The Fords' special wines at home 2013

We have been  most fortunate this year and have enjoyed some rare and special wines:

1994 KWV Cabernet Sauvignon

 This wine, at 19 years from the harvest was very elegant, with only 12% alcohol, it still had delicious cassis fruit and very soft tannins. It was brought to us by John's brother Bill from his cellar in Johannesburg

Duas Quintas Douro Vinho Branco 2011

and KWV 1966 Tawny Port

The Duas Quintas was brought by our friends James and Pamela Cunningham for a Portuguese themed supper. Made from Voizinho, Rabigato and Arinto grapes, it was quite unlike the white wines we are used to. It had moderate acidity and ripe tropical fruit flavours.

The KWV Port was a 60th birthday gift to John 7 years ago from our neighbours Geoff & Liz Cork. Rich Christmas pudding with very little sediment and absolutely delicious.

Laurent Perrier Brut Rosé NV

Another gift, this time from our friends Ian and Claudia Simpson. Opened on Valentine's evening. Lovely gentle acidity with a soft mousse and rich Pinot Noir flavour.

Our house is on the slopes of Signal Hill. It is single storey at one end and double storey at the other and one of the first things we did after we bought it 9 years ago was to dig out a cellar. These photographs were taken for an article in Classic Wine in 2012

The second Riesling Rocks festival at Hartenberg Wine Estate

Thomas Webb of Thelema

Howard Booysen

PR agent Gudrun Clark with Jacus Marais of Nitida

Koen and Lore Roose of Spioenkop

Award winning Rieslings from Hartenberg

Altydgedacht winemaker Etienne Louw chats to a Riesling enthusiast

Sally and James Gower of Ross Gower Wines

Lynne with Nick Pentz of Groote Post

 and joined by Jacus Marais

© John & Lynne Ford, Adamastor & Bacchus 2013

Brenaissance launch their wines and tasting facility

The entrance

The wines were presented at table under the fig trees, cooled by a brisk South-Easter

Owner Tom Breytenbach welcomes the media & explains his philosophy

Tasting the 7 wines

The strong wind toppled a few glasses and we had to hang on to them

Christine Rudman holds hers down

Philip van Zyl, editor of the John Platter guide, in deep thought and mid taste

Allan Mullins CWM

Christian Eedes takes notes

A biltong tasting to match with the red wines

Listening to Tom talking about farming in the valley

A view of the plum orchards and grapes in the distance

Allan Mullins and Maryna Strachan, editor of Wine Extra

Graham Howe and Monika Elias, fellow judges on the Klink awards

The lineup of the wines we tasted

This is also a stud farm on which they breed Boran cattle. To quote Tom, “God’s gift to Cattlemen”

Brigadier, the prize bull and a heifer, who were very friendly

Blanc de Noir cafe on the farm, informal and fun and not expensive

We began lunch with a mixed salad

What we were served

Extremely friendly and helpful staff

It also has a lovely terrace overlooking the vineyards and the river

Hayley Breytenbach

Pizzas had very crisp bases. This one of Avocado, rocket, biltong and feta was delicious – but they all were.

Lynne discussing food with Christiaan Campbell the executive chef of Delaire Graff. This is one of his local haunts, because it is so simple and good, he says

The entrance to Cafe Blanc de noir is across the river

A moist chocolate brownie with some ice cream

There is a huge jungle gym for the children right opposite the restaurant

The view from Brenaissance across Devon Valley

Owners Tom and Hayley Breytenbach with their PR agent Nicolette Waterford

Brigadier the bull schmoozing John

The front of the Bed and Breakfast accommodation

The private chapel that can accommodate 250 people

Inside the chapel

The bridal suite

 The functions venue, for wedding receptions

The bedrooms

Monika Elias, Publisher of Wine Tourism Handbook, and Cathryn Henderson, editor of Classic Wine, relax on the sofa in reception

Text and photographs © John & Lynne Ford, Adamastor & Bacchus 2013