handtomouth

Perhaps I am spoilt by all the splendour of the Cape winelands (in fact I have no doubt I am) but these days a winery must have something extra to strike me as truly beautiful. As precociously attractive as many of the new wineries are, and as obviously scenic as sweeping vineyards are, there is little that can replace the harmony of history.
Diemersdal is a case in point. On the Durbanville wine route, this farm has charisma that no amount of money can buy, but more than this: it is so serenely proportioned and sits in its vineyards and hills with such grace that I was immediately charmed.
Here you get a clear impression of a “werf”, the open area between the old Cape Dutch buildings, and here the various houses, barns and out-buildings have an organic sense of belonging to a continuing story of family farming. Each successive Louw household, for four generations, has added a home and so far they co-exist peacefully.
As charming as the place is, I wouldn’t want to suggest a visit unless the wines offered something of interest, and I am pleased to say that they in fact offer astounding value for money. With only one wine over R50 (the Reserve Chardonnay at R55) this winery is a treasure for lovers of classically-styled wines, especially when it comes to the Cabernet Sauvignon and Private Collection – their Bordeaux blend.
With pure fruits and a medium-bodied, lithe palate, these wines are marked by elegance, with well-judged oaking and moderate alcohols. Then, as an everyday drink, the Matys is an easy, smoky wine with enough tannin to not get lost with food – and this for R29 from the farm. They also sell some older vintages of their reds, a Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 at R80 is adequate temptation.
Of the whites, I was most impressed with the Reserve Chardonnay, a wine in the rich and full style of wooded chardonnays, while the “regular” Chardonnay at R37 is also very popular with its fruit-driven, somewhat sweet flavours.
Speaking of value, you’d be hard pressed to find a red wine over R70 or a white over R40 in the whole of Durbanville. With its reputation as a region that makes elegant wines that age well, this is remarkable. Add to this the fact that many of the wineries have restaurants or cafés attached, and it’s a great day out.
For breakfast or lunch, try Hillcrest, Meerendal’s bistro or Bloemendal – they all also make fine wines; and if you are in the mood to spoil yourself, opt for Meerendal’s fine diner, Wheatfields, with its superb wine list.