One of its distinguishing characteristics is a small range of low limestone hills on the southern outskirts of the farm, bringing the special magic to its kalkveld (calcareous earth) terroir. Their flagship Kalkveld Shiraz has now inspired the development of the Kalkveld Lounge, an intricately designed tasting room which will significantly augment the area’s tourism offering.
Kalkveld Lounge – wine indulgence
“The opening of the Kalkveld Lounge was the first stage of a comprehensive re-design of the area surrounding the historic Cape Dutch homestead (this gabled architectural style is quite unique for this area),” says winemaker Jacques Cilliers. “The expansion will further include 4-star accommodation, a restaurant, and conference facilities – all elements sure to lure locals, tourists, corporates and couples planning the perfect wedding.”
Interior designer Philip Pikus of Cape Town handled the aesthetics. “The main inspiration behind the Kalkveld Lounge lies in the Zandvliet Estate itself,” he says. “I wanted to take the concept of a working farm and integrate that into the interior with elements of old and new in perfect harmony to produce an atmosphere of understated luxury.” Pikus’s approach to design resonates with Zandvliet’s passion to celebrate local talent. “I am all about sourcing responsibly, ethically and locally and I’m really excited that everything you will see there is proudly made in South Africa.”
Upcycling is a strong theme and Pikus worked closely with his brother, Stephen Pikus who handcrafts luminaires predominately from recycled, repurposed and renewable materials. “We’ve, wherever possible used things from the farm to upcycle into something new and beautiful.” An 8-meter long custom-built chandelier made from recycled wine bottles that hangs above the two long wooden tables in the main wine tasting area will warm the hearts of visitors.
- In addition to the tasting of the Zandvliet Estate wine range, a tantalizing and quite unique Zandvliet wine and ClemenGold citrus synergy is found when wines are paired with ClemenGold products, think Biscotti, Panforte and such. (more info below)
- The Kalkveld Lounge also offers you the opportunity to try your hand at blending your own wine with the guidance of winemaker Jacques Cilliers. Your very own blend is bottled and labeled for you – ready to be taken home for the next celebratory event.
Home of Shiraz
Zandvliet’s special relationship with Shiraz will continue as part of the estates wine making strategy. “We are currently planting more Shiraz on the farm: this year 4ha and next year another 15ha,” says Cilliers. “In order to produce a Rhone-style blend with Shiraz Mouvedre, Grenache, Carignan, Counoise and Terret Noir, we’ve also established these cultivars during 2017.”
The ClemenGold Gin angle
Flowing from the passion for the ClemenGold fruit planted on the farm (the ANB Investment Group that also owns Zandvliet’s most famous product), ClemenGold Gin was born.
Nine botanicals – with sundried ClemenGold peels taking the flavour lead – are used when distilling this handcrafted gin. ClemenGold and orange peel, cinnamon, honey, ground almond, juniper berries, angelica and orris root, and coriander are macerated and vapour-infused to bring gin aficionados this smooth Classic Cape Dry style gin with subtle hints of citrus.
ClemenGold is a wonderfully sweet and aromatic soft citrus fruit that is sun-ripened and handpicked by selected mandarin growers from across the world. The essence of sunshine that this fruit imparts to this cosmopolitan gin is headily aromatic. We like to think of it as ‘citrus at its best’.
Hope on Hopkins Distillery, in the heart of the Mother City, creates ClemenGold Gin using the age-old process of small-batch distillation with their two faithful stills, Mildred and Maude. The bespoke bottle and unique packaging design act as the perfect prelude for a great tasting experience.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 – 17:00 and Saturdays 10:00 – 17:00.For more information, visit www.zandvliet.co.za or contact the Kalkveld Lounge at Tel +27.236151146.