Buitenverwachting – Beyond Expectations, Gin and Wine Review

I’m incredibly blessed to live near the Constantia Wine Route in Cape Town.

One of my family’s favourite wine estates is Buitenverwachting, not only do they have great wines but now offer craft gin and grappa.

Buitenverwachting has loads to offer, the 250-year-old Norfolk Pine, which sits in the centre of the large lawn drawing family’s and winos from near and far. We have spend many a Summers afternoon sipping on the estates award winning wines, while Emily and her friends enjoy the open space. On cooler days you can take refuge inside by their luxurious leather couches and crackling fire.

Buitenverwachting has an extensive wine tasting offering, you can select 5 wines to taste for R60.00 or grab a bottle to share with friends in the Tasting Room or on the lawns.

The standout wine for me, is The Phoenix, 2015 which is on limited release. This wine is named after the mythical bird, just like its namesake this wine rose out of the ashes to be transformed into a beautiful wine. In 2015 there were devastating wildfires that engulfed most of Muizenberg Mountain and burnt many of the vineyards that were situated by the foot of the slopes. Vast expanses of land and brush were scorched by the wildfire. Instead of admitting defeat the Winemakers at Buitenverwachting decided to try make a wine from the remaining fruit. This is how the Phoenix was born.

I am a fan of this wine. It is 100% Petit Verdot with 16.55% alcohol. Full bodied with a peppery finish and I detected tobacco on the nose. Available for R350.00 only at the farm.

Now the gin or "Mothers Ruin" as it was called mid-eighteenth century. Gin the spirit has had recent revival over the last few years. No longer a drink relegated to being only drunk after a tennis match or my middle-aged divorcees. Gin is now sexy and interesting, often infused with different botanicals. I bought a bottle of the new Buitenverwachting Gin at R290.00 and will head back to by the Pink Gin when it's back in stock. I’m looking forward to inventing new cocktails with this gin.

If you are in the Constantia area pay them a visit. Address: Buitenverwachting, Klein Constantia Road, Cape Town.

Contact details: 021 794 5190 www.buitenverwachting.com

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