It is Sunday morning just before 8 am and first punch down is done, yes, this old dog still can do a punch down. It has been a hectic few weeks especially this last week where we took in 33% of the harvest in one week!! A normal harvest will be around 8 weeks.
It all started with a big thunderstorm and rain on Sunday 8 February where certain parts of the Western Cape received over 160-200mm of rain in two days. In the vineyards we source from, the amount of rain ranged from 180mm in Walker Bay to 30mm in Somerset West and Stellenbosch area. Agter-Paarl and Hermon received around 10-13mm, and Darling did not receive a drop! This resulted in us taking in just two loads of grapes that week as we needed to let the fruit concentrate again as the vine pushes some water into the bunches.
On Monday 16 February we were hit with temperatures up to 45C in some vineyards and all hell broke loose. Suddenly sugars spiked and we had to scramble to get grapes off before we were making fortified wines. The result were taking in 33% of our harvest in one week! Hats off to my team that really gave their all this week.
We are now 70% through vintage and we are not even in March. This week we are also looking at taking in around 20% of our harvest, which means we will almost be done with harvest by the end of February! This is unheard of as we normally finish in the last week of March or sometimes picking the first week of April.
Looking at the ferments going we are excited about the concentration in the red wines and beautiful ripe flavours in the likes of Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc.
Well, the ferments are calling and I need to run to the next punch down.
Cheers,
Gerhard Swart
14 March: Quiz Day at Flagstone
Join us at Flagstone on 14 March for a fun afternoon of trivia and friendly competition. Come and test your general knowledge while having loads of fun and excellent wine!
Five rounds of ten questions each – every round a different genre – so there’s something for everyone. Bring your team, test your knowledge, and enjoy a great atmosphere in the tasting room.
Seating is limited, so be sure to book your spot soon.
Date: 14 March 2026
Time: 13h00 - 15h00
Tickets: R100 per person
Teams: Maximum 6 players per team
For bookings, send an email to diehotelhenry@gmail.com.
Exciting Flagstone wine prizes to be won!
Wine on promotion: 24 February - 8 March
Enjoy a 33% discount on the following wines:
- Poetry Sauvignon Blanc 2025
- Poetry Cinsault Rosé 2025
- Longitude Red Blend 2024
- Dragon Tree Cape Blend 2022
Click HERE to shop now.
Food and wine pop-up events
We’re excited to share the new menus for our upcoming food and wine pop-up events, taking place on 27 and 28 February, and 6 and 7 March.
Join us at the Tasting Room between 12h00 and 15h00 for a relaxed afternoon – chefs Mark and Mo will be serving their latest menu, and our wines will be available to enjoy alongside your meal.
Flagstone pop-up menu: 27 and 28 February
As a starter
Roasted beetroot and plum salad with homemade ricotta, walnut rosemary crumble and port vinaigrette - R100
As a main
Oven baked linefish with courgette and fennel salad with preserved lemon dressing and crisp roasted potatoes - R170
From the fire: Aged prime rib with mushroom potato bake, chimichurri relish and slow roasted rainbow tomatoes - R175
For dessert
Classic Victoria sponge cake with vanilla mascarpone, hanepoot roasted peaches and nectarines - R90
Flagstone pop-up menu: 6 and 7 March
As a starter
Baked polenta tart with feta, za'atar tomatoes, confit red peppers and wild rocket herb salad - R100
As a main
Spiced BBQ chicken with carrots, chickpeas, coriander rice, citrus salad and roti - R165
Slow braised pork vindaloo with coconut rice, mango chutney and naan - R170
For dessert
Middle eastern citrus Muhallabieh with passion fruit, honey and almond nut wafer - R90
Bookings are essential. To reserve your spot, please contact us at flagstone.wines@vinarchy.com or call 021 850 5891. We look forward to welcoming you!
