So much has already been said about De Grendel Wines. A search on the internet produces reams of information regarding the countless awards De Grendel wine has received, not to mention the ongoing praise bestowed upon their “genius” cellar master, Charles Hopkins. Other sources agree and confirm the farm’s beauty and unique position on Tygerberg Hill (facing Table Mountain with staggering views of the city and Seaboard), whilst some pay more attention to the Graaff family heritage (dating back to the 1800’s) and De Grendel Wines’ consistent production of exceptional, yet remarkably affordable wine.

 

The view from De Grendel’s cellar and vineyards.
It’s a given.

 

Now that’s all very well, but I’m not going to go on about it. You see, I went for a jazz day at the De Grendel wine farm (Season of Sauvignon Blanc Festival) a couple weeks back and all of the above was duly noted. I wanted to tell you about it, but then I realised than a lot of it had already been covered. All of it, in fact! So I wanted to focus on the little things that only matter to me. That’s why we’re all here at 2oceansvibe, right?

Firstly, I am so over the moon that they are produced with screw tops, as a number of the big names in Europe have also started doing. So much easier and so much better for the wine.

Now, you’ll think I’m talking shit here, but I mean it when I say that the main thing about this wine is its versatility. I’m no wine “connoisseur”, but I can comfortably declare that you could easily have the confidence to serve this stuff at a state banquet, and can still order it at a beach lunch, without taking a knock on your wallet.

 

Aah, the De Grendel Rose..
Goes very well with the pink shorts

 

I’m pretty hooked on the De Grendel Rose, which drifts into the Sauvignon from time to time, without me knowing. Not that it matters. It’s a naughty little wine, De Grendel. Every sip is followed by a chuckle..

You see, it’s pretending to be a Chateau Lafite, but it’s too damn vibrant to get away with it!