A.A Badenhorst Family Wines

Young Guns

2012-01-11T10:06:00.001+02:00

It's true - if you use an old photo of Adi in a current article you can still call him a young gun!

Following up on the article by Matthew Jukes that we shared here on our blog at the end of 2011, here are the pages from December's Decanter magazine.

Are you excited yet!?

2012-01-10T14:49:00.002+02:00

Victoria Moore meets the next generation of winemakers at South African wine festival Swartland Revolution and concludes: 'When it comes to wine, nowhere in South Africa is as exciting as Swartland right now!'

Moore attended the Swartland Revolution in Riebeek in November last year and writes a very nice article for The Telegraph.

Read the whole story here.

Cheers to 2011~

2011-12-19T12:05:00.001+02:00

And then we came to the end. Another year, another vintage, another revolution - now mere magical memories.

2011 has been a very blessed year on Kalmoesfontein. We are finally happy with the farm’s transformation from ‘bombed Siberia’ (as Andre describes it) and opened our gates to friends, family and fans for our first open day in October and in November celebrated our first farm wedding on the lawns and porches of the old house.

Adi’s pandemonium of parrots are growing slowly but surely, The Winemaker’s Cottage on the farm now gets rented out so you can come experience Swartland farm living, the second annual Swartland Revolution went down with a bang and our wines received top marks from various international and local critics, including the Wine Advocate (no scandal involved here, we promise).

But for now we look forward to a few days of relaxation on the west coast. We expect the first grapes, some verdelho from the Piketberg area, to be ready for harvest by mid January so there will be no time to waste in the new year. With cellar hands coming all the way from Spain, Chile and India the Paardeberg will definitely enjoy an interesting harvest 2012.

Partyberg’s Proffesional Party Planner, Jasper reports that there will be a Grape Stomping Party (end Feb) and a Harvest Party by the end of March with dates to be confirmed.

We wish you and your family, friends and loved ones a blessed festive season and a very happy new year. We are grateful for your continued support in 2011 and promise to bring you more fine and rare hand crafted wines in 2012.

Cheers to a merry Christmas,

The extended Badenhorst and Kalmoesfontein Family

A spiritual journey for SA wines

2011-12-07T09:38:00.001+02:00

Matthew Jukes, considered by many to be the most influential wine writer in the UK, turns his attention to South African wine after confessing "Are you, like me, one of those people who doesn’t really get South African wine? ... Well, it is time to think again because this mindset is completely and utterly outdated. "

He visited the Cape winelands, and the Swartland, in June and give a very insightful report on the current and future state of SA wine industry.

As he explains: "There is a very strong identity building in South Africa right now surrounding what other countries term ‘Young Guns’. Young Guns are, by way of explanation, not necessarily young people, but they have a fresh, international view, and often a wide skill-set, which is rare in the wine business. They also happen to be the people with their names or brands on the label. They usually operate out of smaller wineries, often having quit large corporate wine companies, and they almost always enjoy instant, mini-cult status on release of their own wines, assuming that they stack up. South Africa hasn’t had many YGs until recently."

He then goes on to claim:
"Adi Badenhorst’s departure from Rustenberg signalled a spiritual downsizing for ambitious dudes to do their own thing. This is happening in droves and I would venture to say that this movement is very close to becoming the single most important defining factor when it comes to South Africa’s vinous image abroad."

He mentions more of our Swartland neighbours and fellow Revolutionaries, you know, Sadie, the Mullineuxs, Lammershoek and more.

We would recommend you Read more here as the article is very well written and insightful.

He also rates our AA Badenhorst, Secateurs White, Swartland, 2010 17/20 4 stars 13.5%

"One of a trio of marvellous entry level wines, Adi’s white is a wickedly priced and spankingly attractive wine. With Chenin Blanc core it loads more complexity than any other rival at this price. Watch out for a 2010 red and 2011 rosé coming soon. Drink now – 2012 £9.95 Swig"

Treasurrrrre hunt

2011-12-07T09:05:00.001+02:00

Adi, forever the pirate at heart / parrot lover, recently saved these beautiful parrots from the 'vibacrete' jungle of Malmesbury.

We welcomed them to Kalmoesfontein where they can whistle and tweet (no, they don't run our twitter account) with the extended bird family of Kalmoesfontein as well as the local Paardeberg birds.

In the spirit of good old piracy, we give you a (treasure hunt?) challenge:

The first person to identify the 3 rare species pictured here will win a mixed case of our wine! Just in time for the festive season!

Just comment below, on our Facebook page or tweet us the answers...

Friendly Family Farm wedding

2011-12-05T14:13:00.000+02:00

Last weekend we hosted a big family (ours, the bride Rouxlene is Cornelia's cousin, sister to "the cousin who does the PR and marketing") wedding on Kalmoesfontein. Although the wind blew us (and the bride's veil) away during the ceremony and into the night it was a very cosy, love filled, fun affair.

"The Chapel" in front of the cellar.

"The cousin who does the PR and marketing, plans weddings and plays bridesmaid" with the proud father and blushing bride and 9 of the 10 blond kids who preceded them down the isle. Samuel and Ana also made the cut along with their cousins Richard, Jan-Hendrik and Hardy (who is the missing 1).

The makeshift wind shelter - Swartland style.

The first dance.

Ouma Joey, the only grandparent in attendance, made all of the flags from old telephone books, to fit with the recycled, eco-friendly theme.

Simple, not so windproof, table settings of white and glass.

Every seat had a unique quote on love and marriage (in the glasses cause the original plan was even less windproof)

The dance floor might have just been the parking lot in front of Adi's office, but that didn't stop the guests (everyone, from the vet bride's farming friends to the professional MMA fighter groom's cage fighting buddies) from busting a move and dancing into the night. We think we have Secateurs (and Oom Jan's Paradyskloof wines) to thank for that. Remember the Secateurs warrior!?

We hope Rouxlene and Paul will have a long and loving life together and we thank them for sharing their special day with us.

Photography: Maree Louw (Natural light Photography - click for more images)
Make Up & Hair: Marti Bester (marti.bester@gmail.com / 0724594154)
Dress: Zani Lombard (0799269833)
Bouquet & wreaths: Cousin Marica Louw (marica@houseofarums.co.za / 0832655216)
Set up & decor: sister Helena Sheridan & cousin Cornelia Badenhorst (De Liefde)
Venue: Kalmoesfontein

Unofficial new mascot

2011-11-29T14:41:00.000+02:00

Herman Potgieter, a guest at our Farm Family wedding this weekend crafted this Secateurs Warrior for us.

We like it!

When we revolted...

2011-11-23T23:21:00.000+02:00

Pictures from the 2011 Swartland Revolution. We know we are a tad late, but it took us a while to recover, and then we wanted to wait for the full selection of pictures from 'neighbour' (it's a long bumpy drive to the Porseleinberg, but we still consider Callie & Maree neighbours) and photographer Maree, cause you know, we like to be a little different.

So here is our alternative choices of images from a revolution. If you missed it you missed out!

Oh goody (bag)!

Quality first - Olivier Clape

Revolutionary BBQ (by Reuben Riffel) at Bazaar.

entertainment from Die Baardskeerdersbos Orkes! 'dis n lekker ou jan...'

Adi's soap box from where he told many charming lame jokes while moderating the Expert Opinions tasting.

lunch at bar bar black sheep!

Jasper receiving our official Swartland Independent decanter from Eben Sadie just before the street party!

Till next year!

The 2012 Swartland Revolution will take place on 9 & 10 November. Ticket sales will open in March 2012, start saving... Read more here / or follow the revolution on twitter / or like it on the book of faces.

More pictures from our first open day.

2011-10-31T13:00:00.000+02:00

"We few, we happy few." - Shakespeare's Henry V

Here are some pictures of the lucky guests who got tickets in time for our first ever open day on Kalmoesfontein. Lunch is served!

