by Anlé Britz
I have a monthly ritual of undertaking a special pilgrimage, a delightful journey to the enchanting world of wineries. I am sharing this unique experience with you through a tapestry of words, traversing picturesque landscapes, and appreciating the individual nuances of each estate. Today, our compass points toward the foot of the majestic Constantiaberg, where nature and wine converge in harmonious splendor.
As we wind along the narrow roads flanked by vineyards, we cannot resist rolling down. The breeze carries the earthy scent of grapevines, and the sun-dappled leaves create a mesmerizing dance. Ahead of us lies the tasting room and deli—a haven for wine enthusiasts and seekers of tranquility alike. The greenery envelops us, and the mountain vista unfolds like a grand canvas. Amidst this natural harmony, a deep sense of peace settles within, gently lifting the weight of everyday stress from our chests.
Our adventure commences with a leisurely stroll through the gardens of the Buitenverwachting Estate. The air is crisp, and the sunlight filters through ancient trees. Here stands the venerable Norfolk Pine—a sentinel of time, its branches have reached skywards for over 250 years. As we circle this arboreal giant, we can imagine the stories it holds—the laughter, whispered secrets, and perhaps even a few confessions made under its boughs.
And then, seeking warmth, we find ourselves before a crackling fireplace. Our fingers toast, and our souls awaken. Here, in the cozy embrace of flickering flames, we explore our wine personalities. Are we drawn to robust reds, elegant whites, or perhaps a sparkling surprise? Each sip reveals a facet of our own character—a reflection in the wine glass.
Let us raise our glasses to this day—a chapter etched as fellow wanderers across vineyard soil, where the beauty of Constantiaberg meets the artistry of winemaking. May our hearts feel as rich as the soil, our spirits as effervescent as the finest bubbly, and our memories as enduring as that ancient Norfolk Pine.
Ah, the magic of vineyards and the stories they tell!
The History
Let’s delve into the rich history and vibrant present of Buitenverwachting, nestled within the embrace of Constantiaberg. Once upon a time, Constantiaberg was part of the illustrious Constantia Estate—a legacy woven by Simon van der Stel, the visionary first governor of the Dutch colony in South Africa. The land changed hands over the years, passing through different custodians, until it found its new generation of stewards—the Louw and Lategan families.
Olivia Lategan, daughter of Danie Lategan, was born on this very land. Fate, it seems, had a plan for her. After marrying George Louw, she returned to the farm, her footsteps echoing the centuries-old stories etched into the soil. With the Mueller family, the Louws embarked on a mission: to restore Buitenverwachting to its former glory.
Their canvas was the terroir—the unique marriage of soil, climate, and vine. With meticulous care, they planted hand-selected clones of sought-after grape cultivars. Each vine, a living testament to tradition and innovation, rooted itself in the fertile earth. The Norfolk Pine, standing sentinel over the estate, also watched as the vineyards flourished once more.
And what of the wines? Buitenverwachting’s heart beats to the rhythm of Sauvignon Blanc. This grape variety, aptly named—“Buitenverwachting,” translated from Dutch as “exceeding expectations”—has aptly fulfilled its name’s promise done precisely that. From its very first harvest, where 100 tons of grapes were lovingly gathered, to the bountiful yield of 2024, it has consistently surprised and delighted. Quality and quantity have intertwined, like vines reaching for sunlight, yielding wines that dance on the palate.
So, as the sun kisses the vine leaves and the mountain stands as a silent witness, let us raise our glasses. To Constantiaberg, to history reborn, and to Buitenverwachting—a place where the past and the present clink glasses, to celebrate the artistry of winemaking and the enduring spirit of the land.
The venue and tasting room
And now for the timeless ambiance of the Wine Tasting Centre at Buitenverwachting. As you step onto the sun-kissed path leading to Buitenverwachting, a resplendent figure awaits—a curious peacock named Gerald. His iridescent plumage catches the light, and he struts with regal confidence. Offer him a breadcrumb, and he’ll reward you with an appreciative glance—a secret shared between visitor and bird.
