Thursday, March 21, 2013

Opening of the Vondeling Tasting Room

Matthew Copeland, Vondeling’s winemaker, behind the new tasting room counter with Willie de Waal of Scali and Christian Eedes
Julian Johnsen, his daughter and Fiona McDonald greet M. Albert Roux
The impressive vaulted ceiling in the building
There were stations at which we could taste each wine the estate produces
The first of many marvellous canapés. Goats cheese and caramelised onions
Green gazpacho
Mini caprese salad on croutons
Tomato gazpacho
Pea polenta topped with springbok
Fish samoosas and a sweet chilli dipping sauce
Baby won tons in a sharp sauce
Shareholder and Managing Director of Vondeling, Julian Johnsen, welcomes us all
Journalist Neil Pendock chats to Vondeling’s UK sales representative
It was a large party and many of us preferred the terrace outside in the early evening
Sesame chicken strips
Belly of pork
Beetroot risotto, cream cheese topped with a preserved green fig
Asian  flavoured seared salmon
The busy tasting room counter
Elaine Rousseau of Food Fanatics, the caterer for the event, who produced masses of superb food without let up throughout the evening...
... in an unbelievably small space
Speeches were short and to the point
Winemaker Matthew Copeland tells us about the vertical tasting of 2005 to 2010 vintages of Vondeling’s Babiana White blend
A stunning view of the Voor Paardeberg vineyards and the country beyond, at sunset
This is wheat and wine country
Part owner and investor Anthony Ward tells us why he invested in the farm
M. Albert Roux explained his connection with Vondeling, South Africa and the Cape. M. Roux’s wife is from Zimbabwe and they visit every year
The far hills turn pink and blue as the sun sets
Three well known winemakers: Andre Badenhorst of Doran Vineyards, his son Adi Badenhorst  who is part of the Swartland Revolution and Duimpie Bailey
M. Roux cuts the ribbon to open the tasting centre
Master of Wine Cathy van Zyl and her husband Philip Van Zyl, Editor of the John Platter Guide
Jane Eedes with her delightful daughter
Winemaker Matthew Copeland with the bottles lines up for the Vertical tasting
Time for a chat in front of the Kanonkop mountain
Vondeling’s gleaming tank Cellar – full of newly made wine
Francis Naughton, a very entertaining fellow from Ireland, who also makes wine – Naughton’s Flight
M. Albert Roux and his wife have a quiet moment together
The band who entertained us all evening, with soft, elegant music
© John & Lynne Ford, Adamastor & Bacchus 2013

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