Forests, Harrods and other stories from the North...

2011-10-31T11:18:00.000+02:00

Some news from the United Kingdom and Europe.

One of our loyal customers in the UK, Mark Bedford, sent us a picture of him enjoying our Secateurs Red Blend in the forest after foraging for some mushrooms.

He writes:
"Here is the picture of me on a day’s wild forage – leaves, berries, wood pigeon, a few fungi – in a big forest in Oxfordshire, just last Saturday. Your wine went very well with seared wood pigeon breasts gently poached in a hawthorn, sloe and rosehip syrup, all from berries picked an hour earlier. Outstanding tucker and great wine match – though I had to share my bottle with other foragers who had not done the same detailed forward planning since ‘bottle of red wine’ was not in their kit list!"

Proof that our wine even tastes great from a plastic cup:

In other parts of the Northern Hemisphere we are very proud to have our Family Wines and Secateurs on prominent display in Harrods in London and Berlin:

As for us back home, we are excitedly counting down the days (11) till The Swartland Revolution. Bring on 11.11.11!

We are now officially Fine & Rare

2011-10-28T09:26:00.000+02:00

This week London based Fine + Rare, recognized and respected as one of the largest and most successful international fine wine traders, took their first step into recognising fine South African wines. We are honored to play a role in changing their perception and hope this is the beginning of a blossoming relationship.

I quote:

"Last week we had one of the best tastings that we've ever had in FINE+RARE's offices courtesy of 3 of South Africa's most pioneering winemakers. Instead of sticking to Old World traditional methods like many of their peers, Adi Badenhorst (AA Badenhorst), Duncan Savage (Cape Point Vineyards) and Albie Koch (De Toren) have their eyes firmly fixed on the horizon. The tasting took all our preconceptions about South African wines and blew them out of the water!

Please take our word for it: these wines are complete knockouts and come very highly recommended."

They also have some flattering things to say about Adi (the hairy one) including the word 'gifted'... ...

There are some great deals on our wines for anyone anywhere, so have a look at the full story and deal here/

Wine Legends past present and future

2011-10-19T10:25:00.000+02:00

In the final (printed) issue of Wine Magazine (Sept/Oct 2011) they featured "South African Wine Legends" Past, Present and Future without whom they can not imagine the winelands.

Adi (a future legend) and his father-in-law Jan 'Boland' Coetzee (a present legend) BOTH made it into the selected few, among greats like Tony Mossop, Charles Back, Günter Brözel, John Platter and neighbour / fellow Swartland Revolutionary Eben Sadie.

Although we believe Adi already has legend status, we are honored.

The Badenhorst Family would like to bid a fond farewell to Wine Magazine, that has been with us for almost 2 decades. We thank you for the support, exposure, positive ratings, up to date news and your contribution to the South African Wine industry as a whole. Hamba Kahle, and good luck with your new online ventures.

Follow Wine Magazine on twitter to stay in the loop!

Proudly Swartland Products

2011-10-12T13:58:00.003+02:00

Below, all the contact details for the suppliers who filled our "Plaaswinkel" with their amazing products at our Open Day last weekend.

Camphill Village Malmesbury

Tammy Mulder

t.021-571 8600

e. natural@camphill.org.za

w. http://www.camphillwestcoast.org.za/

Cara Brink (macaroons, baked goods & more)

e. carabrink@hotmail.com

w. www.carabrink.blogspot.com

Colleen Lesch jnr (Clothing Design)

c. 073 2266815

e. Colleen.lesch@gmail.com

Duvets, chickens, organic beetroot etc

Colleen Lesch snr

c. 083 457 8999

e. klipfontein@paarlonline.co.za

Growing Paper

Roxanne Vorster

c. 071 472 7173

e. roxanne@growingpaper.co.za

w. www.growingpaper.co.za

La Rhine Slaghuis / Butchery

Christo Smit

c. 073 182 4840

e. larhine@paarlonline.co.za

Meant to be Design and stationary

Elsje Burger

e. elsje@meanttobe.co.za

w. http://luvmeanttobe.blogspot.com/

Porseleinberg Organic Eggs

Callie Louw

e. callie@porseleinberg.co.za

Prince Albert Olives

t. 023 541 1687

e. info@princealbertolives.co.za

w. www.princealbertolives.co.za

Ruf & Tuf recycled toys

Ron Sheridan

t. 083 425 1930

e. aabadenhorstwine@gmail.com

Trevor Rinkwest Antiques

Trevor Rinkwest

c. 082 7277433

Confit Lamb Shoulder in Secateur’s Chenin

2011-10-05T17:43:00.000+02:00

Laurent Soragna of Wine and Only made this amazing Confit Lamb Shoulder using our Secateurs Chenin Blanc.

Ingredients

For that recipe you will need (serves 4 meatlovers like me, 6 regular people otherwise)

- A whole lamb shoulder (1.5 kgs or more) bone in

- Fresh Thyme

- Fresh Rosemary

- Some nice pepper (I would suggest Sichuan, but a good Madagascan one will do the trick)

- A bottle of AA Badenhorst Secateur’s White (the most critical part of the recipe!) or more…

- Maldon salt

- A good olive oil

- 2 whole garlic heads

- Patience

- Love

- And 5 hours…

Preparation

Take your shoulder out of the fridge and leave it at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, preset your oven to 90-100°C (no more, this is one of the key elements!). If you’re not sure about your old oven, put a small bowl with water in your oven. If after 20 minutes, it starts boiling…your oven is wrong…lower it down. We want the meat to “confit”, it has then to be just a little below boiling point!
In the meantime, open your chilled AA Badenhorst Secateur’s white. Have a little sip! Put back in the fridge. Go to step 2
With a sharp knife, cut the thyme and rosemary until fine.
On a board, rub the lamb with olive oil, then salt (don’t be shy, the salt will help get the skin crispy), crushed pepper, and the herbs.
Transfer to a large plate and put in the oven. Add the garlic (break the heads into pods, but leave the skin on)
Have another sip of Secateur, you deserve it!
Let the meat in the oven for 1 hour. By then you should have a little rendered fat. Baste the meat with it.
Add about 20 cl of Secateur on top of the shoulder. (I know it’s hard…)
From now on, baste the meat once every 30 minutes.
You don’t have to drink leftover Secateur every 30 minutes, but I highly recommend it!
Put another Secateur White in your fridge…You never know…
After 3 hours of cooking, wrap the shank (only the shank!) in aluminum foil (to prevent it from getting dry). Take the garlic pods out, they should be soft and golden. Put them in a bowl.
Have another sip of Secateur.
After 4h30-5 hours, your meat should be ready, almost melting in your mouth. The Chenin mixed with the rendered fat will have coated the meat, leaving a shiny gloss on it…Let it rest 15 minutes in your oven (opened door) to release the juices.
Serve the meat very quickly and enjoy with a red blend from AABadenhorst (a perfect match!)
As side dishes, you can either serve a nice homemade mash (potatoes or sweet ones, with the added confit garlic pods), green beans, or whatever you like. There will be no sauce, so you can always serve with good French mustard.
Enjoy with friends

Some tips :

- I guess you could do the same with a leg of lamb, but the meat of the shoulder is fattier helping it to “confit”.

- Serve it whole on your table for a maximum wow factor, cut it and put the slices on a hot plate as the lamb fat tends to congeal quite fast.

- Adapt the cooking time to your oven

- Have fun

- Have another sip of Secateur’s white before serving if you’re unsure about your dish…

Laurent Soragna

www.wineandonly.com

Official pictures - Lunch of Origin Swartland

2011-10-05T17:40:00.000+02:00

Neighbour, friend, photographer. Maree Louw is our favourite and first choice photographer when it comes to events.

