Breedekloof Wine and Tourism Newsletter

UPCOMING BREEDEKLOOF EVENTS:

24 & 25 July 2015 – Soetes & Soup
09 & 10 October 2015 – Opstal Jol
October 2015 – Skole Toutrek by Botha Kelder
October 2015 – Alles wat Dryf
23 – 24 October 2015 – Dwarsberg Beer Festival
24 – 25 October 2015 – Slanghoek Triathlon
November 2015 – Breedekloof Kontrei Tafel
November 2015 – Breerivier 4×4
November 2015 – Meander Madness (Trail Run & MTB)
December 2015 – Brut in Your Boot

Winter may have taken a while to show her presence, but we have had quite a bit of rain these past few weeks and although there is no snow on the mountains yet, the temperatures have dropped considerably, giving the vineyards the opportunity to finally rest before spring reawakens them.

And who can believe that it is June already? June is the half-way month – marking half the year is past and only 6 months to go before Christmas. But there is nothing “half-way” about the Breedekloof region as we are full steam ahead busy preparing special menu’s for lunches for Dad, releasing new & exciting products and hard at work finalising Soetes & Soup 2015.

Father’s Day:

We’ve just finished thanking Mom for all the wonderful things she does for us, and now this month it’s Dad’s turn. And once again the Breedekloof has a wonderful selection of options for you!

Bergsig Estate:

From 15th to 20th June, spoil Dad with a special Father’s Day menu at the Bergsig Bistro for only R110p.p. Menu, served with a complimentary glass of Bergsig Sauvignon Blanc 2015 or Bain’s Kloof Merlot:
Starter: Butternut Sour served with freshly made bread rolls Main Course: Choice of Calamari served with rice or chips or Homemade Venison Pie served with salad Dessert: Carrot Cake
For reservations contact: 023 355 1603

Opstal Estate

Deetlefs Estate

Soetes & Soup: 24-25 July 2015

We are busy preparing for the annual Breedekloof Soetes & Soup, which is being held on Friday 24 and Saturday 25 July. Highlights during the weekend will include live entertainment, soup & wine pairing, a farmer’s market, chocolate soup & port tasting, cooperage demonstrations, craft beer, an art exhibition, various stalls and children’s entertainment.

Your festival pass only costs R100 per person (R50 for children u/18) and this year there are limited tickets available, so buy yours early online at Web Tickets. Please note: no tickets available on the day. Your pass includes your enamel mug, wine glass and coupon booklet for the soup tasting. Wineries also offer discounts of between 10% and 25% on red and fortified wines during this weekend giving you a great excuse to stock up for the winter. Also remember to book your accommodation early as various accommodation facilities are offering a Soetes & Soup special: stay 2 nights and the 3rd night is free. For a full festival programme, click here.

Breedekloof Chenin Blanc Initiative

Over the years the Breedekloof Wine Valley has established itself as an area for slow ripening vines. Key to this is the late bud break and long hanging time on the vines. The geography, climate, mountains, rivers and varied geology all contribute to a unique winemaking potential and this has essentially established the area as the home of South African Chenin Blanc.
Chenin Blanc represents 18% of all South Africa’s vineyards and the Breedekloof Wine Valley has 15% of all Chenin Blanc plantings and supplies 21% or one-fifth of all the wine made from Chenin in South Africa.
The varietal has found its true home in this region, with deep alluvial soils containing smooth river pebbles, which is ideally suited to Chenin Blanc. Chenin Blanc is probably the world’s most versatile variety, ideally suited to many wine styles. This has prompted the Breedekloof winemakers to produce small quantities of Chenin Blanc using innovative winemaking methods and expressing terroirs, especially old vineyards, which has resulted in the Breedekloof Chenin Blanc Initiative.

Nine wineries, all members of the Breedekloof Wine Route, form part of this exciting collaboration, and have all launched a 2014 vintage into the market:
Bergsig Estate: Chenin Blanc Reserve
Botha Cellar: Barrel Fermented Bush Vine Chenin Blanc
Breeland: Chenin Blanc
Deetlefs Estate: Reserve Chenin Blanc
Goudini Wines: Mirabilis Regis-filia Chenin Blanc
Lateganskop: Zahir Chenin Blanc
Merwida: Chenin Blanc
Opstal Estate: Carl Everson Chenin Blanc
uniWines Vineyards: Daschbosch Steen

Still in its infancy the initiative has already received positive feedback and support from industry influencers such as Ken Forrester and Tim Atkin MW. We would like to invite you to make a note of these wines and take a trip out to our valley to taste them.

