The Nederburg wine farm in Paarl is celebrating Heritage Day on 24 September in true style, bringing out its best in wine, food and entertainment. Also known as National Braai Day, this public holiday calls on all South Africans to proudly unite around the fire, share their heritage and wave their flag.
One of South Africa’s longest-established and most awarded wineries, with a prize-winning pedigree that stems from a culture of innovation and disciplined attention to detail, Nederburg is proud to be associated with this annual initiative.
The Red Table country-style restaurant, situated in the winery’s historic manor house – a protected heritage monument – will have family-style tables beautifully set up for a casual spring day with family and friends.
New chef, Lisa Cilliers, and her team will be geared to satisfy a huge South African appetite, with delicious platters on arrival, laden with local cheeses, atchar, chutney, preserves, biltong dip, smoked snoek pâté, mini vetkoek and chakalaka bread.
The main meal will feature an array of traditional braai fare, from spiced lamb chops, marinated pork kebabs, venison boerewors, peri-peri chicken and skilpadjies, to layered maize and spinach tart, herbed new potato salad and spring garden salad. Keep space for a selection of mini South African desserts!
In the spirit of celebrating heritage, select a wine from Nederburg’s award-winning Heritage Heroes collection to complement your meal. This exquisite range honours some of the visionaries who have shaped Nederburg and its history as one of South Africa’s most awarded wineries.
There’s The Anchorman, a wooded Chenin blanc that commemorates Nederburg’s founder, Philippus Wolvaart, who established the farm in 1791 and planted Chenin blanc, amongst other varietals.
The Brew Master, a Bordeaux-style red blend, honours Johann Graue, a pioneering Nederburg winemaker who was amongst the earliest to recognise that vineyard quality dictates wine quality.
The Beautiful Lady, an aromatic Gewürztraminer, recalls Johann’s wife, Ilse, who brought grace, hospitality and a beautiful rose garden to Nederburg.
The Young Airhawk, a wooded Sauvignon blanc remembers Johann and Ilse’s son, the talented young winemaker Arnold Graue. Known for his winemaking prowess, he introduced many technical innovations at Nederburg. He was also a keen young pilot, who loved to explore the wide open skies of Africa.
The Motorcycle Marvel Rhône-style blend completes the collection with a living legend. This full-bodied wine pays tribute to the winemaker Günter Brözel, who was cellar-master at Nederburg from 1956 to 1989. A maven and a maverick, he is known for his exceptionally high standards. Getting around on a 250cc BSA motorcycle, he checked on everyone and everything to ensure his exacting demands were met.
The scene will be completed with complimentary local musical entertainment by Abavuki, the all-singing, all-grooving, marimba, percussion and brass group from the Langa township near Cape Town, influenced by kwaito, jazz, traditional rhythms and Afrobeat. Fancy Galada and her band will also be performing, with poet Blaq Pearl reciting some heritage pieces during musical breaks.
Heritage Day at Nederburg costs R385 per adult, and R150 per child of 13 years and younger. The cost excludes beverages and service charge.
The event starts at 11:00.
Call 021 877 5155 to book, or send an e-mail to nedwines@distell.co.za.
If you can’t make it to Nederburg on Heritage Day, you could still enjoy the Heritage Heroes collection of wines at The Red Table restaurant. The eatery offers an always-available special paired menu with these award-winners. The cost is R450 per person, with each of five carefully devised, delicious dishes served with 75ml of matching Heritage Heroes wine. Individual dishes from this menu, with its paired wine, could also be ordered. Please enquire with the restaurant for more information, or visit the website: www.nederburg.co.za.
To purchase Nederburg’s Heritage Heroes gourmet collection of wines, make a turn at the Nederburg Visitors’ Centre, a short walk away from The Red Table restaurant. The wines are also available to purchase online via www.vinoteque.co.za.