Here are some of her pics from our first open day on Kalmoesfontein this weekend:

for more visit her blog here: http://naturallightphotography.co.za/view/blog/families/badenhorst-family-wines-open-day-swartland/

Swartland saving France

2011-10-05T08:35:00.000+02:00

Adi is on his way with Eben and Chris to introduce the French to Swartland wines soon. Between THIS & 2011 Swartland Revolution poster I'm seeing WAY too much skin...

The One-Day-Only invasion on Saturday October 15th will include two events.

First, a FREE tasting with 3 classes:
one to introduce Swartland with Eben's wines,
one with Chris & Stéphane Ogier (our imported guest at 2010 Revolution)
and one with Adi presenting our wines.

This will take place in a wine cellar in the Latin Quarter of Paris starting at 3pm.

Secondly there will be a wine dinner with a menu to pair with Mullinuex and Badenhorst Wines in a secret location.

Anyone interested in participating can contact Raffi Gabeyan via email at raffi.gabeyan@gmail.com.

Lunch of Origin: Swartland

2011-10-04T11:43:00.000+02:00

The menu from our first open day, prepared by Adi's mom Judy Badenhorst and a few hardworking friends and family members.

Wine + water and bread + butter

A salad, delicious, of beetroot, radishes and baby spinach and red onions with goats cheese and finished with a balsamic, mustard and honey dressing (The crunchy green things are pumpkin seeds)

Green garden salad with a salsa verde dressing (fancy name for a green herb dressing) with capers and anchovies

There are two kinds of quiches (free range duck eggs used here) of caramilized onions one with gruyere cheese and the other with smoked bacon

If that’s not enough then there will also be farm raised marinated chicken braaied to perfection on old cabernet sauvignon vines ( we have no use for cabernet here other than for braaing on). The chicken will be served with roasted root vegetables of carrots, parsnips, onions and above ground butternut.

And there is even dessert. We have made a jelly from Fernoa Pires straw wine 2009, a homemade custard and stewed rhubarb and apple.

Coffee and tea.

This picture, thanks to Santie le Roux:

more pictures, by our official photographer Maree Louw, coming soon!

Cottage life...

2011-09-27T11:16:00.000+02:00

We told you a while ago that you can now come stay in the cottage on Kalmoesfontein by booking through Perfect Hideaways. This weekend we had our first guests; Lisa Fullstone and her family spent the weekend on the farm and sent us some lovely pictures.

In her e-mail, subjected "Kalmoesfontein - a boy, a dog, a farm" Lisa wrote:

"We had a lovely weekend, we really enjoyed the farm and the dogs! Our 5 year old Sam fell in love with the dogs and spent hours playing with them, he also got to meet Badenhorst 5 year old Samuel and they played really nicely together.

We loved the farm, the dogs, the garden, Fortuin, the birdlife and mostly the peace and quiet.. and the VIEW!!! did I mention the view! and the Swartland heat, and the wines..."

Sound good? Then book your weekend and come enjoy it for yourself...

Washing barrels

2011-09-21T09:31:00.000+02:00

Recently we told you about the new (old) barrels we bought for the cellar and how Razvan at Nederburg gave us a few tips on how to clean them. We have started to move the smaller barrels out of the cellar and have washed out the new (old) barrels.

As you know, everything we do on Kalmoesfontein is a family affair, so it was no surprise that little Ana Kalander wanted to keep an eye on her dad while he performed this important task.

Quality control, Paardeberg style~

A taste of the Swartland

2011-09-15T12:06:00.000+02:00

Come get a taste of the Swartland, in Cape Town!

Join us on Saturday 8 October at The Stone Cottages in Kirstenbosch to experience the tastes, sounds and sights of the Swartland.

Wine, olives, spit braai, tuisgebak, arts, crafts and more! see you there!

Best red for under R100 - setting records!

2011-09-09T11:42:00.001+02:00

Roland Peens at the Wine Cellar reckons our Secateurs Red blend 2010 vintage is the best SA red you can buy for under R100.

They are currently running a special on this wine (buy per case) and 2 days into the sale he says it is selling so fast that he predicts record sales!

"Adi has hit a complete home run here, and Neal Martin's latest Wine Advocate review is in agreement. The 90/100 rating is in line with many wines 3 or 4 times its price. Buy this wine by the case load, it's delicious."

He also mentions our Secateurs Chenin on his list of top wines under R100 along with other Swartland gems like Lammershoek LAM and Mullineux Kloof Street Red.

Something old, something new...

2011-09-08T10:44:00.000+02:00

Our wines are now in the Chapman's Peak Wine & Spirits Boutique! Voted ‘Top Wine Retailer’ by Wine Magazine, the Chapmans Peak Wine & Spirits boutique features a large selection of local and rare wines, port, liquers, imported beers and cigars. It also has one of the largest selections of malts in Cape Town.

When last did you take a drive along the most spectacular road in the Cape?

“Chapmans Peak drive is breathtaking and still as thrilling as I can remember as a little boy. At the Hout Bay end Chapmans Peak Hotel, with their famous calamari pan awaits you, or if you drive in the direction of the harbour, keep driving until you end up at "FISH ON THE ROCKS" and grab a fish parcel.” - Adi

In other news: Adi has tracked down some old casks for our Cellar - they are old, they are sexy and they are officially ours! They hold 1800 liters of wine and will be put into the barrel cellar - yes we are throwing out all of our small casks!

Rasvan Macici the eastern european winemaking machine has given us some good advice on how to clean them since he has many in his cellar at Nederburg.

Plaas living

2011-09-05T12:08:00.000+02:00

You can now come stay in the cottage on Kalmoesfontein! The cottage, that sleeps four people (one double room and another room with two single beds) has two en-suite bathrooms, a lovely open plan kitchen / living room with a massive fireplace and views of the Swartland from the Paardeberg.

There are also hiking trails, horses, cellars, veggie gardens and more to explore!

Kalmoesfontein is located in the Paardeberg and within bike riding distance from Paarl, Wellington and Riebeek Kasteel.

Read more, see pictures and booking details by clicking here~

Top marks and honours from Wine Advocate

2011-09-05T11:23:00.000+02:00

Wine Advocate, probably the most influential publication in the world of wine, Neal Martin recently visited some wineries in South Africa, and he’s just released his report online yesterday!

Some notes from his report on South African wine in general:

“The aim of this report is to suggest where South Africa is going right (and trust me, it is going right in far more places than I anticipated) and where it is going wrong. I hope to convince both the uninitiated and the skeptics of the heights that their greatest wines are achieving and the potential for the future. Perhaps most importantly in these straightened times, I hope you will be convinced that a vast number of South African wines offer exceptional quality for the price.” –N.M

“The greatest potential in my opinion, comes from the Rhône based blends, from Shiraz, Grenache and to a lesser extent, Mourvèdre. One can see the climactic parallels between the Rhône Valley and areas of South Africa such as Swartland. The top wines from the likes of Eben Sadie, Adi Badenhorst, Alex Starey and Mark Kent, to name but a few, are magnificent.” – N.M

We are happy to share these tasting notes and ratings with you today:

From best to 'worst' (if 87 points is bad...)

2008 A A Badenhorst Family Wines Noble Late Harvest – 93pts

2007 A A Badenhorst Family Wines Red – 93pts - a very natural, beautifully defined bouquet of dark berries, a dash of white pepper and garrigue that you would swear comes from some rocky outcrop in the Rhone. The palate has really coalesced since I tasted the 2007 in its youth: very fine tannins, wonderful balance and freshness with great tension. There are dark berries, tertiary notes, white pepper, fennel and a slight salty tang on the mid-palate that leads to a very focused finish. It will age over 8-10 years with ease. Drink now-2020

2009 A A Badenhorst Family Wines White – 92pts - blend of around ten white varieties that Adi tried his best to remember. We got as far as Chenin Blanc, Grenache Gris, Palomino, Clairette and Semillon, but we might have been there all day. The striking thing about the nose is the definition, for the 2009 shows greater precision than the 2008, whilst the Palomino does indeed impart a sherry-like tincture. The palate is supremely well balanced and demonstrates greater tension and vibrancy than the 2008, as if the grapes are working together, moving in the same direction. It is very focused on the finish and should age beautifully. Drink now-2016+.