The Wine Tasting Centre beckons—a portal to the past. Its thick walls, weathered by centuries, cradle narratives within their stones. Over 250 years ago, these walls witnessed the birth of vintages, the clinking of glasses, and whispered conversations. The air carries the scent of oak and history the rustic yellow-wood beams of its interior above create a cathedral-like ceiling. You’re no longer a mere visitor; you’re a time traveler.
Here, the past converges with the present. Wine barrels, guardians of tradition, stand tall—cradling over 22,500 liters of liquid poetry. Their staves bear the weight of countless harvests, echoes of laughter, and hushed discussions of winemakers. Just beyond those sturdy walls, the Norfolk Pine—the same sentinel that once stood as a mere 1-meter stick with a handful of leaves—now stretches skyward, its branches a testament to resilience and growth.
Finally, it’s the lounge by the fireplace that steals your heart. Picture crackling flames, worn leather armchairs, and the soft clink of crystal against crystal. Here, time slows. As you settle into your seat, a wine glass cradled in your palm, you realize that this is where magic happens. The perfect wine pairing unfolds in— a dance of flavors, and a symphony of senses. Perhaps it’s a robust red, its tannins embracing your palate, or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, its citrus notes emerging like a sunbeam on your tongue.
And so, my fellow traveler, let us raise our glasses once more—to Gerald; the resplendent peacock, the ancient walls that whisper tales, and to Buitenverwachting—a place where time stands still, every sip carrying the weight of centuries.
Ah, the allure of history and wine—a blend as intoxicating as the finest vintage.
The wine and experience
As I have mentioned, Sauvignon Blanc is the King grape variety on Buitenverwachting thriving in the Constantia climate. Here exquisite characteristic green flavours and the very unique “yellow” fruit flavours, such as melons, passion fruit, yellow apple and gooseberries reach their full ripeness. Our wine tasting included 5 wines.
- Sauvignon Blanc Constantia 2023 – Hello fresh, crisp yellow apple with a bright acidity and a full and elegant finish.
- Hussey’s Vlei 2022 (because it is a MUST) – Classic green pepper passionfruit and citrus lingering finish deserving of its showcased elegance by the distinguished award stickers on the neck of the bottle.
- Pioneer 2021 (Chenin Blanc) – Pioneering for the first bush vine Chenin Blanc produced in the Constantia Valley and making waves with its delicate hints of honey.
- Rough Diamond 2019 – A stunning Bordeaux blend of Merlot and Petit Verdot. Chanting spicyness and fruityness on the nose with a very smooth on the palette. Named after the movie Blood Diamond that was shot on the farm.
- Double Cab 2017 – A stunning harmony of Cabernet Franc (80%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (20%) showing off in its deep ruby red colour, red fruits and savoury aromas and flavours.
Chantel has been with the Buitenverwachting family for over a decade and know the wines and estate inside out. She embodied her beyond-expectations service delivery, taking time out of her day to answer all our questions. She spoiled us with a blind tasting of the oaked Maximus Sauvignon Blanc that blew our minds rich with a medium-bodied white wine with strong peach and nectarine characteristics. I have to mention the charming Merlot that is working hard to revive the Merlot name and succeeding at it effortlessly.
Adam, our wine waiter for the day, was the perfect host. He shared some tales about life on the farm, and why he loves the wine community so much. We wish him all the best and success for his studies.
Closing off with a satisfied palate and many stories to tell, it is time for us to bid our farewells with our arms full of wine. Be sure that before you leave, you grab a selfie with the Olivia statue by clinking a glass with her to acknowledge the exceptional experience you had a promise to return – WE DID.
I will be back for the case special soon! Stay tuned for more bespoke wine and art experiences with Artroute.
A warm toast to you,
Painting History
