Boekenhoutskloof, Franschoek
Photo Caption: Can anyone #guesswhere this wine farm is located? Hint – it’s only open for tasting by appointment on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s.
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Photo by @luciennepham
Boekenhoutskloof Winery is the magical little wine farm nestled in the furthest corner of the beautiful Franschhoek valley which is known for creating some of the country’s finest wines.
The farm was established in 1776 and is one of the oldest wine farms in the valley. The farm’s name means “ravine of the Boekenhout”. A Boekenhout is an indigenous Cape Beech tree greatly prized for furniture making.
In 1993 the farm and homestead were bought and the new owner restored the farm. A new vineyard planting programme was established which now includes Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Viognier and Semillon.
In the interests of conserving the Cape Floral Kingdom’s unique biodiversity, the owners are removing invasive alien plants from the farm. Some large parts of the mountain have already been cleared of pine and gum trees and the restoration of the sensitive riverine area, as well as the re-introduction of various protea species, is currently on-going.
Boekenhoutskloof Winery prides themselves for producing wines of excellent quality. This philosophy is embodied by the svelte female figurehead, who carries the dove of peace and hope. This figurehead represents excellent quality and is also the adapted hallmark of the Cape of Good Hope.
Award-winning Winery
Boekenhoutskloof Winery won the Platter’s Winery of the Year 2012 award. They produce over seven wine-varietals. The winery is better known for its reds, especially Syrah and Cabernet, but also makes a stunning white from the Semillon grape amongst a small range of whites. The winery is the proud producer of the famous Porcupine Ridge wine range, named after the native critter, the Crested Porcupine. Their Wolftrap range was named after the 250-year old wolf trap erected by pioneers to the Cape which can still be found on the farm today. Another one of the most iconic wines of Boekenhoutskloof is the renowned Chocolate Block.
Chocolate Block a red blend, largely based on Syrah, but which changes every year according to the vagaries of the vintage. How the wine got its name is a mystery as the estate’s owners refuse to divulge its origin.
Wines available for tasting include Porcupine Ridge Sauvignon Blanc, Porcupine Ridge Viognier Grenache Blanc, Porcupine Ridge Merlot, Porcupine Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon, Porcupine Ridge Syrah, Porcupine Ridge Syrah Viognier, The Wolftrap Red, The Wolftrap White, and The Chocolate Block.
The Chief Winemaker
Marc Kent is the chief winemaker and driving force behind the dynamic little winery. Because of his interest in unconventional experiments, coupled with his unparalleled commitment to quality and attention to details, the winery has flourished.
Wine Tasting and Tours
Wine tasting and tours are online available twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11:00 am. To join the tour, you need to book in advance via their website. Make sure you are given the code to the gate when you book. You will be assisted to a short but fascinating tour of the cellars by a very welcoming and very knowledgeable tour guide.
During the tour, you will learn the full history of the Boekenhoutskloof Winery, as well as what they are aiming to create.
They will share the details of what they do and give valuable information about the wines you will taste. You will also get to see the winery’s passion for winemaking. The wines are not sold in the winery but they will tell you a shop in town where you can. The tour and wine tasting are free of charge.
Set in beautiful grounds with excellent and famous wines, the Boekenhoutskloof Winery is definitely worth a visit.