NV A A Badenhorst Family Wines Funky White Blend – 91pts -Adi has provisionally named his Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Viognier non-vintage blend “Funky White.” Blended with eight other varieties and aged under flor but not fortified and with a blend of four different vintages, it has a striking nose that you will either love or hate?Jura meets Swartland perhaps? The palate is very well balanced with a smooth texture and is not as oxidized as the nose implies. Apricot, lemon rind, honeycomb and walnut furnish the poised finish. This evinces individualistic winemaking, but the bottom line is that it tastes good and it tastes “cerebral.” Drink now-2015+.

2010 A A Badenhorst Family Wines Secateurs Red Blend – 90pts - ripe raspberry, blackberry and wild hedgerow on the nose that is well defined and very natural. The palate is medium-bodied, supple on the entry with juicy bright red berries, raspberry, red currant and has a touch of citrus peel lending freshness and vitality. Drink now-2013

2010 A A Badenhorst Family Wines Secateurs Chenin Blanc – 89pts - fresh, vibrant bouquet with orange blossom, Clementine and pressed white flowers. The palate is clean on the entry with a very natural feel. It is underpinned by racy acidity and light flavours of lemon peel, melon and honeysuckle that dovetail towards a refined, refreshing finish. For its price, this comes highly recommended. Drink now-2015.

2011 A A Badenhorst Family Wines Secateurs Rose - 87pts -A blend of Cinsault, Shiraz and Grenache with grapes pressed together, the 2011 Secateurs Rose has a lifted, vibrant fresh bouquet with touches of red cherry, rose petals and lime. The palate is well balanced, fresh and vibrant with a little more tannic “grip” than other South African roses. Whilst not a complex wine, it is well made and as fresh as a daisy. Drink now.

That is an average of 90 - better than any of us ever did at academics... School is overrated anyway... Just don't tell Samuel... ;)

chasing snakes - and cooking lunch!

2011-08-18T13:17:00.001+02:00

Samuel and his cousin Jan-Hendrik recently helped clear a patch of land to plant artichokes and they had fun catching (non poisonous) snakes!

We hope to treat you with lots of home grown goodness at our first open day:

Lunch of origin Swartland

We would like to invite all food and wine lovers to our first ever OPEN DAY - a Sunday lunch on Kalmoesfontein farm, home of AA Badenhorst Family Wines.

SUNDAY LUNCH, 2 October 2011, for friends, family and even children. Ja, they can come too - we will provide a little muddy dam for them to frolic in after chasing the farm chickens. Mud is easier to clean off car seats than ice cream...

We plan to put on a most amazing lunch – my mother Judy and I will do the cooking - you just have to eat and drink and make merry (and try to keep the conversation interesting and intelligent, if you want, but the other extreme is also ok.)

The Swartland will look incredible then and from where you will sit the vistas of ripening wheat fields and budding vines is unsurpassed.

Most of the ingredients will be sourced from our farm and our neighbouring farms. These friends grow wonderful chickens, ducks, lamb and vegetables. The tastes will be fresh and alive.

The menu will be something like this (depending on available ingredients)

Salad green - baby butter lettuce with salsa verde dressing (the anchovies are not from here though)

Quiches – the way quiches should really look and taste! Vegetarian delight!

Homemade bread - from locally grown and ground flour

Pickles galore – from my mom, a woman who pickles everything in sight

Big juicy free range chickens - served whole on fresh roasted vegetables and potatoes/patats.

(So we need carvers, we will provide the right tools all you have to do is cut and share.)

Desserts will be homemade ice cream and rhubarb from the garden.

Leaf tea and coffee from our cellar espresso maching for those that want otherwise some very special sweet wine or sherry.

The wines to pair will include- the Secateurs Rose, Chenin Blanc and Red Blend and the AA Badenhorst White and Red Blends plus some other cellar-only specials (we will dig into Cornelia’s drinking stock while she's not looking...)

The 5Ws & H:

Who: Your Host, Andre Adriaan (Adi) Badenhorst [Family Wines]

What: Farm Fresh Sunday Roast

When: Sunday October 2^nd, 2011 – 12.30 for 13.00

Where: Kalmoesfontein, Paardeberg, Swartland (map to be supplied)

Why: Cause we want to share the goodness of the Swartland with you!

How: If you are interested, mail us (aabadenhorstwine@gmail.com) and we will send you banking and booking details.

The cost will be R250/person and R50/child and we will have a farm stall style shop where you can buy wonderful produce from the area (so bring some cash and a basket).

Oh Swartland my Swartland...

2011-08-03T14:37:00.001+02:00

A few photos from a recent visit to the farm:

Above and below: Tiny quails being raised under a light, and in Samuel's 5 year old hand, to show the size.

Ana admiring her Dad's quails.

Chicken egg vs quail egg.

Swartland vistas, August 2011.

Adi's Eurotrip Winter 2011

2011-08-01T10:59:00.000+02:00

A few photos from Adi's recent trip to Europe has surfaced. Here are a few:

Picture taken at Rock Werchter concert outside Brussels - one of these guys is Peter de Leeuw our Belgium agent...
Guess which one..?

Fernando is a mean cook and exceptional musician.
"He cooked the best chicken I have ever had" - simple roast, some coconut milk and spices - wonderful with our Family Red blend!

More pictures in the album "The Adventures of Adi, Winter 2011" on our Facebook page.

Photos from the farm

2011-07-26T10:16:00.001+02:00

Jasper Wickens, assistant wine maker and (un)official Paardeberg party planner sent me a few pictures from the farm.

Above & below: Filling up the new Sherry Cellar!

Above & below: Pruning time in the vineyards

Below: Gotcha! the Muskeljaatkat that has been caught after weeks of 'population control' among our chickens!

Peaking in on the Swartland

2011-07-15T16:13:00.001+02:00

American wine enthusiast and author of Wine-Zag, Adam Japko recently visited the Swartland in an attempt to get to know the region and the wines up close and personal.
He has been infatuated with our piece of valley "ever since tasting a bottle of Sadie Family Vineyards’ Palladius more than a year ago. "

He believes "Most importantly, an overwhelming majority of Swartland wines I tasted deserve regular appearances in all serious wine enthusiasts’ drinking regimens."

He stayed in the cottage on Kalmoesfontein and starts his feedback of the Swartland with some flattery for Adi:

"While Adi is just one piece of the Swartland winemaker fabric, joined by the likes of David Sadie, Eben Sadie, Chris Mullineux, and Craig Hawkins, he epitomizes the thumb to the nose, do it “my way”, pioneering, radical but humble, and unconventional attitude fueling one of the most significant modern day regional winemaking upheavals."

Read the whole post and see the videos (in which Adi proclaims: "Honestly I would rather eat my toenails and watch a Jerry Springer omnibus than drink a glass of Sauvignon Blanc.")

New and Exclusive

2011-07-14T18:15:00.003+02:00

We here on Kalmoesfontein have decided to take a step in the direction of being even more exclusive. Starting next week – Adi will make some of his small quantity, experimental wines available for sale to our database of subscribers only.

The first offer is the Badenhorst Family Wine NV, also known as The Funky White.

It is primarily a blend of Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Viognier (accounting for around 80% of the wine) with the rest being made up of a blend of eight other varieties! They wine is kept under a Solera system which has been running since 2007.

Only 650 bottles of this wine will be bottled every year and this year’s batch will be sold exclusively to our mailing list. The wine is not for sale in retail outlets and only a few selected restaurants have it on their wine list.

