wines of South Africa Summer Tasting 2023
Our Summer tasting theme for 2023 is Wines of South Africa.
Join us in The Riding School at Hatfield House for an afternoon filled with vibrant South African atmosphere. There will be a jazz band inside, traditional Zulu dancers performing in The Stable Yard and authentic South African street food by Now Now Chow. Taste over 100 wines from every region and style in the Cape Winelands.
Having just about recovered from a three year drought, the South African wine industry was hit by government COVID restrictions including a ban on alcohol production, sales and export twice in 2020 and then again in 2021. Post COVID, South Africa continues to face significant challenges with an economic recession and a massive electricity deficit. However, the strength and resilience of South Africans remains and the quality of wine being produced has never been better. We invite you to support SA producers by attending this event and buying their fantastic wine.
We are very proud of our South African wine range which spans all of the key Western Cape regions of Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschhoek, Elgin, Wellington, Swartland, Darling Hills and Hemel en Aarde.
In the lead up to the event, we have chosen to highlight the work of two charitable organisations: WildHearts Foundation Africa and HeadStart Trust . Representatives from both of these foundations will be there on the day to tell us about their initiatives and how we in the UK can contribute. Cellar Door Wines will be donating 10% of ticket sales to these organisations.
Your £36 ticket includes sampling of over 100 wines, a snack pack of biltong or vegetarian alternative and entertainment throughout the afternoon.
These are just a few of the producers you will get to experience: Babylonstoren, Waterkloof, Zorgvliet, Iona, Raats, Doran Vineyards, Groote Post, Drift Estate, De Grendel, Andreas, Diemersfontein, Neil Ellis, KWV Mentors, Boekenhoutskloof, Daschbosch, Wildeberg, De Wetshof, LaibachSpier and De Trafford.
South African Food: Jane White from Now Now Chow will be selling her famous Babotie and Bunny Chow from her stall which will be positioned just outside our shop in the stable yard. Informal seating will be available nearby to enjoy your food. Vegetarian options will be available.
Traditional Zulu Dancers will be performing at various intervals during the afternoon, inside the The Riding School and in the Stable Yard.
There will be a Jazz Quartet playing in background, so do listen out for some special South African Kwela and Penny Whistle sounds.
The aim of the day is to showcase the best of South Africa.
This is a walkabout wine tasting held over two floors in the Riding School Venue in the Stable Yard at Hatfield House. On arrival you will be checked in and given a Riedel Glass, an order booklet, a pen and a small pack of biltong or vegetarian equivalent. The wine samples will be poured and explained to you by our South African wine experts at their tables. We will give you a wrist band which will allow you to move in and out of the Riding School to buy food and explore the Stable Yard. Unfortunately you cannot take your glass outside, however, you can buy wine by the glass from our shop, where there will be seating inside and outside for you to sit and relax(hopefully it will be a lovely sunny day!)
For obvious reasons we recommend that you use public transport or taxis to get to and from the venue.
If you have a designated driver in your group we would like to offer that person a half price ticket. Please email Penny or Geraldine for details. sales@cellardoorwines.co.uk
There is a free Car Park which is accessed through George’s Gate and is located a few hundred yards on from the Station Lodge entrance, at the mini roundabout with a large Citroen dealership. Post Code: AL9 5HX for Sat Nav.
Hatfield Train Station and Bus station is a short walk from the George's Gate.
We do not recommend that you bring dogs or children to this event.
If you have any questions, please call or email Penny or Geraldine sales@cellardoorwines.co.uk
St Albans T: 01727 854488
Hatfield T: 01707 240982
While you are visiting the Stable Yard, you will have the opportunity to browse the other beautiful shops next to ours.
Fiona Rae - Royal Warrant holding designer and jeweller since 2001
Slumbering Hound - Bespoke dog cushions, blankets and accessories
Carl Russell & Co - Country clothing and leather goods
Darlish Ice Cream - Luxury ice cream inspired by natural botanicals and the magical flavours of the Middle East
Wild Alban in Old Hatfield - Cheese Deli, picnic hampers and baked goods
The Coach House Restaurant will also be open for pre or post -tasting meals and coffee. Contact them to book a table. Telephone: 01707 932725 Email: hatfieldhospitality@compass-group.co.uk