News from the vines

New staff, picnics and news from the vines:  so begins our quarterly newsletter for 2010!

The Sauvignon Blanc is developing nicely and nearing harvest time.  We are watching the weather constantly and are taking samples regularly;  by all accounts it seems we will start picking next week.  It will be interesting to taste the grapes before the wine is made -  be sure to drop into the tasting room to taste the fresh bunches from Elim and Stellenbosch on our harvest days.

In addition to regular testing, taste is very important because of our height above sea level and slow evolution of flavours. Each block must be judged on its own merit – a long but rewarding job for Louis and the team!

We’ve had a wonderfully cool vintage so far which is great for the white wines, and it looks like the temperature will pick up just in time to optimise the red grape ripening.

It’s a good job we’re nearing harvest time as we need to replenish our sold-out stocks of the ever-popular Land's End Sauvignon Blanc. Hidden Valley Hidden Secret is also out of stock – owing in part to its listing on Korean Airlines. No need to panic as we will bottle in April or early May – but be sure to get your orders in to avoid missing out!

A brief reminder to locals that we show at the Stellenbosch Market every Saturday between 9am and 2pm. This takes place on the grounds at Oude Libertas; be sure to pop by to take advantage of special offers. Available to all is this month’s special price of R35 for the Land’s End Rosé – to order the wine email Sune at sune@hiddenvalleywines.com.
 

Stuck for a Sunday getaway? Your search ends with us

What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than in our indigenous garden with a basket of gourmet goodies to share? Hidden Valley’s own olives and olive oils are paired with fresh fruit and a selection of delectable cheeses, meats and bread, packed into a picnic basket with Hidden Valley wine. Menus are available from Carle van Schalkwyk ; telephone 021 880 2646 or email functions@hiddenvalleywines.com.
Wine and cheese platter tastings are also available on a daily basis from the wine tasting room.
 

A light and delicious summer suggestion from Overture’s Bertus Basson

Salad Caprese

Warm days call for light and simple foods, served at room temperature or lightly chilled in the fridge. My summer selection is Salad Caprese; or salad in the style of Capri, originating in Italy – the home of the balmy summer’s day!

Ingredients:
Buffalo Ridge Mozzarella
Cherry Tomatoes
Thyme
Basil
Aged balsamic vinegar
Rind of one lemon
2 garlic cloves
200 ml olive oil
Salt and pepper

Method: Add olive oil to a sauce pan with garlic, lemon rind and thyme and stir over moderate heat. Add baby tomatoes and remove from oil as soon as they split. Slice mozzarella in half and place in a bowl. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar, tear basil over, arrange tomatoes and drizzle with olive oil. Serve with crusty bread
 

New additions to the Hidden Valley team

A warm welcome to Barend Barnard, our Sales & Marketing Manager who replaces the very capable Mignon du Plessis. Barend can be contacted at  barend@hiddenvalleywines.com  or 021 880 2646.                                             

Carle van Schalkwyk joined us in February as Functions Coordinator. In addition to arranging weddings and general celebrations, Carle is completing her honors degree in Communication Science. Carle specialises in marketing, PR & advertising and will no doubt prove invaluable to the Hidden Valley team.
Carle can be contacted by telephone on 021 880 2646 or email at carle@hiddenvalleywines.com for function related queries.
 

Mobile wine tastings - we bring the farm to you!

New to Hidden Valley Wines is our mobile tasting experience, for those who simply can’t find the time to make it to the farm. Pair up with five or ten friends and give Carle a call on 021 880 2646. No area is too far for us to traverse in our bid to bring the Hidden Valley experience to you!

Exclusive vertical tasting of vintage Sauvignon Blanc

We will be hosting an exclusive vertical tasting of our Hidden Valley Sauvignon Blanc on the 14th of April 2010 at 6pm. This will include three vintages starting with 2006, and a cheese tasting, for a total price is R120 per person. Please contact Sune Sounes to book your place on 021 880 2646 or sune@hiddenvalleywines.com.