The offer is limited to 6 bottles per person on a first come first served basis. It is only open to people living in South Africa and will be delivered upon proof of payment. To stand in line, email us on aabadenhorstwine@gmail.com

Praise for the ‘Wine’ includes this:

What is important is that it is a wine got that my wahoo flowing, it made me smile, it made me quickly pour another glass, and best of all (this for me is a really important aspect of wine) it made me want another bottle. Quickly.

- - Harry Haddon

The ‘Wine’ from Badenhorst has a lovely aroma of tropical fruit, particularly showing off gorgeous notes of passion-fruit and kiwi, these are backed up by almonds and sweet spice. The palate is intense with an elegant body and lovely firm acidity, the complex assortment of flavours includes hay, spice, nuts and peach. The finish is long, silky and very creamy.

- - Alex Redfern

The AA Badenhorst NV ‘Funky White’ is an artisanal wine with a flor-like quality

- - Cathryn Henderson

So make sure you get on our mailing list (email aabadenhorstwine@gmail.com) to make use of this and other amazing exclusive offers. Offer will go out early next week!

Reporting in the Rapport

2011-07-12T12:59:00.000+02:00

Feedback from The Fantastic Eben, Adi and Luke show at The Test Kitchen in the lifestyle magazine that accompanies Rapport (Afrikaans Sunday newspaper).

Wedding album Cover story

2011-07-12T12:40:00.001+02:00

The cover story for this month's Wedding Album magazine was shot on Kalmosfontein a few months ago.
Our neighbours and fellow revolutionaries Callie and Maree Louw's daughter Mina was the beautiful little model.

Behind the scenes:

In the mag:

Swartland Supremes

2011-07-08T09:04:00.001+02:00

Some more feedback on The Adi, Eben and Luke show currently on the menu at The Test Kitchen.

This time on Neil Pendock's blog on Times Live:

"Fabian and Guido had dined the previous evening at the Test Kitchen in Salt River as guests of WOSA with charming host André Morgenthal (who must keep many of Cape Town’s top end restaurants afloat in these depressed days). The 12 course menu dégustation was accompanied by wines from the Swartland Supremes (Eben Sadie as Mary Wilson and Adi Badenhorst as Diana Ross, but with bigger hair). Both Belgians called the meal “the best I have ever eaten in SA.” Guido’s own Hertog Jan restaurant in Brugge is a Michelin two star spot so he knows from food and he rates TK chef Luke Dale-Roberts a two star stunner although the service is on a lower level. In particular Luke’s imagination and matching an oyster to Adi’s Funky White was for Guido, a culinary triumph."

A look into the cellar (and the office)

2011-06-29T18:07:00.000+02:00

Thanks to Real World TV and Bar Bar Black Sheep for this video of Adi. Take a look inside the cellar and into the office on Kalmoesfontein. Where the magic happens...

video (c) Real World TV

Bold reds and lush sweet whites

2011-06-28T12:03:00.000+02:00

A brilliant (read flattering) article in the UK's Daily Mail on the Swartland wine region. Olly Smith writes that "Many of (these) young stars cut their teeth in big-name wineries before striking out on their own, and with a progressive approach to social media (I like to think that he is referring to my work on this blog and for the Swartland Revolution;) and an emphasis on fun, theirs is an example other wine regions could learn from."

He also talks about our Family Red Blend:
An outstanding red blend is AA Badenhorst Family Red 2007 (£29.95 at Harrods) - bold, harmonious and spicy, and an impressively restrained 13.5 per cent. Its creator Adi Badenhorst has an enviable bounce that's more than matched by his winemaking skill.

And I love this quote by Marc Kent:

'Bank robbers rob banks, because that's where the money is; we're getting more involved in the Swartland, because that's where the quality is!'

Pressing time

2011-06-28T11:46:00.000+02:00

This post is a tribute to the small, hard working and loyal team that helps us make amazing wines on Kalmoesfontein!

The team consists of Adi's assistant wine maker Jasper Wickens, Elena Kotzev a Viticulture student from Alsace, France who has been doing an "internship" and helping out during the harvest and season of 2011, farm workers Fortuin (a Swartland local) and Zimbabwean Trust! Also special mention to Pierre Rossouw, neighbour and grape farmer.

Fortuin, Elena and Trust, not scared to get their hands dirty!

Jasper in the thick of things...

Trust and Fortuin keeping a close eye!

Elena getting stuck in there (not literally, she got out again...)

Adi and Jasper hard at work (with all that view!)

Oom Pieter, Adi and Jasper discussing something important (The stormers?)

Thanks guys (and girl, Merci beaucoup) your hard work and dedication is immeasurable to our success!

Heating up in the Kitchen

2011-06-21T12:52:00.001+02:00

We stumbles upon some more quality feedback for the "Eben, Adi and Luke Show' a 13 course menu paired with wines from our cellar and neighbour Eben Sadie. This is all happening at The Test Kitchen in Woodstock where chef Luke Dale Roberts prepares a feast for the senses.

Says Richard Holmes on iafrica:

"But let’s talk about that price. Yes, R850 for dinner is a lot of money. But when you consider that includes 11 to 13 courses, suddenly the value-for-money starts to outweigh the chunk of change. Throw in expensive ingredients like truffle and salmon, and it’s looking better. Oh yes, did I mention there’s wine carefully paired with each course? Now it seems a lot more affordable.

And those wines are nothing run-of-the-mill… they come from two of the Swartland’s most adventurous, and respected, winemakers; Adi Badenhorst and Eben Sadie. Limited release wines, often from their own private cellars, seeing the light of day for the first time."

So without further ado this winter; roll up, roll up ladies and gentlemen. Charge your glasses (and your credit cards) for the The Fantastic Eben, Adi and Luke Show!

For bookings or further information, visit www.thetestkitchen.co.za or call 021 447 2337. You can also follow Luke on Twitter: @ldrchef. The Test Kitchen is open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday. The 11-13 course menu includes wines is priced at R850 per person. Prior booking is essential.

read the whole article here: http://food.iafrica.com/dining/735143.html

Test Kitchen - the Luke, Eben and Adi show

2011-06-20T13:50:00.000+02:00

The much talked about Luke, Eben and Adi show has kicked off at The Test Kitchen in Woodstock. We blogged about this before and have now started to pick up some feedback from people who have enjoyed the experience.

Flavour Cape notes a few noteworthy pairings from the 7 course meal (carefully prepared food to match the wines by Eben Sadie and Adi Badenhorst.)

Amongst her favourites is this:
The AA Badenhorst ‘Accepted white’ 2009, a blend of 10 different Paardeberg vineyards and 10 different varietals. From Luke: salmon tataki, halva, yuzu dressing, foie gras butter, Korean tartare. Simple salty and sweet elements bravely combined. As Adi summed it up best: “When you have food as complex as this, there are so many more meeting points.”

Read the article here!

OesAf party(berg)

2011-06-20T13:43:00.000+02:00

Only stumbled upon this post about our OesAf festival today. The Foodie remembers being there, enjoying great wines and even better (possible?) braai broodjies.
He tackled a dog.
Caught Jasper in some funky "jhorts" (jean shorts)

And "hugged Kingsley Holgate" :)

Partyberg in-deed...
Read about his adventure here: http://thefoodie.co.za/uncategorized/the-paardeberg-the-partyberg/

Swartland All Stars!

2011-06-17T10:29:00.000+02:00

Anton Espost - owner of The Wine Kollective in Riebeek Kasteel's Short Street Square is also a keen writer and has recently published "Swartland Grapeheart 2011'.

We love:
1. The tattoo inspired All Stars cover.

2. The clever quirky diagrams we found in there:
2.1 The Swartland Brain:

2.2 The Wine Regions of SA:

2.3 And the percentage of Landcruisers with designer dogs:

The Wine Kollective was started with the brilliant idea:

Start your own shop, call it 'The Wine Kollective', convince the best wineries to join the cause and viola!'

