Hidden Valley Wines is situated in a captivating setting on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain in Stellenbosch, graced with rolling hills, lush vineyards and breathtaking views.
Located in the picturesque Stellenbosch Wine region, the winery benefits from the unique microclimate of the area, ensuring the production of exceptional wines. The beauty of the surroundings adds to the charm, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a serene winter getaway. It offers
the perfect ambiance with its crackling fireplace, indulgent chocolate delights and an exquisite range of wines to enjoy.
Winter is the perfect time to cosy up by the fireplace, and Hidden Valley Wines provides just that. The winery boasts a welcoming and warm atmosphere, with a crackling fireplace that exudes a comforting glow. Visitors can unwind, sip on their favourite wine, and revel in the soothing atmosphere as they take in the scenic views. The fireplace adds an element of rustic elegance, enhancing the overall experience at Hidden Valley Wines.
Hidden Valley takes the winter indulgence a step further with its delightful chocolate and wine pairing experiences. Designed to tantalise the taste buds, this unique offering showcases the perfect harmony between carefully selected Belgian chocolates and the winery’s exceptional vintages. The intricate flavours and textures of the chocolates complement the nuances of the wines, resulting in a sensory delight for guests. Whether you prefer rich dark chocolate or velvety milk chocolate, Hidden Valley Wines has the perfect pairing to satisfy your cravings. The aim is to educate your taste buds with these different textures and unusual taste profiles.
Hidden Valley Wines takes pride in its exceptional collection of wines. From robust reds to crisp whites and elegant rosés, there is a wine to suit every palate. Visitors can embark on a journey of exploration, sampling the various vintages and discovering the winery’s distinct terroir.
Hidden Valley Farm has undergone significant transformations over the years, starting with Riaan Stassen, the former CEO of Capitec, taking over from the original owner, Dave Hidden, in 2015. Under Riaan’s stewardship, the farm underwent a makeover to reflect a new image and brand. The face of Hidden Valley, which was originally part of a sculpture studio, became an integral part of the marketing strategy, adorning the wine bottles as the symbol of the winery.
One notable change was the redesign of the wine bottles, particularly the Rosé, which was specially crafted to embody the uniqueness and elegance of Hidden Valley. The intention was to create a rosé that stands out from the typical offerings and exudes a touch of sophistication.
In more recent years, Riaan Stassen sold Hidden Valley to Patrice Motsepe, with Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe, Patrice’s wife, becoming more involved in the management of the winery. The farm was actually purchased for her, highlighting her personal connection to Hidden Valley.
Under the new ownership, there are plans for further changes and a desire to infuse more personalised elements into the winery. However, such transformations are a process that will take time to fully implement. One area of focus is the restaurant, which will undergo renovations and expand to accommodate up to 100 guests. The tasting room will also see modifications to enhance the overall visitor experience.
While changes are being introduced, one aspect that will remain unchanged is the cellar, which is a gravitation cellar. This distinctive feature adds to the allure of Hidden Valley, creating an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation for the future.
As Hidden Valley Farm evolves under new ownership, it is poised to embrace a fresh vision and continue to delight wine enthusiasts with its refined wines, personalised experiences and the promise of further exciting changes to come.
Chocolate & Wine Pairing Experience
- Hidden Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2022 paired with a Pineapple and Lime White Chocolate.
- Hidden Treasure 2022 Rosé paired with a Raspberry-flavoured Chocolate.
- Hidden Valley Merlot 2021 paired with a Mocca Cream-flavoured Chocolate.
- Hidden Gems 2019, paired with a Burnt Caramel Chocolate.
- Hidden Secret 2017 paired with a Chilli and Cherry Dark Chocolate.
Wines
Hidden Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2022
The Hidden Valley Wines Sauvignon Blanc offers a delightful sensory experience. With its pale yellow colour, this wine entices the senses with a bouquet of passionfruit, lime and pineapple aromas. The palate delivers a refreshing and crisp taste, accentuated by the tropical flavours that follow through from the aroma.
Layers of fynbos notes add depth to the wine and it culminates in a long-lingering aftertaste that leaves a lasting impression. This combination of vibrant fruit, herbaceous hints and a satisfying finish makes the Hidden Valley Wines Sauvignon Blanc a delightful choice for those seeking a flavourful and well-balanced white wine.
