Support Local. Save Local.
What started as a pressing need to ensure its sustainability and, in that, its ability to continue delivering a positive local impact to its surrounding communities, has – over the last few months – escalated into a diverse and multi-faceted offering from Avondale Wine Estate.
Situated just outside Paarl, on the slopes of the Klein Drakenstein mountains, Avondale Wine Estate has for many years been well-known for its range of extraordinary organic and bio-dynamic wines – ‘just as Mother Nature intended’ – and award-winning FABER restaurant.
“We are a family-owned business, with ‘family’ an integral part of both our personal and business culture,” says Johnathan Grieve, proprietor, Avondale Wine Estate. “Hot on the heels of Covid-19, our ultimate goal was to expand our offering – not only to ensure the sustainability of the family business and thereby the families in our community whom we support, but simultaneously to create an offering allowing for a holistic family-focused experience for all our visitors.”
The result – a plethora of ever increasing outdoor and indoor activities, suitable for the entire family. With multiple experiences ranging from physical outdoor activities through to picnics, wine tasting in the vineyards or a meal at its award-winning restaurant, et al. – a visit to Avondale Wine Estate ensures there is something for everyone, irrespective of personal taste or preference.
“There have been some exciting events and milestones over the last few months,” continues Grieve, one of the most significant undoubtedly the launch of Avondale Bike Park – the longest mountain bike flow trail on the African continent. The brainchild of Liam Grieve (Johnathan’s son, and one of the youngest members of the Grieve family), this 2km trail is a terrain induced roller coaster experience and forms part of the greater Avondale ‘Outdoor & Active’ offering. Additional activities include the Avondale Equestrian Centre. Situated on the beautiful 300ha Avondale Wine Estate, this ‘Bring and Ride’ experience offers riders the opportunity to explore the rivers, dams, farm roads, vineyard paths, trails and mountain tracks.
“Visitors are also able to experience the beauty of the wine estate and its panoramic views on Saturday mornings by joining one of our farm walks,” adds Grieve. Should something gentler be preferred, choose from one of six private picnic spots with breath taking views or be seated in the shade of the oak trees next to a stream, complete with a picnic basket filled to the brim with delectable treats from FABER Restaurant and OCHRA Deli – the latter launched during Covid-19 to support produce from local suppliers in addition to FABER and the wine farm itself.
“Our usual activities, pre Covid-19, are also available and continue to prove popular,” says Grieve.
These include, amongst other, the traditional Avondale Wine Tasting (showcasing seven extraordinary wines) and Eco Wine Safari – a truly unique and wonderful experience that takes you on a journey through the beautiful and bountiful Avondale Wine Estate and vineyards.
Last month also saw the launch of the Winelands Art Gallery at Avondale Wine Estate, further cementing it as destination of choice in the Cape Winelands. “There is a natural synergy between our wine estate and the Winelands Art Gallery,” says Grieve. Founded by Ryan van den Berg in 2012, and originally situated in Cape Town’s northern suburbs, it showcases some of South Africa’s most renowned artists. Complemented by the beautiful surrounds of the Cape winelands, it is a natural addition to Avondale’s ever-increasing array of non-wine or culinary experiences – offering a somewhat different feel and experience and helping to ensure something for everyone.
“It is an exciting time,” continues Grieve. “The start of Summer, our annual holiday calendar together with our Friday afternoon Garden Bar should ensure that the coming weeks are a busy, productive and festive time.”
“It has been a difficult time for many, if not all of us,” continues Grieve. “We remain so very grateful to those – both local, national and abroad – who have continued to support both Avondale Wine Estate, and the greater South African wine industry, in whatever manner was possible.” Grieve also looks forward to, together with his team, continuing to expand their offering over the coming months. “It gives us great joy to find new and innovative ways of sharing the beauty of our wine estate with supporters and visitors alike, and we look forward to ensuring an enjoyable family experience for all over these holidays and into 2022.”
