Spier: experience real (Viti)culture

Spier is one wine farm close to plenty of accommodation in Stellenbosch that really offers it all. From organic farm to plate meals, sprawling picnic lawns and award winning wines, there is something for the whole family. You’re bound to find enough to do at this activity hub to keep you and your partner busy the whole day.

Begin the day with a farm to table breakfast at the well-loved and notorious 8 restaurant. Majority of the produce used for their delectable meals is organically grown on the farm – something that Spier prides itself on. Understanding that the soil is alive and is the start of happy and healthy food is a notion that this environmentally conscious farm applies to all aspects of their offerings.

Follow this with a leisurely walk through the expansive grounds, or visit the birds of prey Eagle Encounters; a raptor rescue centre and educational facility to create awareness and an appreciation for South Africa’s collection of birds of prey. Watch an interactive falconry display as handlers show off beautiful owls, buzzards, kites, falcons and hawks.

Alternatively see the farm on a Segway; a popular and eco-friendly mode of transport for many wanting to adventure through the Spier vineyards. This has in recent years become a popular way to explore the precious grapes on the farm that create the award winning wines. These red and white fruits have helped Spier to build up quite the award collection over the years; the most recent include 2011 Produce of the year and the Most Successful Produce of 2011 at the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show.

Spier’s selection of wines combines traditional methods with biodynamic principles which helps them to create healthy vineyards. Their range of Organically Grown wines is particular strong in this aspect as the grapes used for these wines are grown without synthetic fertilisers, herbicides or pesticides. This means that only the fittest grapes survive, so you know you are enjoying only the best from each bottle.

Other wines that the farm produces include a Chenin 21 Gables, produced from vineyards over 40 years old. This wine falls under their “Spier 21 Gables” selection of wines, and while popular, it isn’t as well received as their flagship wine, Frans K Smit. This wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz and is named after the cellar master – just like the hard working and legendary Mr Smit, this wine is limited edition.

Taste these wines and many more at the Spier tasting room, you’re bound to leave with a few bottles to enjoy long after you’re visit. Alternatively enjoy the wine during a picnic on the farm’s verdant lawns. Purchase a healthy selection of preserves, breads and anti-pastas from the 8-to-go outlet and enjoy nature at its best.

Explore the craft market showcasing the best hand crafted goodies that South African artisans have to offer. The manor house has a different form of artwork on display and is well worth a visit before leaving Spier to return to your Stellenbosch accommodation, to rest for the next day’s adventuring of this famous wine route and surrounds.

Original Source: The Green Life