The Blue Building
Short Street
Riebeek Kasteel
t. 022 448-1008
e. espost@telkomsa.net

Free tastings on weekends!!

WINE of the week

2011-06-07T17:45:00.001+02:00

Our NV wine, simply labelled "Wine" is Alex Redfern's wine of the week. I love it when a plan comes together.

He writes: "whilst I recommend trying all of the wines, the NV Solera is the most interesting!"

Read the whole post on the site http://www.alexredfern.com/index.php/wine-of-the-week

Swartland Revolution 2011 - final programme!

2011-06-07T17:42:00.001+02:00

With the raging success of the inaugural Swartland Revolution organisers have made 250 tickets available for this year’s Revolution that will take place on the weekend of 11 – 12 November 2011.

With guest feedback that included praise such as “the best wine event that I have ever attended”; “like Woodstock... but without the sex”; “world class performance” and “a revolution against boring wines, against boring events; this was a revolt against the plain and the sad, the straight and the narrow; it was simply a benchmarking of joie de vivre” most of last year’s attendees have already booked their place at this year’s event.

The programme for 2011 has just been finalised and is bigger (and even better) than in 2010;

Three tastings of benchmark wines:

- Eight wines from the local Mullineux Cellar;

- Olivier Clape presenting six of his wines from The Northern Rhone in France

- and nine wines, all personal favourites selected by London based wine writer Jamie Goode, ze German Sommelier Jorg Pfutzner and local kenner Michael Fridjhon.

The food will again be “simply superb” as noted by 2010 revolutionary:

- Celeb chef Reuben Riffel and his team are ready to braai up a storm once more. If last year’s BBQ was any indication we can expect mountains of perfectly prepared meat, salads to stun and fire grilled veggies that will impress even the most hard core carnivores.

- For Saturday lunch the team at Bar Bar Black Sheep will again prepare a truly local feast to mesmerise guests.

The event will conclude with The Swartland Independent Street Party. At R50 per person this tasting is more accessible and open to the public. With local producers showcasing their natural wines it will attract a whole new crowd as we take over the Riebeek Main Street and party into the sunset.

Tickets sold via Webtickets.

The juniors in the cellar

2011-05-24T13:39:00.000+02:00

Samuel Sunnyskies and Ana Kalander Badenhorst were seen in the cellar this weekend, trying their hands at wine making. By the looks of it Dad will have to give a few more tips... but you have got to start somewhere...

Step one: check that the tank is safe for your little sister to climb in.

Step two: help your little sister into the tank

Adi's upcoming gigs...

2011-05-12T13:59:00.000+02:00

"Luke Dale-Roberts. Adi Badenhorst. Eben Sadie. If food was music, that’s like getting Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix and Elvis on stage together to cover your favourite song." says local food blogger Jamie Who on his blog.

In the spirit of food and music, I bring you Adi's upcoming gigs:

Adi will be paying a visit to the Cape Quaffers social wine tasting club who meets monthly in Claremont on Thursday 19 May.
Find out more about the group here.

Our wines will be tasted at the Old Cape Wine Shop Imhoff Farm on Saturday May 21st... Put that date in your diaries and come check in!
The Wine shop on Imhoff farm is just opposite Ocean View drive on the M65 near Kommetjie. (directions)

Come enjoy a 5-course meal paired with our wines at Bosman's at the Grande Roche on Friday 27 May... Canapés on arrival, a five-course dinner carefully paired with our wines, coffee and petit fours all in the charming company of Mr Badenhorst himself.
Click here for more info!

And then, the big one that everyone is getting excited about and that inspired Jamie Who to compare Adi, Eben and Luke to musical legends - for 6 weeks, starting June 15th Adi and Eben Sadie will join chef Luke Dale-Roberts at The Test Kitchen to play with ingredients and combinations to produce a menu that will be unlike anything else on offer in Cape Town (what Jamie said...)
Read more here.

Hope to see you at one of these...

Hats off to a new Côte

2011-05-03T10:20:00.001+02:00

The Yorkshire Post has published a lovely article on the Swartland. With focus on last year's revolution - and particularly the tasting by Stephane Ogier of the Northern Rhone, Christine Austin tells the story of a wine region that is fast becoming world class.

"The reason for Stéphane’s presence in South Africa that day is because Swartland shares many of the characteristics that create some of the Rhône’s finest wines. The soil is complex with granite, clay, slate and river shale creating individual pockets for different varieties; the climate is hot during the day but a cooling breeze spreads over the region in the afternoon; and there is enough distance between the Swartland and the manicured vineyards of Stellenbosch to feel that this is the pioneering, Wild West of wine growing."

She also focusses on Eben and Adi's journeys to the Swartland and rates some of their wines, including our "fresh-tasting complex, pepper and aniseed Badenhorst Family Red 2007, which is on its way to becoming one of South Africa’s great wines."

Read the full article here.

Revving up for another Revolution...

2011-04-28T15:51:00.000+02:00

We are once again in full swing planning the Swartland Revolution. After the overwhelming success of the inaugural Revolution, this year promises to be bigger and better.

With 250 tickets available there will not only be more guests, but more tastings and more goodies and fun entertainment awaits you, come 11/11/11.

This year's tastings (three, compared to two last year) includes a Friday afternoon tasting by Olivier Clape presenting six of his world class French wines. On Saturday there will be a tasting of eight wines from the local Mullineux Cellar as well as a tasting with wine journalist Jamie Goode (all the way from London) and Michael Fridjhon, a revolution favourite. They will treat us to four of their favourite wines each.

As they say, dont fix it if it aint broken; so celeb chef Reuben Riffel will once again be in charge of the braai tongs on Friday night while local hero Mynardt Joubert and the team at Bar Bar Black Sheep will have to pull out all the stops to top their Festival Feast from 2010 for lunch on Saturday.

And finally, a new poster has arrived...

For the entire programme of events, click here!

Hope to see you in the Swartland in November!

The Adi, Eben and Luke Show @ The Test Kitchen this winter

2011-04-26T14:05:00.000+02:00

Winter just warmed up a little!

News has arrived that Adi, along with neighbour, friend and fellow wine rock star Eben Sadie will join exciting and much talked about, award-winning chef, Luke Dale Roberts at his restaurant The Test Kitchen for a winter pairing programme!

Yes, a definite reason to get excited.

Eben, Adi and Luke have had extensive tastings in order to try to find the perfect combination of dishes such as Luke's seared tuna with sotf dashi jelly, soy milk yuba and caviar or foie gras tiramisu, or the newly developed sweetbread and truffle jagerbomb.

This collaboration will see these maverick winemakers joining Luke in the kitchen to experiment with ingredients and combinations to produce a menu that will be unlike anything else on offer: a food and wine lover’s dream!

Eben and Adi will be showcasing there top drawer wines and other “secret wines” that have not been available to the general public.

Luke explains: "I'm excited that we are going into winter. Eben and Adi are inspirational wine makers that push the limits of creativity, they are not afraid to take risks and I respect that very much. We have a good chemistry and I am inspired to be working with other exciting, creative individuals in addition to my team. That's what its all about. Wood is also a great new component that I'm enjoying using, like the velouté I'm making with American oak and bourbon accompanying my new tongue dish. Its great to slow down just a little and get seriously creative for the cooler months".

This gastronomic adventure will continue The Test Kitchen’s reputation of being at the forefront of exciting fine dining and will highlight the symbiotic relationship between good food and wine. Every 6 weeks, new menus will be created to showcase new wines and possibly even some of the best from the microbreweries, all aiming to thrill and inspire new creativity with respect to food and wine and how we enjoy it.

For bookings or further information on these special wine events
visit www.thetestkitchen.co.za,
call (27) (21) 447 2337.
You can also follow Luke on Twitter.

Happy Easter, news and updates!

