Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Wine diary
LA MOTTE estate has an innovative project that lets visitors enjoy several facets of the harvest season. It starts with a stroll through the vineyards where a well-informed staff member introduces cultivars and organic farming practices as visitors taste ripening grapes. The tour costs R50 and is offered hourly from Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 3pm until March 28. To book, call Werner on 021 876 8820. THE ANNUAL Weintaufe harvest celebration takes place at Eikendal estate on the R44 on Sunday, March 3, from 10am. Taste the 2013 flagship chardonnay from the barrel after its official baptism at noon. Live music, craft stalls, pony rides and fly-fishing are on the programme, along with activities for all ages and tastes. Stomping grapes and tractor rides through the vineyards are offered, with country fare and wine on sale all day. Tickets are R60 and children under 12 get in free. For more information and advance bookings, e-mail info@eikendal.co.za. musicians will perform on the manor house stoep at lunchtime and tastings include the pairing of wines with artisanal cheeses. A grape-stomping challenge takes place at 2pm, and children can enjoy a puppet show. Ommiberg tickets may be booked on line at R80 from www.computicket.com, or bought for R100 at the gate. Children accompanied by an adult get in free. The fun starts at 10am. To book for Nederburg events, call 021 862 3104.