A PART OF OUR FABRIC
This is an experience close to our hearts as the winemaker is a good friend of Reveler Africa. Lola Nicholls has been a part of our journey for as long as we can remember and has become a part of the fabric of our success as one of SA’s leading wine experience operators. She’s overly generous when it comes to sharing her space and passion with guests and this experience introduces us to her craft leaving no stone unturned.
ITINERARY
Stellenbosch town
The historical town of Stellenbosch is our first stop as we delve into the culture rich, foodie haven and vibrant streets. A place close to our hearts having spent a large part of our youth here. We’ll do a short driving tour of the town itself as we point out some of the gems that make this place special.
We also have the option to grab a quick cup of perfectly brewed local coffee from a local roastery to kick start your day.
MITRES EDGE VINEYARDS TASTING
We’re then personally invited by the Nicholls family to share in their family owned winery, Mitres Edge Vineyards. The winemaker, Lola, hosts the tasting in her manor house or underground cellar. This is red wine terroir, par excellence, and special care is taken in the vineyards through meticulously cultivating, pruning and harvesting by hand.
The 5 wines are expertly paired with a selection of local and delicious cheeses from the nearby Dalewood Fromage. Wines on offer may vary from week to week.
VINEYARDS TOUR WITH BERNARD
Lola describes her husband Bernard as both the heartbeat the brains behind the farm. An engineer by trade Bernard has worked tirelessly over the last 20 years to create a green an ethical winemaking environment – it’s a humble token of their appreciation to the land that facilitates and supports their winemaking passion. Bernard will take you on a tour through the farm itself highlighting their commitment to carbon footprint reduction, wine industry best practices, irrigation systems and the unique soils that make the Mitres Edge brand so loved by all. This is an ode to responsible farming.
cellar tour & barrel tasting
We then have the pleasure of joining back up with Lola in her humble working cellar. This is where the magic happens so to speak. You’ll be introduced to the full winemaking process from start to finish and if you’re lucky enough to visit during or post harvest you may even get to see the team in full flow (March - May).
Lola will also give you the chance to taste some of her vintages straight from the barrel, something special reserved only for a select few.
blend your own bottle
Then it’s back up to the private cellar where you’ll have the chance to blend your very own unique bottle of red wine. Lola will give an introduction of how best to search for the for scent and taste you’re looking for before you attempt to find your perfect combination. You’ll blend with 3 of the 5 Bordeaux blending partners (Cab Sav, Cab Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec). Pour, taste, throw out, repeat, it’s a patient but rewarding process. Once complete you will cork and label the bottle yourself before finally coming up with a name for your creation. A fun, engaging and memorable experience.
tapas style lunch
Our experience then comes to an end with a Tapas style lunch prepared by one of the members of the Nicholls family. A selection of cured meats, breads, crackers, olives, fruits, cheeses and tapenades are all included. We’ll dine outside in the garden if the weather allows, be sure to keep your cheese away from Hercules, one of the 5 resident and loving dogs on the property, also known as ‘Hercucheese’ the Jack Russell. Lola is also able to provide a warmer lunch option for those colder winter days for an extra 100.00 ZAR
THE DETAILS
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*Private tour, you will only tour with the group/party you have booked with
*Snack pack filled with local South African treats
*Pick up from accommodation / airport / central point
*Private Driver / Guide
*Brief Driving Tour of Stellenbosch Town
*Tasting Experience at Mitres Edge Wine Estate paired with local cheeses (5 wines)
*Vineyards & Cellar Tour at Mitres Edge Wine Estate
*Wine Blending Experience at Mitres Edge Wine Estate (Take your bottle home)
*Tapas style lunch (cured meats, artisanal breads, locally made cheeses, tapenades, etc)
*On-board drinking water
*Transportation in air-conditioned luxury SUV
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*Additional food & beverage purchases
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*Opt for a warm home cooked lunch or braai (BBQ) experience for an additional $15 USD
*Add-on a night of accommodation and a next day hiking experience, full day wine tour or Stellenbosch Food Tour. View options here.
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*Comfortable Walking Shoes
*A Hat & Sun Cream
*A Name For Your Wine
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*5-6 Hour Experience
*All Weather Experience
*There Is A Lot Of Wine!