Whine and good food, it is always a good combination for a great festival at Lake Umuzi!
That set the mood for the Lake Umuzi Cederberg Wine Festival.
The newly built Glasshouse proved to be an excellent choice for the festival. The tables were set, and the guests arrived. The atmosphere was buzzing. Covid restrictions are a thing of the past and the Wine Lovers were waiting in anticipation for the start of the function.
Music by Costa Nicholas set the mood for the evening. More about Costa at the end of the article. The lights dimmed and the festival began. Guests were greeted at the door with a glass of lovely Cederberg Sustainable Rosé 2022. It is a dry, delicate Shiraz-based pink wine.
Cederberg owner, David Nieuwoudt, made sure that everybody had something to drink and Jean Nel, winemaker of Cederberg explained the wines to the patrons.
The first meal was a loaded Spinach soup with parmesan and bacon crumbs. This of course was paired with a Cederberg Sauvignon Blanc 2022. A lovely tasteful wine. The Cederberg Savignon Blanc is described as an aromatic, topical white wine.
The music by Costa had people’s feet itching and they soon took to the dance floor, just to dash back for the next meal and wine.
Also read: Sasol hosted a Shutdown brunch
The main course was Beef potjie, Chicken coq ou vin, creamy samp and fresh mealies with roasted veggies, yummy! Two wines were served with this course. The Cederberg Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, is a classic, complex example of this noble variety, and the Cederberg Merlot-Shiraz 2020 is described as an accessible, smooth red blend. The description does not do it justice as it is a delightful, easy-drinking wine. Definitely one to have in the house for that quick sip of red.
Cheese platters with dates and figs were next with the star of the night, Cederberg Shiraz 2019. Cederberg describes it as fruit-driven and succulent, the star of the show. A complex Shiraz filled with intense red fruit, mulberry and cherries on the nose. 15 Months in oak showing hints of sweet spice and vanilla. Red berries follow through on the palate and finish off with a smooth lingering sensation.
Of course, no evening would be complete without desserts and Apple tart, Malva pudding, salted caramel cheesecake and Strawberry shortcake promised to make any mouth water. If one still had a little capacity for more food.
Lake Umuzi is known for its great festivals. Their venues are very popular. Make an effort to visit Lake Umuzi at the next festival.
A little background on Costa Nicholas
Costa Nicholas first played professionally at the age of twelve, holding his own with musicians who were much older and highly experienced. At the age of 17, he joined “Adverse Edition”, a prominent Jazz/fusion band, and at 19 years old joined world-acclaimed Jazz maestro Johnnie Fourie. Other exploits include compositions and performances for world-renowned actress Sharon Stone, Pope John Paul 2, Nelson Mandela, Saudi Prince, Isaac Hayes, All American Jazz Band, Jean-Michel Byron of “Toto” a host of session work for television and radio. One of his career highlights was working with actress Sharon Stone – being commissioned to compose a song for her first dance at her wedding which was performed by the legendary musician Ray Charles and his band, supported by the New York Choir.
More about the Cederberg winery.
Cederberg Wines is situated in a unique climatic zone that can be described as a cool Mediterranean climate rather than a maritime or coastal one. Furthermore, the farm Dwarsrivier is located at the foot of Sneeuberg Mountain, one of the highest peaks in the Western Cape at 2 026 m above sea level. Cederberg Wines, thus, lays claim to having the highest vineyards in the Western Cape at between 950 and 1 100 m above sea level.
The soil types are well-drained on weathered shale/slate on the hillsides and high mountain slopes, with a higher clay content well suited to red cultivars. From the yellow-brown soil of granitic origin to the lightly structured soil with sandstone, Cederberg Wine’s soil types belong to the Bokkeveld and Witteberg groups.
The Cederberg Wine’s team comprises individuals who are passionate about winemaking excellence. Under the leadership of David Nieuwoudt, our talented ‘team with attitude’ combine their skills, minds and hearts to ensure each one of our premium wines is an experience worth enjoying.
Fifth-generation winemaker David Nieuwoudt leads a talented ‘team with attitude’ to produce award-winning wines from our high-lying vineyards that flourish in a pure, virus-free environment. In the spirit of collaboration, each team member contributes the passion and expertise that produce Cederberg Wine’s exceptional portfolio of premium wine ranges.
Whatever your preference, Cederberg Wines offers you a world of award-winning wines waiting for you to savour and enjoy, no matter the occasion.
