Badenhorst Family Wines

Adi Badenhorst makes wine the traditional way on Kalmoesfontein.

Kalmoesfontein, our home

Posted on June 28, 2020 by quietriotgirl

Kalmoesfontein might be best known as the home of our diverse range of wines and liquor, but over the last few years it has evolved to much more than that. So we just launched a new website focussing on the farm as a venue, location and accommodation getaway.

We’re SO ready to welcome guests back to our cottages and to host events and celebrations… While, right now, no one knows when that will be possible again, it doesn’t mean we can’t dream and plot and plan.

Have a look at the wide range of events we can host (from weddings, festivals and birthdays for all ages, to corporate team buildings and educational workshops) and get in touch so we can help you to brainstorm your next [insert unique idea here].

If getting away from the place where you’ve been locked down for months is what you are after – check out our self-catering accommodation options and make a booking to come explore the farm.

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Maybe you need a location for a film or photo shoot… or just head over to have a look and let us know what you think.

Asseblief en dankie. Hope to see you soon!

Our Venue: Die Bos

Posted on March 5, 2020 by quietriotgirl

You will often hear us talk about Die Bos, a party in die bos, a walk up to die bos or swimming in die bos… If you’ve ever wondered what on earth, allow me to explain.

At the ‘top edge’ of the Kalmoesfontein property was a very big Eucalyptus plantation (very common on farms around here as the trees were planted for the long straight poles they produce as well as firewood.) Over the years we’ve slowly cut back this plantation (because they use SO MUCH water and because frankly we’d rather plant wheat, grapes or local trees) but have left a hectare or so on the very top of the hill. In the middle of this bos (Afrikaans for forest) we’ve cleared a section to plant a maypole and have a few parties.

Over the years the space has been used for weddings (both ceremonies and celebrations), outdoor cooking seminars, parties and several Oesaf Harvest celebrations. We’ve decorated it with ribbons of all colours, leaves and vines, hessian and fabric. We love getting creative and making it a unique space for every occasion.

Most recently we added a pool to it’s offering…

If you are ever looking for a special spot for a celebration or event of any kind – come check it out. It is accessible via a steep but spectacular walk up the hill (usually with a drink spot along the way) or we can arrange a fun array of ‘shuttles’ to get those who can’t make the walk up there.

For more info or to arrange a viewing, contact semma@aabadenhorst.com.

Harvest 2020

Posted on February 28, 2020 by quietriotgirl

2020 is a leap year, although we didn’t even really need the extra day in February- the grapes are 99% picked and pressed.

Down to just over 250 tons from about 280ish tons in 2019, this year’s harvest came in fast. Vineyards put their hands up to say ‘pick me now’ from early in January; there were a few crazy days in early February when temperatures peaked in the low 40s (that’s degrees Celsius) and it seemed the cold room would never be empty again.

But the vinyl kept playing; the crew kept gooiing kussies; the pomp kept klapping and the team are all smiles.

This year we once again had Keiji (aka Cage) all the way from Japan and Raynard (all the way from Malmesbury…) with new (very) local addition Tol (his father being our much featured long time employee Fortuin); first half impact player Tom (a Badenhorst) and Tom (not a Badenhorst, who has already departed to do it all again in Argentina). With Hanneke keeping on top of all the details and Adi guarding over the bigger picture, the cogs kept on turning – some days from 4am till long after the sun set, only grinding to a halt for the occasional visit from The Loadshedding Demon.

Back from left to right; Tom (not Badenhorst), Tol, Hanneke, Adi. In front; Cage and Ray

Obviously there were a few sunrise braais, many cups of good coffee and, according to the team ‘never the same lunch twice’.

In between Charl and Semma (and Judy and Mina and the team) hosted numerous lunches (and breakfasts and pizza oven experiences) and we put on another edition of Bradstock.

Bradstock, as it is known amongst fans, originated last year as a combined 40th/50th for Belinda and Andy – the jol was such a hit that they decided to do it again this year, making it a mini festival for their group of friends. Hosted over 24 hours and with two meals, three dance floors, eight musical acts, numerous outfit changes and thirty Glamping tents on the terraces – this was a party to remember (and repeat!).

Just a friendly reminder that Kalmoesfontein is not only the home of some of your favourite wines, we also provides a unique venue and location to bring your celebrations to life.