Hidden Treasure Dry Rosé 2022
Crafted from a blend of three red grape varieties such as Merlot, Pinot Noir and Shiraz, the Hidden Valley Wines Rosé possesses the ability to evolve in color over time within the bottle. This Rosé offers an enchanting aromatic experience, with dominant floral notes and the delightful fragrance of strawberries.
A sweetish undertone reminiscent of candy floss adds a touch of whimsy. On the palate, a lively and invigorating sensation unfolds, thanks to its well-balanced acidity. The star of the show is the vibrant red berry flavours, gracefully accompanied by subtle hints of citrus. With its enduring and refreshing finish, the Hidden Valley Wines Rosé leaves a lingering and invigorating aftertaste. This delightful fusion of floral and fruity characteristics ensures a pleasurable drinking experience, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a well-rounded and lively rosé wine.
Hidden Valley Merlot 2021
The Hidden Valley Wines Merlot undergoes a maturation process of 12 months in French oak barrels, specifically second and third fill barrels. This oak aging imparts a softer, cleaner and fresher character to the wine, enhancing its overall profile.
On the nose, the Merlot presents an inviting aroma characterised by the presence of red fruits and mulberries. These fruity notes are complemented by earthy undertones reminiscent of the forest floor, adding depth and complexity to the wine’s aromatic profile.
The palate delivers a light and fruity experience, mirroring the enticing aromas. Red berries and cherries take center stage, showcasing the wine’s vibrant fruit-forward nature. Subtle hints of vanilla add a touch of warmth and further enhance the flavor profile. The combination of these elements creates a well-balanced and enjoyable drinking experience.
Hidden Gems 2019
Hidden Valley is renowned for its Hidden Gems Bordeaux-style red wine, which is a blend typically comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Merlot. This particular wine undergoes maturation in French barrels for a duration of 18 months. The aging process involves a small percentage of new barrels, while the majority spent in older barrels.
The resulting wine is a captivating Cabernet Sauvignon-driven blend, showcasing a beautiful ruby red color. On the nose, it reveals complex aromas of mulberry, thyme, cigar box and a touch of white pepper spiciness. The palate delivers an array of bright fruit flavors, with strawberries and plum taking the lead. These fruity notes are complemented by an earthiness that adds depth, along with subtle hints of cedarwood derived from meticulous oak aging.
With its full-bodied nature, this wine boasts smooth tannins and a concentrated fruit intensity that contributes to a generous and lingering back palate experience. The combination of the carefully selected grape varieties and the precise aging process results in a Bordeaux-style red that showcases both elegance and complexity.
Hidden Secret 2017
Hidden Valley offers a unique blend of Shiraz and Tannat, carefully crafted to create a harmonious and well-structured wine. In this blend, a small percentage of Tannat is used to enhance the wine’s structure, body and colour, while still allowing the Shiraz to shine.
After the blending process, the wine is aged for 18 months in French oak barrels. Approximately 24% of the wine is aged in new oak barrels, which impart distinct flavours and aromas, while the remainder is aged in older barrels, adding complexity and subtlety to the final product.
On the nose, this blend presents a complex and layered bouquet, showcasing aromas of black fruits, leather and spices. The palate offers a smooth and rounded mouthfeel, with velvety tannins that contribute to a luxurious texture. The wine’s elegant structure provides a solid framework for the flavours to unfold. Luscious black fruits, such as blackberries, cherries, and plums, dominate the palate, balanced by a lively acidity that adds freshness and vibrancy. The wine culminates in a long-lingering finish, leaving a lasting impression.
With its idyllic location, cosy fireplace and delectable melt-in-your-mouth chocolate and wine pairings, this winery offers an enchanting experience that combines warmth, indulgence and the art of winemaking. Hidden Valley offers a perfect blend of relaxation and culinary delights.
Whether you’re seeking solace by the fireplace or looking to expand your wine knowledge, Hidden Valley Wines promises a memorable winter adventure that will leave you with a renewed appreciation for the finer things in life.
Opening Times 7 days a week, 9am to 6pm in Summer & 9am to 5pm in Winter
Contact +27 (0) 21 007 3477, winetasting@hiddenvalleywines.co.za
Where Annandale Rd, Stellenbosch
Categories: Hidden Valley Wines
1 Comment