Take a journey with me to Bergsig Estate in the Breede River Valley of South Africa, about 110 km from Cape Town. Such a scenic view of the mountain. Bergsig actually means ‘Mountain View’. The first vines in these winelands were planted by William Lategan in 1843 and six generations later the winery still has some of the best grapes and wine. The Breede River has the best conditions to support viticulture. The mountain conditions make sure that the grapes are the best quality. The soils are also very fertile.
When people visit the winery, they can also go bird watching. This would be an ideal place to visit when you are in Cape Town. There are over 150 species of birds.
Winemaking process
Winemaking methods include cold fermentation to seize the flavour intensity of white wines, traditional Portuguese-style open fermenters for ports, and a cellar of 400 French-American barrels of different sizes for Chardonnay and the reds .
Bergsig Bistro
This is a stylish café that has a relaxed atmosphere. The bistro can hold about 36 people and it offers a friendly relaxed dining atmosphere. It is great for breakfast, or delicious tea, coffee and cake, to traditional lunches, including dishes like Bobotie, Oxtail and Waterblommetjie Bredie in winter and exquisite salads and lighter meals in summer.
The wines
- Bergsig Sauvignon Blanc
- Bergsig Chenin Blanc
- Bergsig Riesling
- Bergsig Chardonnay
- Bergsig Gewürztraminer
- Bergsig Shiraz Rosé
- Bergsig estate special late harvest
- Bergsig estate bouquet light
- Bergsig Mcc Brut.
- Bergsig Sauvignon Blanc Brut among others.
The Wine and Food review had the pleasure of speaking with Deidré Labuschagne the General manager of Bergsig wines and she had this to say,
Our beautiful country is diverse in people and in nature. We have approximately 9 000 plant species in Western Cape alone and have counted more than 150 bird species at Bergsig. Snow-capped mountains in winter, with more than 1000 mm rain per annum in the tiny Breerivier village, including our colorful arrangement of soils continue this unique story of diversity and with 450 ha conserved Fynbos surrounding our vineyards, pear, peach and citrus orchards, no industrial development and amongst a few rivers, the crystal clean White River which originates in the historical Bainskloof Pass and flows into the Breerivier…we can do no other than produce wines of distinct quality and character. The future for Bergsig is not an easy one, due to the scale of economy. Creative, responsible and hardworking staff on all levels is what will pull us through. We can, will and do deliver on every aspect.
Here are the amazing photos of the estate.
To know more about the winery, visit their website.
Chao.
