Dave
Hidden sold Hidden Valley Wines last year to Riaan Stassen, the now retired CEO
of Capitec Bank. We were invited to meet him and his partner this week to find
out what changes they are making to the farm, to drink the newly released wines
and to eat Bertus Basson's lovely food. His restaurant, Overture, is on the Hidden Valley estate
Hidden Valley has wonderful gardens
and
spectacular views - looking over their olive grove and vineyards on a clear day, you can see Table Mountain in all its glory
The newly released Hidden Treasure 2015 Rosé is made from 72% merlot 15% cabernet
Sauvignon 13% shiraz. It bears the new label which features a sculpture of a face
by Willie Botha, who has his studio on the farm. You will see one of these
large sculptures as you enter the farm gate and you can visit the studio
Also for tasting were the two Hidden Valley MCC's,
the Brut Rosé and the classic Brut
New owner Riaan Stassen enjoying some Hidden Treasure
Rosé with Christian Eedes of Winemag.co.za
Two new labels for the Hidden Gem and Hidden
Secret reds
Louis Strydom, winemaker at neighbour Ernie Els
Wines and Rianie Strydom, winemaker at Haskell Vineyards. They also have their
own label
Lots of small dishes from the kitchen kept us very
happy all evening. This is one of Bertus's signature dishes. Tender belly of
pork in an intense jus, topped with a spicy and crisp corn fritter and fly away
pork scratchings. Lynne's favourite of the evening
Thank you, Overture, for toasting these wraps, so
they were not slimy. Filled with intense tomatoes and cream cheese
Duck spring rolls
Beautifully cooked mushrooms, well fried till
almost crisp, with buttery gnocchi topped with grated parmesan
Uva Mira Winemaker Christian Coetzee with Tobie Venter, owner of neighbour Uva
Mira Mountain Vineyards and Porsche SA
Crisp tempura prawns in a jar were very moreish
Dessert was a cheesy panna cotta topped with fresh
figs, a fruity goo and pieces of honeycomb
Journalist Lucille Botha and Wynland editor Edo Heyns
The sun sets behind the mountain
Bertus tells us the great news. This restaurant is
going to be changed into a braai restaurant under Bertus's supervision and Riaan
Stassen is building a larger restaurant on the hill next to the winery for
Bertus
Rapt audience
Riaan Stassen tell us of his plans for Hidden
Valley
Sculptor Willie Botha and his wife Carlene
Lynne with Judy Brower of Wine.co.za with Riaan
and Anton du Toit
Anton du Toit
with Annalie van Dyk, Hidden Valley winemaker
The winemaker in her cellar
Willie Botha's gallery
A bust of Anton Rupert
Bronze buffalo
Lynne chatting to Willie
'Cat' in fine detail
The face bronze which features on the wine labels
All the bronzes and other sculptures are for sale
This is a commissioned work in progress, still in the
clay stage
Boy with staffie on the beach
Another small rendition of the huge face sculpture
at the front gate to Hidden Valley
entitled Marikana
©
John & Lynne Ford, Adamastor & Bacchus
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