Epic, which takes place from 25 March to 1 April next year (2012), will be as exciting and challenging as previous years. Both local and international mountain biking enthusiasts will be taking on the demanding eight day mountain bike adventure of 780km with 16 300m of climbing from Meerendal Wine Estate in Durbanville to the finish line at Lourensford Wine Estate in Somerset West.
For the fourth time in the Absa Cape Epic’s history, riders will compete in a prologue on Sunday 25 March 2012. A common feature in grand road cycling tours, the prologue on the Meerendal Wine Estate will allow spectators to see teams race against the clock. This showcase event will decide which teams will wear the coveted leaders’ jerseys at the start of stage 1 on Monday, 26 March 2012, in Durbanville.
Meerendal Wine Estate is preparing a special area of five hectares next to the winery where the Race Village will be set up. It will accommodate amongst others the race offices, Absa hospitality tent, bike racks and wash area, recovery zone and food stalls.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for Meerendal Wine Estate and the Durbanville Wine Valley to showcase our superb wines and the amazing landscape and beauty of the Tygerberg Hills. It will be a wonderful boost for tourism in Durbanville and the surroundings too” says GM of Meerendal, Willi Botha.
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Another International group of musicians will be enjoying the hospitality of Meerendal during their tour of South Africa later this month.
Like Smokey earlier in the year, Meerendal is working together with Lefra Productions to provide the wines for the luncheons and official functions on the Boney M Christmas Special World Tour from 15 to 20 December.
There are performances at Sun City (16 Dec), Carnival City (17 Dec) and Grand West in Cape Town (20 Dec).
The group will visit Meerendal on 19 December for a special tour of the cellar and a gourmet dinner in the Manor House restaurant. |
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Despite a very dry winter season, with below than average rainfall, our vineyards are in absolutely great condition.
So far it has been very cool during the first few months of the growing season and that has assisted the vineyards to grow so well.
The bunches are looking very healthy and we expect a top quality harvest. |
A healthy Pinot Noir Bunch
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The first ever Pinot Noir at Meerendal has just been bottled and according to Liza Goodwin, Meerendal’s cellar master the wine is amazing! The vines were planted in 2008 and the first grapes were harvested in February this year. It has spent nine months in French oak barrels.
The wine will officially be launched on the 6th February 2012, a date that has significant value to Meerendal, because the farm was registered on 6th February 1702. Only 3000 bottles were made. More about the wine in our next news letter just after the launch. |
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At the annual Nederburg Auction that was held in September, the rare Meerendal wines that were sold did extremely well. The 1996 Pinotage sold for R453 per bottle, the 2005 Single Vineyard Merlot for R147 per bottle and the Cabernet Sauvignon Magnums for R460 each. These prices excludes vat.
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| Liza Goodwin and Victor Rossouw from Meerendal with buyers from the Taj hotel at the tasting at the Nederburg Auction |
Ronel and Willi Botha and Wessel and Magda Coertze from Meerendal at the informal lunch at the auction. |
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Despite a chilly South Easter that blew over the weekend of 1 & 2 October, everybody joined in the fun over our celebrations of the new vintage of Sauvignon Blanc in the Durbanville Wine Valley.
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| The starter at the Sauvignon Blanc dinner |
Liza Goodwin with guests at the dinner |
Visitors in the tasting room |
People loved the Farmers market on the Saturday, while eager tasters joined Liza Goodwin and Bennie Howard in the cellar for a series of tutored Sauvignon Blanc tastings that included older vintages from the estate as well as a Sauvignon from the Loire valley in France and Marlborough in New Zealand.
Due to the weather conditions, the cellar was turned into a makeshift restaurant to accommodate all the guests for the marvelous West Coast Braai and the “Sauvignon on Tap” from the barrel was a great idea! The dinner in the Manor House with five sauvignons paired with five courses was a hit and guests loved the evening.
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The Farmers market that is held every month on the farm is fast becoming one of the “must to attend” events on the calendar of shoppers.
The last market for 2011 will be on 17 December giving you a chance to come and do your last Christmas shopping!
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| 14 Jan,
11 Feb,
10 and 25 Mar,
14 Apr,
12 May,
16 Jun,
14 Jul,
11 Aug,
15 September,
13 Oct,
10 Nov,
8 Dec. |
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Meerendal in conjunction with Julita Kok of NueLight Productions will be presenting live Cabaret evenings at the on a regular basis on Wednesday evenings.
A delightful three course meal will be served while you enjoy the variety of entertainers that will be performing during the night. |
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The menu includes a plated starter of salmon terrine with rocket pesto and petite pickled red onion salad.
To follow from the buffet will be roast topside of beef, traditionally stuffed turkey and deboned pork belly slow roasted and glazed with English mustard and sweet soy. A variety of salads, baby potatoes, roast vegetables and other delicacies will be available.
For dessert there will be trifle, chocolate mouse, ginger brulee, malva pudding and pineapple panna cotta. |
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The regional dish of Durbanville pays tribute to the days when Durbanville was still a farmer’s market town known as Pampoenkraal
(‘pumpkin corral’) - a border outpost owned by the Dutch East India Company where fresh meat and other farm produce were bartered with the locals.
The dish reflects the bounty and rich heritage of the region.
The main ingredients – lamb, pearled wheat and pumpkin – act as flavourful reminders that the area has been farmed for centuries. The aromatic and lightly curried flavours also nods to the past when the Cape was on the Spice Route. |
The regional dish will be on the menu of restaurants on the wine farms of members and will also be served during festivals and special events.
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The popular Cape Table Buffet at the Barn and Lawn on a Sunday has been upgraded and more dishes and condiments have been added.
The bigger selection now carries some of the items from the Deli. More attention is also given to a variety of desserts.
A great addition is the that is served free as part of the buffet.
It is a soft and juicy blended red wine from the 2011 vintage.
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We offer all our customers a special 10% discount on all our Prestige wines during December 2011.
This is an ideal opportunity to but someone an excellent wine for Christmas. It includes our wooded 2007 Sauvignon Blanc Bin 242, the 2006 Shiraz Bin 159, the 2007 Reserve Merlot, the 2006 Heritage Block Pinotage and the 2009 Chenin Blanc Natural Sweet.
Please come and taste with David and Riaan in the tasting room and make your purchase. |
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Please note that our facilities will be closed on the following days during the holidays:
26 December 2011 as well as 01 January and 02 January 2012 |
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Tel: +27 21 975 1655 | www.meerendal.co.za
| info@meerendal.co.za
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