Nestled below the Houwhoek Pass which lies between Elgin and Hermanus is where you would find Bot River. Home to the region’s oldest vines. This charming and character-filled wine region embodies countryside hospitality infused with time-aged winemaking craftsmanship.
The name Bot River derives from the meaning ‘Butter River’, where the local Khoi tribe used to sell butter. With just an hour’s trip from Cape Town you get to feel like you’re in a different country, with small town charm and picture-perfect views.
Situated in the heart of Bot River, you will find this charming family owned wine farm called Beaumont. It is home to the region’s oldest wine cellar and was originally established in the 1700’s by the Dutch East India Company. In the 1940’s the wine business was initially started but wine production was discontinued in the late 1960’s.
Jayne and Raoul Beaumont bought the farm Compagnes Drift in 1974 and set about replanting the vineyards. However, the creation of wines in the farm cellar under the family name was only initiated years later. Their son, Sebastian Beaumont, now runs the farm. Surrounded by fynbos and bird life, the farm also grows pears, almonds and olives.
The wines bear the crest of the Beaumont family. Originally found in the family signet ring, the roaring lion represents honor and courage and serves as a symbolic message of balance – a quality synonymous with their wines. The crest pays homage to their roots and represents the connection between farmland and family.
Wine Tasting
Tasting Fee: R75 per person
BEAUMONT CHENIN BLANC 2021
Green melon, apple, and delicate apricot blossom aromas on the nose. The palate has fresh green apple, pineapple flavours with a hint of wood spice. Crisp, yet well balanced, acidity keeps the wine fresh with great length.
Made from 100% Beaumont, Bot River fruit. It is a delicious example of cooler climate Chenin Blanc fermented in concrete and stainless steel tanks. Dry, fresh and delicious!
BEAUMONT HOPE MARGUERITE CHENIN BLANC 2020
The nose is currently very primary with notes of guava, citrus, green apple and herbs while the palate is lean, energetic and pithy. Pure and beautifully balanced, it will be fascinating to watch its development over the years.
This Chenin results from a careful selection of the most characterful fruit from the oldest Beaumont vineyards, left to ferment naturally with minimum intervention, matured in mostly old French oak.
It is named after Hope Marguerite Beaumont, Raoul’s late mother – a woman with character, elegance and a love for wine. The very first vintage of the Hope Marguerite was produced in 1997.
BEAUMONT CONSTABLE HOUSE 2018
The Constable House blend is now under the Beaumont name but still consists of the two varietals that work exceptionally well together namely Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is named after the vineyard in front of the old Constables House on the farm.
Beautiful cherry and black currant aromas, with a fairly complex spice and hints of vanilla. Very well balanced fruit, well integrated acidity and soft smooth tannins. A lingering aftertaste with rich cherry and a hint of dark chocolate rounds off a nice easy drinking blend.
BEAUMONT DANGERFIELD SYRAH 2018
Aromas of spicy fruit and pepper on the nose and flavours of berry fruit with fine ripe tannins on the finish make this a full but elegant wine.
22-year-old Syrah vines produce amazing fruit which when fermented with natural yeasts and a percentage of whole bunches, create a beautifully aromatic and elegant style of wine. This Syrah gets its name from a character in one of Raoul Beaumont’s favourite novels The Ginger Man written by JP Donleavy.
BEAUMONT PINOTAGE 2018
Pinotage was the very first wine made at Beaumont wines and 80% of the fruit comes from our 47 year old vines providing dryness and structure while the younger portion provides lovely vibrant fruit.
An elegant style of Pinotage with red berry and ripe fruit flavours with fine tannins and lovely fruit on the palate.
BEAUMONT FAR SIDE MOURVÉDRE 2018
A combination of rich red berries and black berry fruit, with under tones of licorice and leather. Delicate spices including thyme, clove, cinnamon and black pepper with a characteristic core of tannin running through for a long lingering finish.
Beaumont bottled the first single varietal Mourvèdre in the country in 1999 and since then we have produced limited amounts of this fascinating grape every year.
BEAUMONT CAPE VINTAGE 2017
A blend of Tinta Barocca and Pinotage, crushed by foot in open concrete tanks and matured in 300L barrels.
Shows intense spice on the nose dominated by cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg, together with chocolate and a dark berry fruit character. Great focus and balance on the palate, with a hint of toasty wood backed up by fine, dry tannin.
Farm platters with cured meats, local cheeses and home-made spreads as well as seasonal soups are available during tasting room hours.
Enjoy a laid back tasting or book a historical cellar tour and soak up the Beaumont atmosphere. This place will leave your soul satisfied and content with happy memories.
Categories: Beaumont Family Wines
