WILGENHOF
ESTATE originated from the first farms in the Olifants River
Valley which was "loaned" to Pieter Van Zyl in 1732
and has remained in the Van Zyl family to date.
Realising
the potential of this fertile valley in which WILGENHOF lies,
Gideon Van Zyl together with his wife Vere began making their
exclusive wines in 2000 in what was originally an old horse
stable. They began the restoration of the old building at
the same time as the first wines were laid to mature in American
and French Oak vats which were left undisturbed on top of
the original feeding troughs of the stable.
Gideon
and Vere hold their staff close to their hearts and give credit
to these wonderful and loyal folk who together with them waited
anxiously for their very own first wines.
Merlot, Shiraz & Country Cuisine
With
trepidation and anticipation the day finally dawned for WILGENHOF
to begin bottling her first Merlot and Shiraz ever produced.
A huge success for both the velvet soft and fruity Merlot
and the spicy deep red Shiraz. Good news travels fast and
before long the entire production of 3000 bottles of Merlot
and 3000 Shiraz were spoken for.
During
2002, whilst entertaining friends at Wilgenhof, a blend of
Shiraz and Merlot with a touch of Caberbet Sauvignon was conceived.
Today known as Wilgenhof Stable Wine (so named after the converted
stable where it is matured & bottled), this has become
a firm favorite with those in the know.
As
a result of the resounding success with the first reds, Wilgenhof
will concentrate on these for the immediate future although
there are plans afoot to introduce whites into the range as
the area is extremely conducive to crisp, light whites, popular
in the valley. Gideon and Vere expect production to increase
to around 10 000 bottles for the new season and already there
have been enquiries from those in the know, so to avoid missing
out on these superb wines, visit WILGENHOF and indulge in
fine wine and country cuisine with Gideon and Vere Van Zyl. |