Ridgeback Wines: A Midweek Outing In The Paarl Countryside
On the 14th of November, I had the wonderful honour of being invited to Ridgeback – for the launch of their new bubbly called Mischief! I know…. I know… it is a couple of months later but time flies by so fast, and obviously Eskom was not helping! Still no excuse…! I am currently working through my to do list of articles and recipes so you will be hearing from me more often. What was I saying before the rude interruption? Ah yes, the launch of Ridgebacks “Mischief”. Oh boy!! What an amazing treat! Not only is the food and wine “uit die boonste rak” but most importantly our host’s Mr. Vernon Cole (Estate Owner) and Toit Wessels (winemaker) made our visit memorable!
Here they shared with us all that Ridgeback Wines has to offer. From wine tastings, gorgeous views, a cellar tour along with a special tasting of Ridgebacks flagship wines, having a sneak peak at their guest rooms and then ending the day with a mouthwatering lunch. It was a lovely experience and I would highly recommend anyone who loves wine, food and nature to make a stop at Ridgeback.
About Ridgeback Wine Estate:
Just off the R44 on the Windmeul Road in Paarl you will find Ridgeback Wines. This farm is named after the Rhodesian Ridgeback breed of dogs. The tenacity of these dogs is a symbol of strength and quality that you will find in their wines. I thought this was pretty cool, as I have a Ridgeback cross myself, and can fully understand the love Mr. Vernon Cole has for these precious dogs. They are pretty amazing fur babies! I love mine to bits! Fyi – her name is Zsa-Zsa 🙂
As you arrive at Ridgeback Wines, the friendly, knowledgeable and professional staff eagerly awaits you at the tasting centre. They are more than happy to guide you through the wide selection of world class (most award winning) wines on offer.
Depending on what you want to taste, the cost for tastings varies from between R30 to R50.
Tasting room hours are as follows:
Summer Season (October to May)
Monday to Saturday: 10H00 – 17H00
Sunday: 10H00 – 16H00
Winter Season (June to September)
Monday to Sunday: 10H00 to 16H00
The estate as a beautiful dam with green luscious willow trees, plants, and beaming with bird-life. You can sit back, relax, enjoy the fresh country air, the calmness of the farm and the merry singing of birds, all the while sipping on your favourite Ridgeback wine!
Ridgeback and the environment:
We took a lovely drive on top of the hill, tasting amazing wines under the old olive grove, along with admiring the breathtakingly beautiful view of the valley below. You see my boozy friends, Ridgeback is on the Northern Part of Paarl on the Northern Slope of the famous Paarl Mountain. Here the farm extends 65 hectares, where 35 hectares is currently under vine. The remaining hectares are rich with heritage, proteas and fynbos, which Ridgeback is carefully and committed in preserving.
Ridgeback Wines:
As mentioned, I came to Ridgeback for the launch of their new Mischief Sparkling. I will discuss the Ridgeback Mischief in my next article. As I would like to go into more detail about this wine other than just saying it is a lovely refreshing and summer wine. So best you don’t go anywhere. 🙂
Ridgeback has three different ranges of wines:
The Ridgeback:
This range consist of 13 different types of wines. This is Ridgebacks premium wine. Made with the utmost care and attention to detail. This selection of wines is of such a high quality, it is viewed as an investment. Meaning that the wine will keep extremely well for a good solid number of years. (as long as good cellaring techniques are in use)
Vansha:
An export quality red or white blend is for the critical palate.It is an easy drinking wine, bursting with fruit forwardness and lightly wooded to add a little complexity to the wine. It can be ready for drinking now or you can put it away a little longer for a special occasion.
The Lion Hound Range:
Ridgeback’s fun side. It is easy drinking and the perfect wine to enjoy with friends around the braai or a girls night.
The Ridgeback Guest House:
If you like to get away and have the feel of being close to nature but living a life of luxury, look no further! Ridgeback Guest House has exactly what you need. Gorgeous views of either vineyards or the rose garden. Here you can sit back relax under the trees with a good book or cool yourself off in the sparkling blue swimming pool.
Ridgeback Guest House consists of five spacious rooms all individually decorated. You will find that each room is unique and stylish designed – all in neutral tones. In each room you will find a sitting area, DSTV, private safe, tea/coffee station, air-con or ceiling fan and most importantly a mini bar to keep your Ridgeback Mischief wine cool.
The Deck Restaurant:
This was a feast for the senses. Sitting outside, under the shade, you get to enjoy the tranquility of the dam, while your taste buds are sent into overdrive of a taste sensation. Believe me, it will not be disappointing. For starters we had roasted aubergine served Caprese style, with mozerrella, tomato and basil pesto. As you know my pet peeve is Aubergine, but I tell you this was absolutely delicious. The main course was a selection of the platters they have. They have you covered from the meat lovers to the vegan, Ridgeback has your back.
The restaurant is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 09H00 – 11H00 for light breakfast and then again from 11H30 – 15H30 or contact them at 021 869 8068 for more information.
So make sure the next time you are in the Paarl Area you make a stop at Ridgeback Wines and release your inner Ridgeback! 😉
**Disclaimer: Even though I received a invitation to the launch of Ridgeback Mischief, I was not paid or asked to write an article. These are my own opinions and thought. Pictures used was my own images. Subjected to copyright.***