Looking for a fun-filled day out with your loved ones? Look no further than the picturesque Van Loveren Family Vineyards, offering a range of activities to cater to every member of your family.
Nestled in the beautiful Robertson Valley, Van Loveren has flourished over three generations of the Retief family to become South Africa’s leading family-owned wine farm.
Founded in 1937, Hennie Retief acquired the land and named it after Christina van Loveren, an ancestor of his new wife, Jean (née van Zyl).
Robertson Valley is one of the perfect places to grow grapes. Warm days with cool afternoon breezes that sweep down through the valley, along with ancient mountain soils, make for a unique terroir and expressive wines.
Enjoy a range of wine and food pairing options that have something to please every palate, including a kid-friendly grape juice pairing.
Experience their flagship Christiena range served in Riedel glassware to elevate the experience. This range of high-quality glasses is specifically shaped to fit particular wine varietals to bring out the aromas and taste of the wines.
Their popular award-winning Van Loveren heritage range offers a variety of wines, from sparkling wines, fruity, fresh sauvignon blancs, a beautiful blush-coloured chardonnay & pinot noir blend, several other white wines and a selection of reds, including their very popular coffee-style pinotage.
The newest and must-try addition to the range is their Calcrete Chardonnay. This elegant, unwooded, mineral-forward chardonnay appeals to those seeking a unique wine experience and those intrigued by the diverse expressions of the grape.
Geologically speaking, calcrete refers to the white limestone deposits in the Robertson region’s soils. The terroir ranges from calcareous outcrops to arid, broken shale rock of ancient maritime deposits. Calcrete defines this region with crystalline minerality, vibrant tastes of fresh saltiness, oyster shell minerality and a squeeze of lime.
Like Chablis in France, Calcrete Chardonnay is a registered name protected as a trademark and can only be produced by approved wine estates from Wine of Origin Robertson.
An interesting fact to note is that Robertson has the highest density of chardonnay plantings in South Africa.
For outdoor enthusiasts, lace up your hiking boots and explore the scenic landscapes surrounding the estate, with breathtaking views along the way.
The circular 7.5km Fish Eagle Hiking Trail is rugged yet scenic, teeming with birdlife and natural fauna and flora. One can choose to do parts of it or complete the entire trail.
For mountain bike enthusiasts, strap on your helmets and ride through the stunning vineyards on their specially designed mountain biking trails, immersing yourself in nature while enjoying some adrenaline-fuelled adventure.
Prefer something less intense and simple looking to unwind and share a delightful meal together? Bring the whole family for lunch at Christina’s Bistro, set amid lush gardens where all the trees tell their own story.
Jean Retief, the family matriarch, started planting trees to commemorate both family and political milestones. Guided and self-guided tours are available to explore the garden. Cellar tours are also available on request, which includes a glass of bubbly while you learn all about wine-making at Van Loveren.
With its laid-back atmosphere and abundance of options, Van Loveren wine farm is the perfect destination for a relaxed, yet exciting day spent with loved ones.
For more information, please visit Van Loveren’s website or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Compile by capeetc
First Published at Cape Town etc
