Diemersfontein: Another long harvest, but a great one

Monday, 4 April, 2022
Diemersfontein
For the second time in a row, Diemersfontein experienced a long and late harvest. Read winemaker Francois' final harvest report.

Diemersfontein harvest report

We were smashed with heat wave after heat wave in February and March here at Diemersfontein, with typical Gauteng late afternoon thundershowers. Usually in the Western Cape, a sign of seasons starting to change, But this also made me wonder if this is not signs of changing weather patterns in the region.

We can report a good increase in volume this year, which we are all very happy about, especially after the long drought spell we had. For many cellars this is also creating challenges with storage as they are still fighting the build up of wine after the slow sales in 2020 and 2021, due to the Covid-19 alcohol bans that was instated.

I am especially excited about the colours of our individual Rosé tanks, beautiful pink hues and aromas that makes you want to take an extra sniff before tasting. The last fermenting tanks of Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec shows great potential and will soon go into barrel to rest for the next 12-16 months before bottling.

The last tanks are still busy with malolactic fermentation, but we are beaming with pride and excited for the quality so far.

With the last grapes coming in so late we also had to start with our olive harvest last week. During the drought we actually had a year where our trees produced no olives at all, but this is definitely an ‘on’ year for the olives as the branches are filled with loads of fruit ready to produce our Diemersfontein Extra Virgin olive oil.

I have to say there was a time in this past month where I was wondering if I should cancel my Easter plans, but glad to say we are all heading off for a well-deserved rest and grateful hearts, after a really good harvest!

Diemersfontein's events in April

Pinotage and Biltong Festival (23-24 April)

The popular Pinotage and Biltong Festival is back in 2022 after a 2-year hiatus due to the pandemic, and we couldn't be more excited! We will be joining in on the fun this year at Perdeberg Wines in Paarl on 23-24 April where you will have the opportunity to taste all our Pinotage products!
Make sure to book your tickets today.

Click HERE to book your tickets.

Easter Sunday Buffet Lunch (17 April)

Bring the family to Diemersfontein on Sunday 17 April for a delicious Easter Sunday Lunch in our Restaurant.

Lunch will be served between 12:00 until 15:00. The restaurant closes at 16:00.

Lunch buffet menu:

  • Pickled fish with freshly baked farm style rolls
  • Barbeque chicken kebabs
  • Garlic and lemon seafood paella
  • Salads: Fresh garden salad, Traditional potato salad
  • Sides: Pumpkin fritters and cumin roasted carrots
  • Dessert: Decadent chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream

 

R395 per person, and R200 for children.

Availability is limited, hence booking and pre-payment required. For bookings, contact 021 864 5050 or email: reception@diemersfontein.co.za. Unfortunately no walk ins will be allowed. Beverages can be settled on the day.

 

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Francois Roode
Francois Roode

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