Thank You Bar Bar Black Sheep

Posted on February 3, 2011 by quietriotgirl

We had an amazing time in Short Street last night at the first (annual?) Bar Bar Black Sheep “thank-you dinner”.

The idea, as Mynhardt put it, is to give something back to everyone that had supported them during 2010.

The team had outdone themselves and it seemed the whole Swartland was there. Makeshift tables and chairs filled Short Street and chinese lanterns provided soft light while the pig turned on the spit.

Everyone brought their own wine, cutlery, crockery, salads, breads etc… And Bar Bar had a pig on the spit, a lamb in the pot, an amazing Mediterranean veggie bake and some Portuguese tripe stew going…

One of the best meals we have ever eaten in a paper plate…

Since we were late to arrive and there were no more tables or seats available, Adi and Herman quickly constructed us a table from crates and a pallet, with hay barrels for seats.

Thanks to Bar Bar Black Sheep for saying ‘thanks’ in style…

Hello Harvest!

Posted on February 2, 2011 by quietriotgirl

The harvest is in full swing on Kalmoesfontein. Everyone has jumped in to help get the grapes in to the cellar in the scorching Swartland sun.

Jasper Wickens, is once again our assistant winemaker and even young Samuel Badenhorst is getting in on the action (winemaker in training!)

Our neighbour Barry Schreiber was there to count every berry of Chenin Blanc and we have a female French import, harvest hand Helena Kotzev. Here they are loading the press.

Don’t judge a wine by it’s label..?

Posted on February 1, 2011 by quietriotgirl

Neil Pendock reports on his blog on Times Live that Simon Hoggart had a bit of a go at our Secateurs label in The Spectator this week.

Here is what Simon has to say…

“Take this scrumptious Secateurs 2010, a Chenin Blanc from A.A. Badenhorst of Swartland, who is one of the most exciting young winemakers in South Africa. Chenin Blanc is the grape in Vouvray, but you would be hard put to find a French wine as rich, succulent and velvety, and at the crazy price of £8.95. I served this to a wine-loving American friend, and half the bottle had disappeared down her throat before she managed to exclaim, ‘that was delicious!’ My only complaint is the ghastly label. Labels matter. Rolling countryside or ancient Dutch farmhouse a.s.a.p., please.”

But, I have to agree with Neil when he comes to the conclusion that you cannot please everyone, all the time. And I guess you cant blame Simon for not having taste in art, he does seem to have excellent taste in wine;)

You be the judge, we’d love to know what you think of our labels. An article on them (and their designer Peet Pienaar) here.

All I can say is that I do not foresee any Dutch Farmhouses on our labels, any.time.soon…

One of Only three…

Posted on January 31, 2011 by quietriotgirl

Our amazing friend Sam Woulidge proudly tweeted to let us know that our 2006 AA Badenhorst Family Wine Red Blend is one of only three South African red wines on the wine list at The Fat Duck in Berkshire in the South East of England.

The other two is the 2005 Thelema Reserve, Merlot, and a 1991 Trilogy by Warwick Estate.

Our 2009 Secateurs Chenin Blanc is also on the white wine list (along with Steenberg‘s 2008 Semillon and Waterkloof’s 2009 Semillon).

You can have a look at the impressive wine list here.

From Paardeberg to Paris!

Posted on January 31, 2011 by quietriotgirl

Our wines have finally made their way to France – and the first wine shop selling Secateurs Red is ‘Le Gout des Vignes’ (ie the Taste of Vines), in the 15th district of Paris.
No massive volumes but they started with 36 bottles and has already sold 16 in 10 days.

Baby steps / petits pas…

It’s official, it’s Independent…

Posted on January 28, 2011 by quietriotgirl

Adi sent me this picture from the first meeting of the official Swartland Independent!

Eben Sadie will act as chairman and Chris and Andrea Mullineux as treasurer and secretary.

This historic first meeting was held in Riebeek and marks the start of a movement that will change the perception of the Swartland forever and lead to the production of more natural wines in this area.

This colourful bunch might not have the best dress sense… but they sure do know how to make great wines…

back row fltr: Marc Kent, Adi Badenhorst, Andrea Mullineux and Callie Louw.

Front row: Eben Sadie and Chris Mullineux.

Adi takes a few big shots…

Posted on January 28, 2011 by quietriotgirl

Adi and Jasper recently took part in the annual “Paardeberg versus Simonsberg Cricket Match”, an event that Adi describes as “probably the most low key social event on the wine calendar”.

The match was organised by Paardeberg captain Julian Johnson and Simonsberg captain Rijk Melck.

According to Adi and Jasper the match ended in a draw after Simonsberg altered the scorecards! You be the judge.

Adi in the middle back row taking another big shot, Jasper with bat and pads in his Swartland Revolution T-shirt in the front and little Samuel getting in on the action with big gloves…

Something borrowed, something blue…

Posted on January 26, 2011 by quietriotgirl

Wedding Album magazine recently shot “Farm Girl” on location on Kalmoesfontein. These pictures are lovely inspiration as we start to plan the first weddings ever on the newly renovated farm…

Planning to have cousin Rouxlene and her fiance Paul tie the knot in front of the cellar in November…

The raise of the Swartland…

Posted on January 26, 2011 by quietriotgirl

This nice article by Anton Espost of Riebeek Kasteel’s The Wine Kollective in the 2011 edition of In Swartland Magazine takes a look at how the Swartland has grown and developed in recent years, especially due to ‘young’ winemakers moving into the area.

This is a fun read that gives you a really nice feel for what the Swartland is all about. Enjoy.

For more from all of these guys and the Swartland keep an eye on www.theswartlandrevolution.com and follow the revolution on twitter @swartlandrev

Taking over the world, one good restaurant at a time…

Posted on January 17, 2011 by quietriotgirl

Friends of friends recently celebrated their wedding anniversary at Ponsonby Café in Auckland, New Zealand and found our Secateurs Chenin 2009 on the wine list!

Next time you are in the land of hobbits and middle earth, silver ferns and the haka and be sure to stop by for a glass!

Ponsonby Cafe
38 Ponsonby Road
Ponsonby 1011, New Zealand
(09) 360 6876

Badenhorst Family Wines

Adi Badenhorst makes wine the traditional way on Kalmoesfontein.