Stanford River Talk, the local newspaper edited by Michelle Hardie and published in Stanford has launched their very own  STANFORD WINE ROUTE. Michelle says “Stanford and surrounds is one of  the new, exciting cool climate wine regions, recently winning seven of  the 20 awards in the SA Terroir Wine Awards. Our maritime climate ensures that we produce elegant wines with great ageing potential from slow- growing vines that give our wines a unique character.” A great 6 page wine route map has been created, and is available directly from the publishers.

Contact 087 80 86 221 Cell: 079 291 1588

MISTY MOUNTAINS: Driving along the R43 between Hermanus and Stanford , it’s hard to miss O2 Fresh Misty Mountains‘ entrance gates with cascades of water flowing over crisp blue tiles. This fertile farm estate not only produces delicious spring water, but also has olive trees and bee hives. The award-winning boutique winery produces handcrafted wines that have earned prestigious Veritas awards. Their  Sauvignon Blancs have been consistent winners of Veritas awards, and the 2008  Santam Classic Trophy. Owners Louwrens le Roux and Andre van Vuuren, in collaboration with consulting wine maker Phillip Costandius are extremely proud of the balance and suppleness of their wines.

SIR ROBERT STANFORD: The owners of the majestic Sir Robert Stanford Estate, Jan and Madre Malan, started the millenium by putting back what was always there - glorious rows of vines producing the noble white and red varietals, such as Sauvingnon Blanc,  Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. 10 000 vines had been removed in 1935 by the son of the original Huguenot farmer, Isak du Toit to end the decadent wine and witblitz sprees. After a visit to the impressive tasting room, with its magnificent picture window looking out onto the farm, enjoy a delicious and leisurely lunch at Madre’s Kitchen.

STANFORD HILLS: Situated on one of the oldest established farms in the Stanford area, Stanford Hills revels in the history, with the historic main house being more than 150 years old. This boutique winery creates the Jacksons range of hand-crafted wines with passion and dedication. Set amongst fields of fynbos, the 12 hectares of vineyards produce a range comprising a Pinotage,  a Sauvignon Blanc and a Chardonnay, with the first harvest of Shiraz expected in 2011. The vines are interspersed with blocks of  ‘Veldfire‘, a unique member of the Leucospermum family, which gives the grapes their unique characteristics. Peter and Jami Kastner are the managing partners, together with partners Jaco van Zijverden from Amsterdam and Cino Gironi from Cape Town.

SPRINGFONTEIN ESTATE is a mere six kilometres from the village centre on the Wortelgat road. The 25 hectares of  vineyards are planted on 100% limestone soils, with proximity to the  cool Atlantic Ocean, making  wines of elegance and purity.  Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Pinotage and Merlot account for 80% of production, and  Sauvignon Blanc,  Chenin Blanc, Semillon and Chardonnay making up the balance of production of approximately 10 000 cases.  Owners Johst and Jennifer Weber from Germany rely on the capable hands of winemaker  Christo Versfeld, and vineyard manager Andre du Toit. Their flagship wines are Jonathan’s Ridge Pinotage and Jil’s Dune Chenin Blanc. They are consistent winnesr in SA Terroir Awards, Old Mutual Trophy and the Tri- Nations Wine challenge.

RAKA WINES:  The Raka brand was named after Piet Dreyer’s black fishing vessel - his first love. He now pursues the art of winemaking with this same passion. With blessings of earth and elements, a dedicated workforce,  enthusiasm of the winemaker and the advantages of a modern gravity flow cellar, Piet Dreyer produces his award-winning wines on their farm outside  Stanford .  At recent Michelangelo International Wine Awards,  Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 was awarded Grand D’ Or. Originally, Cabernet Sauvignon was planted along with Merlot to form the basis of the well-know Raka Quinary.  Raka Figurehead 2006 (a Cape blend of Bordeaux varieties and Pinotage) also received a Grand D’ Or, while Gold was awarded to the Raka Barrel Select Merlot 2008. The Raka Petit Verdot, Raka Quinary and Raka Figurehead 2007 received silver medals, with Quinary winning Silver at the Decanter World wine awards and Selections Mondiales des vins Canada amongst others.

BRUNIA WINES are nestled in the heart of the ‘Koue Berge’, 20 kilometres  south east of  Stanford, adjacent to the Salmonsdam nature reserve. The gentle slopes and  abundance of water from the Sandies Glen Valley are perfect for grape growing and the granite-eroded soils makes good use of the terroir and ensures good quality.  The vineyards consist of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Shiraz, with Pinot Noir being added in the next 3 years. Their maiden vintage Sauvignon Blanc 09  has received a silver VERITAS award. A tasting room and function venue will complement the wine estate in 2010.

BOSCHFONTEIN ESTATE: Ficky De Villiers, of Boschrivier Wine Estate, had a dream to create his own wine on the farm where he had grown up and which had been in his family since their arrival in South Africa in 1689.  He recognised that the cool climate was good for red wine production and he began planting vines in 1998 in the virgin shale soils, the first in the Akkedisberg Valley. Today he produces wine which has hold a position in the top 10 Shiraz wines in the country for the past two years. Boschrivier Shiraz has earned a Veritas bronze and is rated 4 1/2 stars in the John Platter wine guide.

WALKER BAY VINEYARDS is under 17 hectares of Sauvingnon Blanc, Chardonnay, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Birkenhead Estate started planting vines in 2003 to complement the Brewery, and plan to install winemaking equipment soon.