Off the beaten track and situated in the heart of Stellenbosch, Klein Welmoed, home to Foothills Vineyards, played host to a captivating Wine Club Dinner, a soirée that unfolded into a tapestry of sensory delights.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden hue across the vineyard’s landscape, guests gathered at Klein Welmoed with eager anticipation. The Wine Club Dinner event was a memorable experience, an evening devoted to celebrating the finer nuances of wine, accompanied by an array of delectable culinary creations.
The ambiance was nothing short of magical, with a fireplace and twinkling lights adorning the venue, creating an enchanting atmosphere that perfectly complemented the occasion.
From the moment the first pour graced the glasses, it was evident that this evening would be one for the books. The Foothills wines showcased the winery’s dedication that goes into producing every bottle. From plush reds, crisp whites to a velvety rosé and a refreshing Cap Classique, each wine offered something unique.
We enjoyed an enlightening evening with Davide from Puglia Cheese, where he demonstrated the process of crafting Fior Di Latte Mozzarella. He also highlighted the distinctions between this semi-soft, Italian-style cheese and Buffalo Mozzarella, which originates from water buffalo milk. The price difference stems from the fact that a water buffalo yields around 12L of milk, while a cow produces roughly 40L.
Davide expertly matched his Italian creations with the wines. The appetiser featured a delightful combination of burrata, tomatoes and bread, perfectly paired with the Foothills Sauvignon Blanc. For the main course, the exquisite ravioli found its ideal partner in the Semillon, while the indulgent chocolate brownies harmonised with the Straw Wine, bringing a delicious conclusion to the evening.
Wines we tasted:
Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc
Made in the traditional method. Fermented in bottle for 16 months. Spent 3 years in the bottle. This Sauvignon Blanc bubbly is fun, fresh and exudes rich aromas of gooseberries, passion fruit, melons and fresh limes from its scintillating nose.
Cap Classique 2019
Made from 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir. Spent 2 years on the lees. Has a citrus freshness, purity, which also manifests on the palate.
Sauvignon Blanc 2022
There’s an array of perfume, lemon grass, greengage and papaya, with a dusty graphite top note, following onto the palate, with verve and freshness.
Viognier Sauvignon Blanc 2021
This wine was an unintentional creation, originally intended to be a pure Viognier. It matured in oak for 11-12 months, offering a balance of Sauvignon Blanc’s freshness alongside notes of honeycomb, floral tones and a pleasing roundness.
Dry Rosé 2022
Made from 70% Shiraz, 15% Viognier and 15% Semillon depending in the year. Aromas of fresh strawberries with a touch of winter melon and fynbos that follows through onto the palate. It’s expressive yet elegant and sophisticated.
Semillon 2019
Aged for 16 months in oak, is a stunning and intricate wine that boasts a substantial structural profile.
Pinot Noir 2020
Planting vineyards amidst eucalyptus trees, this wine presents buchu herbal hints accompanied by red fruit flavours on the palate. While it boasts a bold aroma, its palate offers an elegant experience. The wine underwent a two-year maturation period in barrels.
Syrah 2020
There’s a lovely combination of fruit and savoury. The texture is plush, smooth and round. First impression is of spice, some freshly ground pepper, prosciutto, hint of scrub, then the fruit emerges, dark plums and cherries, perfectly ripe. Spent 16 months in oak.
Shiraz 2018
Maturing for a period of 24 months in barrels, this wine boasts subtle notes of white pepper and nutmeg, enveloped in a velvety texture and a well-defined structure. Its profile is characterised by a linear, pure and savory essence.
Straw Wine 2017
Derived entirely from Viognier grapes, this sweet wine exudes fragrances of pineapple, complemented by notes of dried apricot and a delightful floral note. While undeniably sweet, it retains a lusciously enjoyable drinkability without becoming overly sugary.
Visiting Klein Welmoed again was a moment of joyful memories. Klein Welmoed together with their Foothills Wines, provided a familiar and welcoming embrace, bridging the memories of the past with the experiences of the present. It was so wonderful to be back!
Categories: Foothills Vineyards
