The Wine Hive | Meet The Man Behind The Wine Event

Step into The Wine Hive, a delightful boutique wine bar housed in a Heritage Building in the charming town of Paarl. It serves as the proud home of Nomoya Wines, offering a curated selection of elusive South African wines and premium imported Italian wines.

Visitors to The Wine Hive can enjoy avariety of Italian and unique South African wines during tastings, complemented by delectable snack plates of Italian appetisers or the option to savour an authentic Italian pizza.

Open from Wednesday to Saturday between 12:00 and 19:00, The Wine Hive holds themed wine tasting events on Wednesday and Friday afternoons. These events provide wine lovers with the exciting opportunity to meet the winemaker, explore grape varietals grown worldwide and experience how other winemaking countries express their terroir through unique wines. Of course, to enhance each experience, The Wine Hive offers a selection of delicious artisanal meats and cheeses.

We recently attended the “Meet the Man event that took place at The Wine Hive with the esteemed Adi Badenhorst, proudly farming A.A. Badenhorst Family Wines. Adi is not only an amazing winemaker but also a founding member of the Swartland Revolution and Swartland Independent. He practices traditional winemaking techniques on Kalmoesfontein, adding an extra touch of authenticity and craftsmanship to his wines.

Adi Badenhorst resides in the Swartland region, boasting around 160 hectares of vineyards and also supplying grapes to numerous producers. First vintage was 2008 at Kalmoesfontein.

Caperitif

Upon arrival, we were greeted with a refreshing glass of Caperitif, a Vermouth crafted by Adi. This aromatic wine-like beverage leaves a delightful impression.

Adi embodies roles as a father, husband, farmer and winemaker. Above all, he stands as a true pioneer, propelling the wine revolution that revitalised the Swartland area, transforming it into one of South Africa’s most vibrant wine-growing zones.

His ingenuity extends to the revival of a lost ingredient, a story he champions with innovation and passion. This local gem from the early 1900s vanished in the late 1940s until Adi’s exploration led him to infuse a variety of herbs and botanicals into the wine.

Caperitif was featured in renowned cocktail books from the 1920s to 1930s, notably the Savoy Cocktail book with around 30 Caperitif recipes.

Twice a year, a batch of Caperitif, also known as Kaapse dief, is meticulously crafted. The process involves infusing Chenin Blanc with the essence of approximately 35 natural botanicals, many of which are exclusive to the remarkable biodiversity of the Cape Floral Kingdom.

Secateurs Chenin Blanc 2022

This wine derives its name from a deeply significant aspect of their ethos, the secateurs themselves. Sourced primarily from their Kalmoesfontein and Jakkalsfontein farms, the Chenin Blanc grapes flourish on bushvines, ensuring the production of high-quality fruit.

With meticulous attention, the grapes are carefully handpicked. The subsequent day sees them undergo a whole bunch pressing process into a settling tank. Over a span of 12 days, the vineyards are harvested, introducing freshly pressed juice daily into the fermenting tanks, ultimately melding with the evolving wine.

Manifesting an alluring character, the bouquet boasts flinty nuances intertwined with hints of honey, orange blossom, and the essence of white stone fruit. The 2022 vintage holds the mark of a touch of early-season warmth, compelling an earlier harvest than customary.

The Golden Slopes Chenin Blanc 2021

A single vineyard Chenin Blanc and fermented in concrete tanks. The Golden Slopes is named after the deep yellow coloured granite rocks found in this vineyard (planted in 1966). The soils are of course granite with a 15% clay component. The results in grapes that ripen slightly later than the vineyards on the farm and the wine always has plenty of texture and tension on the palate; wonderfully balanced acidity and length too. The aromas are dominated by yellow fruits, quince and spicy notes.

Secateurs Rosé 2022

Expertly crafted from handpicked Mourvèdre grapes sourced from the picturesque Piekenierskloof region. An intricate blend of fragrances dances within the wine, showcasing intricate notes of red fruits, a hint of spice, delicate rose water and an undertone of currants. The palate unfolds generously, offering a textured experience that culminates in a lasting and gratifying finish.

Kalmoesfontein White Blend 2021

Curated from small parcels of meticulously chosen fruit derived from diverse vineyards nestled within Kalmoesfontein. This harmonious composition intertwines Grenache Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Roussanne, Viognier, Colombar, Clairette Blanche, Palomino, Muscat Blanc, Semillon and Verdelho, a splendid mosaic of approximately 16 to 17 vineyard sources. These grapes are meticulously gathered as a collective, subsequently undergoing a unified pressing process.

Aromas reminiscent of perfumed notes, spice, tea, stone fruit and the delicate essence of citrus blossoms grace the bouquet. On the palate, the wine’s textured opulence, accompanied by graceful tannins, manifests a captivating length and an intricate tapestry of flavours. The wine’s exceptional character is further highlighted by its voluminous fruit expression, marked by the presence of stone fruit and mineral undertones.

Secateurs Red Wine 2021

The grapes used are from their farm on the Paardeberg Mountain. Most vines are mountain sloped bushvines. This wine is a harmonious blend of Shiraz, Grenache and Cinsault, boasting perfumed, peppery and spicy aromas, along with hints of ripe red fruit. On the palate, it offers a supple and smooth entry, balanced by a satisfying grip and refreshing dry finish. The wine’s texture, fine fruit tannins and drinkability are instantly apparent upon tasting.

Kalmoesfontein Red Blend 2021

Kalmoesfontein farm nurtures a water plant known as Kalmoes. Carefully chosen fruits from seven vineyards on the farm are combined, including a mix of Shiraz, Cinsault, Tinta Barocca, Mourvèdre and Grenache Noir. The fragrance is deep and intricate, featuring hints of pepper, licorice, perfume and black cherries. The initial taste is rich and velvety, showcasing lavender and dark berry fruit. The conclusion is pleasantly dry, marked by gracefully distributed tannins that fade into savoury and black currant notes.


Interested to know more about upcoming events? Be sure to visit The Wine Hive’s social media pages or contact them on the following:
+27 72 357 8417 | info@nomoyaworld.com

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