2011-04-21T12:21:00.000+02:00

A few bits of news from our side as we get ready to relax on Easter Weekend.

Adi extended his visit to the US by a few days when he was made an "offer-you-cant-refuse". He spent the last few days in billionaire Sean Parker's mansion in Palm Spring, serving our wines to some of Hollywood's biggest names. (we will keep the details to ourselves, this is not People magazine, and we value our clients' privacy...)

The rest of us had a (slightly) less exciting week, but non the less, here are some details:

Wine Master Tim Atkin has once again honoured us with the title of Wine of the Week on his website. This time for our Family White Blend.

Also, while Adi is "entertaining" in the USA Jasper conducted an early morning tasting in the cellar (coffee first!) with www.wine.co.za's Dusan Jelic. This was part of Dusan's Swartland Revolution Roadtrip and the stories will be published on wine.coza this weekend.

And last, but most definitely not least, we got some mention by James Molesworth in the May issue of Wine Spectator. James spoke to Adi about importing to the USA, quite apt when you consider this week's activities...

And that is all the news from us.

Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and blessed Easter Weekend.
Drive safely and enjoy the time off!

News and updates

2011-04-11T16:38:00.000+02:00

While Adi is in the USA life continues on Kalmoesfontein.

I finally received (two!) images from the Swartland Oesaf Party (harvest festival) that was held on Kalmoesfontein on April 1st. The venue and the Rosé at the venue... Hopefully someone will send more pics soon!

Other news is that we bottled some Secateurs Red blend 2010 last week (more info and notes on this wine soon) and this week it is time to bottle some Rosé...

And Adi gets mentioned in a post about South Africa's wine of origin on the Montreal Gazette...

"Swartland:
This is the new frontier in South African wines. Winemakers like Eben Sadie (Sadie Family Wines), Craig Hawkins (Lammershoek) and Adi Badenhorst (Badenhorst Family Wines), all love their chenin blanc, and for the most part eschew technological winemaking and concentrate on grape growing. As Sadie preached, “We are on the 33rd parallel. Why are we trying to grow grapes that are best on the 44th (Bordeaux)?”

So this the place for the syrah, mourvèdre and other heat-loving vines."

Take note of Swartland. he says... well IN-DEED...

Born in the RSA, flying to the USA...

2011-04-06T14:52:00.001+02:00

Right now Adi is somewhere over the Karoo on a flight to Johannesburg. There he will spend five lovely hours at OR Tambo (recently voted best airport in Africa btw) before departing for the US of A.

He will spend a few days in Jackson / Gulfport Mississippi and a few more in Chicago, using his charm to sell wine to the Americans! He will return home on April 16th (remember Adi, it's my birthday on the 17th so feel free to bring lots of presents... wink wink)

We wish you safe and happy flights, with no annoying passengers next to you, no lost baggage and lots of happy wine sales.

Gourmet Wine Evening at Bosman's at the Grande Roche

2011-03-29T17:26:00.000+02:00

Join Adi at Bosman's Restuarant at the Grande Roche for a gourmet food and wine experience not to be missed.

Canapés on arrival, a five-course dinner carefully paired with our wines, coffee and petit fours all in the charming company of Mr Badenhorst himself.

Date: Friday May 27th 2011
Time: 19h00
Cost: R690 per person
Dress: Smart/Casual
Bookings or more info: christine@granderoche.co.za or 021- 863 5100

The Grande Roche also overs a special one night package inclusive of the Gourmet Dinner, luxuary accomodation and full English Breakfast at R1500 per person sharing.

Tim Atkin's Wine-of-the-Week

2011-03-24T10:53:00.001+02:00

OK, so I know it is almost Friday and a little late to get to a Wine-of-the-Week post, but we have been very busy with Swartland Revolution planning, setting up our 'Inspiration Table' at Toffie Pop Culture Festival (and public holidays...) and the weekend is the best time for wine anyway, so I think it is fine.

Tim Atkin, Master of Wine, presenter, wine judge, critic and photojournalist." (I quote his Twitter profile) who writes for Intelligent Life, OLN, Woman and Home and WOFW made our 2008 Badenhorst White Blend his Wine of the Week this week.

And - as if that wasn't enough to make our day (no, week) - then the well respected Jancis Robinson replied this to him on Twitter.

Good week indeed! Hope you are having an equally awesome week, if you are in Cape Town, come pop in at City Hall for the Toffie Festival and see our Inspiration Table...

Here is a sneak peak:

Books and other items collected from Adi's office and the Kalmoesfontein cellar, styled by Helena Sheridan.

Harvesting the last block!

2011-03-15T16:14:00.000+02:00

Yesterday we harvested the last block of grapes. The very old Cinsault bush-vines in front of the Cellar were planted in 1964!

That's a wrap for the Kalmoesfontein Harvest of 2011, now we start crafting the wine in the cellar!

11.11.11 Save The Date!

2011-03-14T16:46:00.000+02:00

AA Badenhorst Family Wines, Mullineux Family Wines, Porcelain Mountain Wines, Sequillo Cellars and The Sadie Family Wines would like to invite you to the second annual Swartland Revolution Weekend.

When: 11 – 12 November 2011

Where: Riebeek Kasteel

After the overwhelming success of the inaugural Swartland Revolution weekend in 2010 we will bring you a bigger, better Revolution in 2011.

The action kicks off with registration at the Royal Hotel on Friday 11 November 2011.

This year’s programme will include three tastings of top international and Swartland wines; another delicious BBQ by celeb chef Reuben Riffel; lunch at the ever popular Bar Bar Black Sheep and another open tasting for all members of the new Swartland Independent to showcase their best natural wines.

This year there will be 250 weekend packages available (at R1750 pp) as well as a limited number of Dinner (R500 pp) / Lunch (R325 pp) and Breakfast (R75) only tickets.

The Swartland Independent Street Party on Saturday afternoon is also once again open to the public at R50 pp.

Tickets are available now from Webtickets.co.za.

More info at www.theswartlandrevolution.com

Feedback from 2010:

“...the best wine event that I have ever attended. A perfect mix of serious tasting of seriously good wines, with a good measure of fun and festivity. The food was simply superb, the venues and layout spot on, the speech from Michael in particular absolutely brilliant. Honestly I feel sorry for those who thought they should miss this one. Bring on 2011 – and count me in!”

Erica Meles-Liebenberg – MelesPR

“It was fantastic and a HUGE privilege for me to be part of something so special. You’ve done a
fantastic job, something that’s organised, but still driven by 100% soul.”

Pieter Walser - BLANKbottle

“My wife asked me how it was this morning when I got back, and I said that it was like 'Woodstock... but without the sex'.”

Raffi Gabeyan – French Importer

“Thank you all so much for a wonderful feast of fine wine, delicious food, knowledge, opinions and passion. I thought you guys pulled off a world class performance from the very start right through until the end.”

Alex & Caryn Starey - Keermont Vineyards

“I can confidently say that the Swartland Revolution was by far the most enjoyable wine event I have been to. It was run with Germanic efficiency but full of South African gees. There was a balance between formal tastings and lounging on the grass sipping Bollinger. We ate till we were fit to burst, and drank till we were dancing (read: falling off) hay bales, we chatted & laughed, sipped and smiled; this was a revolution against boring wines, against boring events; this was a revolt against the plain and the sad, the straight and the narrow; it was simply a benchmarking of joie de vivre.”

Harry Reginald Haddon - http://wineandi.wordpress.com

Bokkoms-on-toast with a glass of Chenin

2011-03-11T11:03:00.000+02:00

Kobus van der Merwe cooks up an unconventional Bokkoms-on-toast in his restaurant in Paternoster.

"Apple and gooseberries are the perfect slightly acidic counterpoints to the maasbanker, with seekoraal providing crunch, and orange beurre blanc and soft egg adding richness. The lettuce adds a bite of sea freshness. And in my opinion, Adi Badenhorst's easy-drinking Secateur Chenin Blanc is its perfect wine partner."

