Rich heritage and heirlooms mixed with authentic cuisine, music and terroir-driven wines will transform Neethlingshof Estate in a must visit ‘destination’ on World Tourism Day, when the inaugural Savour Stellenbosch Valley showcases the area’s diverse offerings on Saturday, 27 September.
The Stellenbosch Valley is home to a myriad of renowned wine estate, hotels and restaurants such as Van Ryn’s Brandy Distillery, Spier, Die Bergkelder, Brenaissance, Jordan, Middelvlei, Devon Valley Hotel, Wedgeview Country House and The House of JC Le Roux and was crowned South Africa’s finest winegrowing area at the Novare SA Terroir Wine Awards in 2012 and 2014.
For one night only, these stellar attractions will descend on the historic Neethlingshof’s Manor House, a national monument, for a celebration of cultural diversity with each of them adding their own unique flair and taste to the event.
“Steeped in history, Neethlingshof is the perfect host for this communal event on World Tourism Day which is held under the theme of Tourism and Community Development this year. With Savour Stellenbosch Valley we want to draw attention to this foremost sub-route community of the Stellenbosch Wine Routes and its rich and varied narratives,” shares Annareth Bolton, CEO of the Stellenbosch American Express® Wine Routes.
“One such story is that of the Manor House at Neethlingshof which was built by the late Maria Magdalena Marais who took over the building project after the death of her husband Charles, in 1813. She was also responsible for developing a vibrant and viable farming operation. Today this renowned estate has an acclaimed Noble Late Harvest, The Maria, named after her, which will be one of the numerous cellar gems on offer on the evening,” adds Bolton.
Guests are invited to engage their senses and discover the old and new of the Stellenbosch Valley with rooms and cosy areas filled with a spectacular array of wines and tasting dishes unique to the valley. Each of the participating wine farms will offer up to five wines for tasting, whilst celebrated chefs will lend gourmet glee with their signature sweet and savoury indulgences.
The diversity of the wine producers in the valley offers a unique wine experience, as they range from small boutique wineries to iconic wine brands and boast scores of local and international accolades for their wines.
Savour Stellenbosch Valley forms part of Stellenbosch Experience, a dynamic wine tourism campaign initiated by Stellenbosch Wine Routes and Stellenbosch 360 to showcase the region’s authentic wine tourism offerings on a global scale. Savour Stellenbosch Valley also celebrates the culmination of a Heritage Month of unique happenings and attractions in and around the City of Oaks.
This World Tourism Day you do not have to travel far to take your senses on a cultural voyage. Savour Stellenbosch Valley is your ticket to the good life with a melting pot of traditions and tastes to revel in.
Middelvlei, The House of JC Le Roux, Van Ryn’s Brandy Distillery, Fleur du Cap and Neethlingshof are just some of the stars that you will experience at the 2014 Savour Stellenbosch Valley.
The event starts at 16h00 and ends at 21h00 and tickets cost R300 per person, which include a tasting glass, wine tastings, sumptuous dishes and vibrant live music entertainment. Pre-bookings are essential as space is limited. Buy your tickets online at www.wineroute.co.za.