Gravel & Grape 2016

For all the avid mountain bikers – we have just confirmed the date for the 2nd annual Gravel & Grape 3day MTB Challenge: 06 – 08 May 2016. Entries will open on 01 August 2015. More information to follow soon.

SANTAM: Load shedding – Farmers urged to take extra precautions

Cape Town, 22 April 2015: As the reality of load shedding hits South Africa, farmers are bracing themselves for the impact this is likely to have on their production schedules and revenue. “Agricultural producers are urged to take extra precautions in the months ahead to manage their risk and protect against losses resulting from load shedding,” says Gerhard Diedericks, head of Santam Agriculture.
Load shedding is already having a serious impact on farming operations that rely on continuous or even periodical electricity production, but sometimes, even short disruptions to electricity supply can cause problems, he says.

The agricultural sectors most affected include:

Dairy farms – these are in the main highly mechanised, with electricity required for most of the production process, including milking machines and milk cooling. Milking is usually scheduled for early morning and late afternoon, times which coincide with load shedding periods.

Fruit and vegetable farms – these often rely on temperature regulated cold stores, especially when produce is destined for export markets.

Crop farms – farms that rely on irrigation are severely impacted by load shedding. Again, irrigation is usually scheduled for the cooler times of the day to lessen the chances of evaporation, which also tend to be peak electricity usage times.

Poultry farms with winter around the corner, “brooding” or heating of especially young chicks in broiler houses at certain parts of the day needs to be finely balanced.

Cover for business interruption

Diedericks says most recent insurance claims lodged by farmers for losses resulting directly from load shedding have been for business interruption following power surges. Business interruption cover entails insurance for gross profits, gross revenue and the additional increase in the cost of working. In recent years, this type of cover has specifically been extended to include loss or damage as a result of power surges. Premiums depend on the level of dependency the farming operation has on power.

Power surges occur when the electricity returns after an extended outage, sending an increased flow of current to a wall socket or and electrical box. This has the potential to damage any equipment relying on electricity.

“Santam has also since March 2013 extended its cover in terms of the “fire and buildings combined” section to include R50,000 power surge cover, provided that surge arrestors are installed. Additional cover is available for amounts over R50 000, he says.

Insurance cover for back-up generators

Diedericks says since South Africa was last hit by on-going, nationwide load shedding in 2008, many farmers have had back-up generators installed professionally. Solar panels are being used for items such as submersible pumps and household lighting Many farmers are also using gas as an alternative where possible, for example for brooders on poultry farms.

In terms of insuring generators, Santam considers fixed generators as part of the structure of your buildings – they are therefore covered under the buildings section. A portable generator will be covered as part of the contents section of your policy. Cover is also available for the breakdown of your generator.

How to use a generator safely
Diedericks offers the following tips for using a fixed generator as a power back-up on your farm: Make sure your generator is professionally installed by a registered service provider Ensure the installation and use of your generator complies with relevant regulations, for the following reasons: It exhausts carbon monoxide which, if not properly ventilated, could be very dangerous. It generates electricity which has to be properly wired and earthed and sealed. It is a mechanical device which has moving parts and can become hot. Never store more than 20 litres of fuel within the building, and ensure proper ventilation. Purchase a named brand supported by a recognised dealer who can provide safety advice

Test the generator frequently

House external generators in an expanded mesh cage with a solid roof. Remember to have a fire extinguisher of at least 4.5kg on site.

Load shedding is here to stay for the foreseeable future. We cannot change this, but thinking ahead will mean the difference between losing revenue and doing business as usual. Farmers are urged to make the necessary plans to prevent potential loss, revisit their insurance cover, and obtain advice from their brokers to take into account risk situations which may arise as a result of power cuts, Diedericks concludes.

So once again, you need no further excuse to head out to the Breedekloof. Come spoil Dad or join us at one of our upcoming events. We look forward to welcoming you to the Breedekloof once again!

Melody Botha – Breedekloof Wine and Tourism