With French Flair

A sashay into the finer things in life at L’avenir Estate in Stellenbosch

The process of wine making is complex to say the least, so it makes sense that certain countries have perfected it to an art form. France is perhaps the best-known wine-making country in the world, with their experts leading the industry. Luckily for us who live a little further south than the Champagne region, we have L’avenir Estate in Stellenbosch. Owned and operated by the Laroche family, the wines from L’avenir maintain a French sophistication, despite the winemaker hailing from George. This is a testament to the power of French flair.

France and South Africa are, for the most part, vastly different – in everything from the landscape and climate to the language and culture. One thing that does bring us together, however, is a love for wine, and a special touch when producing it. Wine has a longstanding history, dating back to 6000 BC in Georgia, although some historians have claimed a similar drink was consumed in China in 7000 BC. Whenever it originated, wine swept the globe and became the lust of the mighty Roman Empire and the ancient Greeks.

Fast forward to today, and wine has become one of the most popular alcoholic drinks in the world. New era producers like the United States, China, and South Africa blazed a new trail for wine – creating new blends, exploring the science behind the processes, and creating a wine that will suit nearly every palate. In this modern era of wine making, an international wine community has emerged and led to the mass sharing of ideas and approaches to making history’s favourite alcoholic indulgence. This sharing gave rise to new wine varieties and new global approaches which use techniques and tricks from across the globe. L’avenir is a physical manifestation of that new-world wine partnership. Owned and operated by the Laroche family, the wines from L’avenir maintain a French sophistication, even though the winemaker hails from George. This is a testament to the power of French flair.

Named L’avenir in 1992 by then-owner Mark Wiehe, the estate’s history goes back right the way through the turbulence of the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as to the 1600s, when the estate was one of the first sites in the locale to be identified and earmarked for grape growing. Now specialising in Pinotage and Chenin Blanc, the estate stays true to its owner’s heritage with small touches of the République

française through the estate. The L’avenir tasting room was inspired by French bistros, with their relaxed atmosphere, clean and sophisticated décor, and authentic service. The Cellardoor Tasting Room is open to all those who want to experience wines from an estate that prioritised quality above all else. Various tasting options are available, with the tasting of rarer vintages available with prior arrangement. The Provence and Single Block tastings are both excellent ways to familiarise yourself with the wines from L’avenir. The cheese and wine pairing will take that flavour experience to a new level, with L’avenir’s boutique wines being paired with a selection of locally-crafted artisan cheese.

The current winemaker at L’avenir, Dirk Coetzee, dreams of one day making the estate the local leader in producing great Pinotage. With a serious passion for this wine varietal, and over ten L’avenir harvests under his belt, Coetzee has blazed the trail of the reimagining of the modern Pinotage. Coetzee was mentored by the original L’avenir winemaker

“People are what matter to L’avenir, and their contribution to the Pebbles Project is just the tip of the iceberg.”

and the revered Pope of Pinotage, Francois Naudé. Pinotage is certainly not Coetzee’s only charge, as the L’avenir reputation of excellence also extends to their Chenin Blanc. The winemaker has a Midas touch with older vines and sees their preservation as one of his biggest challenges.

Aside from the wines, the estate is known for its pristine gardens. The Hands-on Garden was developed to honour the people behind the L’avenir name – the employees, past and present, that have made the estate what it is today. Built by their own hands, the garden forms a symbolic passage between the Single Block venue and cellar to the Pebbles Afterschool Care Centre. The estate started collaborating with the Pebbles Project in 2004, and currently provides day and after-school care for all of the children on the estate and the surrounding areas. People are what matter to L’avenir, and their contribution to the Pebbles Project is just the tip of the iceberg.

For those looking for a place to stay in the Stellenbosch wine region, L’avenir has that covered, too. Their four-star Country Lodge is the perfect place to relax into the rhythm of a working wine farm, while enjoying the luxuries of a high-end retreat. Complete with a rim flow pool, soothing décor choices, in-room amenities, and intimate privacy, the Country Lodge is the logical choice for those wanting to explore the many allures of the Stellenbosch winelands.

For more information, visit www.lavenirestate.co.za.