Read more about his Wild West Coast cooking on his blog on Food24. or follow him on Twitter @SardineToast.

Cornelia's new farm style

2011-03-09T15:20:00.002+02:00

A while ago we reported on Mrs Badenhorst's wardrobe dilemma... Well fashion guru Chris Viljoen has come up with a solution on his Afrikaans blog Die Rok... Chris took Cornelia shopping for some lovely lady like t-shirts and pretty scarves.

Have a look at his post and keep an eye out for more pictures. Here's to looking good anywhere, any time.

"loosely translated..."

2011-03-08T13:55:00.001+02:00

Our wines recently got reviewed by Belgium wine expert Frank Van der Auwera. Using my Afrikaans to try interpret and translate, it all sounds like lovely praise to me...

I get:

'Rebel of the Cape' (sounds about right hey Adi)

'He is a non-conformist by nature, but a super talent in the wine world, Adi Badenhorst, Swartland revelation.'

'The label might seem kitsch (hmmm...) but what you get in the glass is refreshingly up-to-date...' (on the Badenhorst White Blend 2007 vintage)

'The 38 year old Badenhorst is seen as a big renewer of the Cape...'

If your Belgium -Dutch is better than mine, here are some extracts from the article.

genieten:)

Wine Revolutionaries

2011-03-07T18:34:00.000+02:00

Bloomberg writer Elin McCoy recently visited the Swartland. She spent time with neighbour, friend and fellow revolutionary Eben Sadie in his cellar, enjoyed a sundowner at the top of the Babylon’s Peak with neighbour Stephan Basson and ended her near perfect day with a braai with us on Kalmoesfontein.

Read her adventure and thoughts on the Swartland here.

quote: the most exciting winemaker in South Africa - unquote

2011-03-07T18:24:00.000+02:00

Our UK agents at Swig Wine recommended our wines to their loyal customers this week. Says the report on www.swig.co.uk: "There are rumours that say he was grown from stem cells on Elvis's sideburns, but all we know is that Adi Badenhorst is the most exciting winemaker in South Africa"

There is also a lovely collection of reviews for our Family Estate wines and Secateurs Range, and with these amazing deals you will wish you were a loyal Swig buyer...

Read the review and interesting comments here.

"He's like one of those eastern gurus who lets you see that the answer was in front of you all the time, you only had to change your focus to see it."

2011-03-02T09:49:00.001+02:00

Harry Haddon, our fan and friend, recently discovered our "Wine" thanks to Shirley at Vino Pronto .

He has written a lovely flattering blog post about it, you can read the whole article on his blog, Wine & I, but to sum it up, Harry says:

"What is imortant is that it is a wine got that my wahoo flowing, it made me smile, it made me quickly pour another glass, and best of all (this for me is a really important aspect of wine) it made me want another bottle. Quickly."

Glad we could rock your boat Mr Haddon...

Pictures from "the stomping of the grapes"

2011-02-21T18:18:00.001+02:00

On Saturday friends and family gathered at the cellar for the annual "Stomping of the grapes."

As usual our talented neighbour, photographer Maree Louw captured some lovely moments on camera.

Farm Fashion

2011-02-21T15:08:00.000+02:00

Elle Magazine's Fashion Director Chris Viljoen has started his own Afrikaans Fashion Blog www.dierok.co.za.

Cornelia (Badenhorst, mother and wife extraordinaire) features in his first "closet dilemma" as she tries to find the balance between Mom on a school-run; keeping the builders on their toes; picking veggies in the garden and playing host to various journalists or agents who pop in for lunch with Adi... all in the 40'C Swartland summer...

Read the whole story here.

Harvest news~

2011-02-18T16:45:00.001+02:00

It has been a busy few weeks on the farm, but I have finally received a harvest report from Adi... It is filled with Adi charm, so I am not even going to edit it (much...:)

The Harvest team takes a break to have some lunch.

"The winery is running like a dow on rough seas - bumpy but steadfast. The crew are all looking very good and we have picked some amazing parcels of grapes.

New additions are Palomino (or Fransdruif as it's known by the old timers and not to be confused with your favourite old donkey) from the Moutonshoek area, very old vines, very little juice and destined for our fledgling sherry project; Verdehlo from a tiny vineyard to the north of the Swartland appellation and some Clairette Blanche from an abandoned vineyard on the Paardeberg.

Our own white grapes have almost all been harvested - Chenin Blanc, Roussanne, Grenache Blanc and Gris, Colombard, Chardonnay to name but a few. The juices are safely in the vats and at different stages of fermentation - the cellar smells incredible and alive. The soothing sounds of natural fermentation...

As far as the red grapes are concerned, we have picked the Syrah/Shiraz blocks and are now starting with the old Cinsault and Grenache. These vines are between 50 and 60 yrs old and are looking the best they have ever looked and are vital in our blend.

Other than that we have a good supply of cold beer and the best espressos in the southern hemisphere to keep us going so have no reason not to make good wines this year."

Oh, I love it when a plan comes together! Tomorrow night special friends and family gather at the Kalmoesfontein Cellar for the annual foot stomping of some grapes... There will sure be some cool pictures and news to report on Monday, till then... Cheers!

Visitor's report

2011-02-16T11:57:00.001+02:00

James Nicholson, Wine Merchant recently visited Adi on Kalmoesfontein and shared a short blog entry about the experience

He notes: "No fancy gismos here quite an inspiration! It just shows what you can achieve with skill, a sharp mind and an understanding and a pathos for the earth you inherit."

Well said sir, read the full post here.

We are social...

2011-02-14T12:19:00.000+02:00

We are a social family and as wine producers, naturally we have a social product... so why not join social media..!?

You can now LIKE us on Facebook, have a look at our Fan Page here, and interact easily with your favourite wine brand (that's us...)

Pairing with our whites...

2011-02-09T12:48:00.000+02:00

Rose Prince prepares a delicious 'Braised salt beef with horseradish dumplings and salt pork in clear broth' for The Telegraph Magazine and Head Sommelier and Wine Buyer for Tate, Hamish Anderson pairs it with our 2008 AA Badenhorst Family White.

He notes:
"There is an argument that in times of diet and detox we should drink less, but better. The trouble comes when you open the bottle and find it hard to have only one glass. This blend of varieties has weight, spice and dried herbs (ideal for the dumplings), but above all it is a wine of texture and interest that demands your attention."

Get the recipe for this meal on the Telegraph website.

Enjoy!

Shuttle service from Cpt International

2011-02-09T11:53:00.001+02:00

Visitors rejoice!
There is now a dedicated shuttle service between Cape Town International and Malmesbury / The Riebeek Valley.

Visiting our wonderful winelands just got easier.
The drive is about 97km and will take up to 1hr 20 mins.

Costs:
1 person = R600
2 people = R700
3 people = R800

For this shuttle service, contact Stephen van Schalkwyk.

Just give him notice about two days in advance.

cell: 079.34.10.692

tel: 022.44.81.478

Buy Wine On Line...

2011-02-08T12:07:00.001+02:00

Buy our wines from anywhere in the world, online... Just add to the little virtual shopping cart and click click... Boof, great wines on their way to you...

Our profile on e-wine also features some info on the winery and a charming profile on Adi. I especially liked this:

"Andre Adriaan, or Adi (which is what he answers to) reminds one somewhat of The Dude in that cult classic film The Big Lebowski. But like The Dude, behind this ‘super cool’ facade there’s a razor sharp mind, an irreverent wit and a heart of pure gold."

I'm a rock star, I'm a, I'm a (wine) rock star...

2011-02-07T10:06:00.000+02:00

Cool video of Adi, the Hands-On-Wine Rockstar... Enjoy!

Believe it, cause it's true...

2011-02-03T17:16:00.001+02:00

Waiting for you in our cellar...