Few wine ranges can tell a more captivating story than the extensive history of Winters Drift wines which honour the remarkable story of two pioneering and philanthropic bachelor brothers, Ted and Harry Molteno. Just as the brothers’ legacy dramatically changed the face of Elgin, so too did the railroad and the Elgin Station, built on their Glen Elgin farm, revolutionise the valley’s burgeoning deciduous fruit industry. This rich heritage infuses the location of their tasting venue and new eatery with an air of timelessness and nostalgia. The original railway line, which runs through Glen Elgin farm, is still operational today, with two to three grain-laden trains passing through daily, faithfully retaining the atmosphere of the hustle and bustle of the Elgin Station in its heyday. On arrival, one is ‘transported’ back in time, greeted by the quaint old ticket office, and the elegant Molteno brothers’ 100 year old mantle clock which personifies the passage of time (and is also depicted on the wine labels). Meander through the wealth of memorabilia, chancing across vintage suitcases, original railway benches and antique telephones. So, stop the clock, come along and soak up the old world charm. Platform 1’s informal ambience lends itself to the timelessness of this railway setting. Serving delectable seasonally-inspired dishes, served on wooden boards, with a commitment to local and sustainable ingredients, Platform 1 is a must stop-off in Elgin. Start your ‘journey’ through the day with a Platform 1 breakfast with a cup of freshly-brewed, piping hot coffee. Or refresh yourself with a mid-journey pit-stop and relish a railway-style lunch where the innovative and well-priced black-board menu changes regularly. Daily features include hearty country-style soups and stews, burgers and steaks grilled to perfection, a popular Tapas board, and on the lighter side, enjoy home-made quiches and a variety of salads. On a more indulgent note, Wednesdays are ‘Koek-en-Tee’ days at Platform 1. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee from the renowned Bean There Company with an array of decadent cakes. The experience is cosy and relaxed and the dishes are complemented by the Winters Drift range of fine wines which can be ordered by the glass, at only R20 to R35 per glass, or share a bottle, served at cellar door prices: Winters Drift 2012 Sauvignon Blanc, new vintage release retailing at R67; Winters Drift 2012 Pinot Noir, first commercial release retailing at R105 at Winters Drift; Winters Drift 2012 Shiraz, maiden release retailing at R85; Winters Drift 2011 Rosé retailing at R50; Winters Drift Chardonnay 2011 retailing at R85. All the grapes for Winters Drift wines are grown on Glen Elgin farm and made under the meticulous and watchful care of Elgin winemakers: Kobie Viljoen of Gabriëlskloof and Koen Roose of Spioenkop. Upcoming events include: Cheese-making course on 29 and 30 June 2013 with Miki Ciman from Agriturismo La Masseria; and a Shank and Shiraz Evening on Friday 5 July 2013. Platform 1 offerings also include monthly Music Nights and Summer Picnics. In keeping with the ‘travel’ theme, the picnics are served in vintage suitcases with name tags attached. Future plans include Gourmet Evenings, Conferences and Cooking Courses. So phone in to book your seats for a first class memorable experience, or simply pop in to share the produce of the lovely Elgin Valley. The Winters Drift Tasting Station and Platform 1 are open Tuesday to Friday and the Tasting Station is open on the first Sunday of the month. Tasting Station: Contact Emy Mathews on 021 859 5534 or 082 494 1265 or tastingstation@wintersdrift.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/WintersDriftWines Platform 1: Contact Dre Johnson on 082 379 2623 or platform1eatery@wintersdrift.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Platform-1-Eatery-at-Elgin-Station Website: www.wintersdrift.com