As always, be sure to follow us on Instagram and/or Facebook to see what we get up to.

Winter wedding venue

Posted on November 18, 2019 by quietriotgirl

As November starts to go downhill into December into Jingle Bells and fake snow covered Christmas trees in shop windows – we want to throw it back to a cool August 30th.

Karel and Grethe got married on the farm and we have some pictures of the venue and decor to proof it.

The cellar may be basic, as Adi himself will point out, but it makes for a pretty lovely backdrop to say “I do”.

And then there is the Paardeberg in all its magic hour glory…

For more info on our farm / cellar / old house / vineyards as a venue or (photo shoot) location, check out this page or contact Semma@aabadenhorst.com – she’ll sort you out!

Pics with credit to Liesl le Roux Photography.

Winter wedding vibes

Posted on June 25, 2019 by quietriotgirl

This weekend we hosted a lovely wet winter wedding.

Congratulations to Neil and Nadine, we are so happy that you had such a blast.

The couple got married in front of the cellar, ate and celebrated on the stoep (made cost by curtains and heaters) and danced the night away under the tent covered dance floor.

To find out more about our venue or to enquire about hosting your event n the farm, contact semma@aabadenhorst.com

Staying Stable

Posted on February 18, 2019 by quietriotgirl

We recently turned the old stables on the farm into accommodation.

This two bedroom cottage (each room with an en-suite bathroom) has an open plan kitchen and living room, two outside chill areas and a private splash pool.

The furnishings are luxurious but laid back, the bedding proper, the bathrooms unique and there will be fresh farm eggs and bread baked right here.

We are now taking bookings for March and April – head over to our accommodation page or contact semma@aabadenhorst.com.

Proper pics coming soon.

Movie night: a love story

Posted on February 15, 2019 by quietriotgirl

Last night we celebrated Valentines Day with a beautiful outdoor movie screening.

With pink Caperitif welcome drinks, pizza, wine, popcorn and the famous Badenhorst Family Ice Cream paired with a feel good local love story under the stars – it was truly a night to remember.

We plan on doing a few of these throughout the year so be sure not to miss the next one. Send me a mail on aabadenhorstwine@gmail.com to be on our events mailing list.

Irish love

Posted on February 8, 2019 by quietriotgirl

Adi’s brother’s wife’s brother got married on the farm in January… it’s our extended Irish family!

A lovely intimate throw down.

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Venue: Kalmoesfontein, AA Badenhorst Family Wines.

Coördinators, decor and DJ: Helena and Ray – Kick Bang! Omnific.

Flowers: Michelle Smith Florals.

Flower installation / center piece: a Kick Bang! Omnific and Michelle Smith Colab.

Food: Slippery Spoon.

Photographer: Lelani Badenhorst (no relation…)

#convivium2018

Posted on February 9, 2018 by quietriotgirl

It has been a very hot, dry and BUSY start to the year on Kalmoesfontein.

Not only has the usual chaos of harvest ensued, but we’ve been hacking at agave, cooking piña and making mezcal while setting up and hosting Convivium 2018.

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What an honour to once again be the venue for this fantastic event. A celebration of conscious people making a real difference in the food and drinks industry in South Africa.

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From top chefs to wheat farmers, barmen and baristas, Convivium is at the forefront of a new (and important) movement in food.

Elle Deco did a nice review after the event (read it here) and there are SO MANY pretty pictures on Instagram (check out #convivium2018 or @conviviumtable) that we hardly need to say anything.

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We would just like to thank Andy Fenner and Wesley Randles (and the Studio_H team) for still entrusting us with hosting this inspirational event and for pushing us into the dry riverbeds and old farm cottages and beyond.

We hope you enjoyed the hot Swartland summer sun as much as we revelled in having you here.

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February on the farm

Posted on February 26, 2016 by quietriotgirl

Exciting times:

Our friends Jon came to take areal shots of the farm with is drone – that’s my home!

99% of the grapes are in for harvest 2016.

We hosted the International Food and Wine Society for a “mini revolution” complete with Adi, Andrea, Callie and Eben, Where is Callie placemats, a harvest buffet by Judy Badenhorst and an informal SIP tasting.

Caperitif also received some great publicity – keep an eye on its website for more!