There’s a newfound stillness on Diemersfontein Wine Estate in the Wellington Valley with the frantic energy of harvest settled.
We find ourselves in a season of deep breaths, as the winery team traded adrenaline-fuelled excitement for the satisfaction of a job well done. This transition brings a natural sense of gratitude for the vines’ bounty and the hands that nurtured and gathered it.
May serves as a bridge between the heat of summer and the approaching crispness of winter. We began the month by celebrating International Sauvignon Blanc Day on 1 May. This vibrant variety remains a favorite for its crisp acidity and refreshing character. While we tip our hats to the white wines of summer, the dipping temperatures suggest a move toward something more substantial…
We therefore decided to place the "big brother" of Sauvignon Blanc in the spotlight this month: our Cabernet Sauvignon is perfectly suited for the cooler evenings ahead. This robust red is available at a 15% discount throughout the month, bringing the price per case down to only R842.
The heart of this month, however, belongs to the mothers and mother figures who provide our steady foundations. Mother’s Day arrives on Sunday, 10 May. It is a day to pour a glass of something special and acknowledge the quiet strength of those who nurture us. We invite you to join us at SMUL Restaurant at Diemersfontein for a dedicated Mother’s Day Lunch.
For those who prefer their gratitude with a side of endorphins, Run The Vines returns to the estate on Saturday, 16 May. There is a particular joy in watching runners navigate the route now that the harvest is complete; the landscape offers a different kind of beauty in its post-picking slumber.
We conclude our monthly highlights by honouring a grape that often works tirelessly behind the scenes. World Mourvèdre Day falls on 21 May. We celebrate this variety (an integral component of the Thokozani SMV) for its structure, spice, and reliability. It is a grape that demands patience and rewards it generously; much like the winemaking process itself, the best results come to those who wait for the right moment.
We look forward to sharing a glass of gratitude with you on the estate this month.
Shop now for our May savings
Diemersfontein Cabernet Sauvignon 2024 – Save 15% – Now only R540 per case
Click HERE to shop now.
Recipe from SMUL Restaurant: Chicken soup with barley and lemon
Ingredients
- 1 x 600g packet fresh vegetable and barley soup mix
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 2 roasted chicken breasts, shredded
- 230g tender-stem broccoli, chopped
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup dill, chopped
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Pea shoots, for serving
Method
- Add the fresh vegetable and barley soup mix and the chicken stock in a large saucepan.
- Add the shredded roasted chicken breasts and bring to the boil.
- Add chopped tender-stem broccoli and remove from the heat.
- Stir the fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley and chopped dill through the soup, before seasoning to taste.
- Serve with a glass of the Diemersfontein Sauvignon Blanc and a warmed slice of ciabatta.
- As an added extra; top the soup with a mild goats milk cheese crumbled on top just before serving.
Upcoming events with Diemersfontein
Mother's Day Lunch at SMUL Restaurant
Celebrate the woman of the hour at SMUL Restaurant this Mother's Day! Treat Mom to a Sunday afternoon designed for relaxation, indulgence, and making memories. We have curated a special atmosphere, and a menu designed for celebration and connection. The 3-course menu is offered at R450 per person. Seats tend to fill quickly as families gather to toast the women in their lives; we recommend securing your table early to ensure a relaxed afternoon of fine food and wine.
Date: Sunday, 10 May 2026
Time: From 12h30
Cost: R450 per person
Venue: SMUL Restaurant, Diemersfontein, Wellington
Mother's Day menu
Starter
Broccoli and blue cheese soup | Bacon and leek muffin crumble
or
Smoked tomato and basil soup | Fresh basil oil • Fresh baked bread
Main course
Grilled kingklip | Herbed butter • Crispy crushed potatoes • Sugar snaps • Caper Beurre Blanc
or
Slow-braised beef shortrib | Smoked mash • Glazed carrots • Garden peas • Chimichurri • Rich beef jus
Dessert
Baked cheesecake | Seasonal berry compote • Almond crumble
Click HERE to book.
Run The Vines Trail Run
Join us on 16 May 2026 for the 5th event of the Run The Vines 2026 Series, presented by First Ascent.
Although we’ve hosted the Pinotage Run in the past, this will be 1st visit to our estate by Run The Vines, presented by First Ascent.
You can also bring the youngsters to enter the 3km Manzi Water Paarl Junior Challenge for kids under 8 years of age. This run is free to enter and starts 08h35. All kids under 12 must be accompanied by a parent.
The aim of the 3km is to introduce kids to trail running and a healthy lifestyle, while spending great time with family and friends. This distance is for parents with small kids and not for individual adults. Adults must do the 5km.
Date: Saturday, 16 May 2026
Time: From 07h30
Venue: Diemersfontein Wine Estate, Wellington
Click HERE to enter.
Diemersfontein Country Market
The Diemersfontein Country Market is a day of local crafts and community joy. It is a wonderful opportunity to bring the whole family together in the fresh winter air.
Venue: Diemersfontein Estate, Wellington
Date: Sunday, 7 June 2026
Time: 10h00 to 14h00