At Glen Carlou it’s time to charge your glasses and raise them in a toast as they celebrate the estate’s 30th Chardonnay harvest. Established in 1985, the picturesque Simondium estate may be a young gun among its more time-honoured neighbours, but has nonetheless managed to make a name for itself as one of South Africa’s leading wine producers.

Chardonnay takes centre-stage

While they pride themselves in a diverse range of varietals – from the easy-drinking Pinot Noir Rosé to the majestic Gravel Quarry Cabernet Sauvignon – the past three decades have proven time and again that, for them, Chardonnay will always take centre-stage.

Currently the proud producers of three vintages – Glen Carlou Unwooded Chardonnay 2017, classic Glen Carlou Chardonnay 2015 and their flagship Glen Carlou Quartz Stone 2014 – they’re excited about their new harvest.

“Thirty years may not be a long time in the grand scheme of things – especially not in a wine industry as old and esteemed as our own – however, with a consistent track record of award-winning and popular Chardonnays from 1988 until now, we feel the 2017 harvest is a milestone worth marking,” says winemaker Johnnie Calitz, adding that the estate looks forward to welcoming Chardonnay fans from far and wide to help celebrate the momentous occasion.

Guests are invited to visit Glen Carlou’s wood-beamed tasting room with its panoramic views of the Drakenstein Mountains to sample their acclaimed Chardonnays, as well as any other available varietals that may spark interest.

Restaurant@ Glen Carlou
Restaurant@ Glen Carlou

Restaurant @ Glen Carlou

But why stop there? Let the celebrations roll on by indulging in a delicious pairing menu at the Restaurant @ Glen Carlou. Chef Johan Stander is famous for creating elegant and unfussy dishes that are seasonally-inspired and perfectly complimentary to their wine selection. Choose between a comprehensive a-la carte menu and a carefully curated three-course lunch option.

Being strong believers in the transformative power of beauty, guests are urged to take time to appreciate the art and nature on the property. Enjoy a stroll through a Zen Fynbos Garden, a unique feature on the estate that is home to an array of endemic indigenous fynbos; or visit the Art Gallery @ Glen Carlou, with its collection of contemporary, pop and modern South African works, curated by artist, Alex Hamilton.

“While three decades of excellent Chardonnay may be the focus of our celebrations, we’d also like to use this opportunity to reintroduce our beautiful estate and its diverse offerings to guests. It truly is a unique space that reflects our commitment to consistency, expertise and delivering beyond expectation with each bottle of wine,” concludes Georgina Prout, Marketing Manager.

What: Glen Carlou, Simondium, South Africa
Web: Glen Carlou website
Social media: Facebook, Twitter Instagram #glencarlou30
WS