WHAT ARE WE UP TO?

Covid or not, the relentless cycle of seasons continues on the farm. While we managed to get all the grapes into the cellar before lockdown, Level 4 arrived just in time for us to start cutting “stokkies”.

“Stokkietyd” is the best time of year for many on the farm because that is when everyone gets to escape the cold and rain in the shelter of the Groenfontein Stoor, spending their days cutting long vines into “stokkies” ready for grafting onto rootstock.

Not even the social distancing rules and masks have dampened the jolly banter in the store.

EXPLORE THE HEMEL-EN-AARDE

Tired of being stuck at home with the kids? Bosman Hermanus is the perfect place to venture out and fill your lungs with fresh air and your soul with natural beauty.

The farm is open, and you are welcome to drive up to us and enjoy a bracing walk in the pristine fynbos. The Koppie Trail is a gentle stroll up to a viewing site encompassing the spectacular Walker Bay, while the Wetland Trail is a longer undertaking that traverses a variety of terrains through kloofs, vineyards and interesting plant biomes.

Permits to walk are R50 for adults and R25 for children and include a 350ml bottle of water. Once you’ve completed the walk, you are very welcome to relax on the lawn for a while and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee.

VISIT US IN WELLINGTON

Our tasting room in Wellington is also open from Monday – Thursday for wine sales only.

Why not make a weekend of it and book at our Bosman Vineyard Cottage or treat yourself to a night or two in the luxurious Andreas Guest House next door. Bosman Wine Club members qualify for a special discount of 30% off to stay at Andreas Guest House, renowned for its personal service and delicious breakfasts.

The Bovlei is well-known for its spectacular Mountain Bike trails. Hitch up your bike, pack in the family and head out to Bosman Family Vineyards for an unforgettable weekend in a beautiful, safe and healthy environment.

CHENIN CHARGE

This time last year, Corlea was wilting in the baking heat of Angers in the Loire Valley of France. You might remember she joined the Chenin Blanc Association on a trip there to attend the first-ever Chenin Blanc International Congress.

This year, to celebrate International Chenin Blanc Day on 17 June and to reach across barriers created by geographical distance and Covid isolation, Corlea reached out to Domaine Huet winemaker Sarah Hwang to reminisce about their visit and discuss the touch points between Chenins made on either side of the planet through with the same philosophy of heritage, sustainability and care of ancient vineyards and time honoured practices.

NEW IN STOCK

You might not have noticed, but the new 2018 vintage of our retro rock star Twyfeling Cinsaut has just been released. Reminder: 2017 vintage was awarded 5 stars in the Platter Guide and sold out weeks after that announcement. So it might be prudent to stock up now before the launch of this year’s Platter Guide.

Cinsaut was used to make the popular ‘vin ordinare’ in the 60s and 70s when it was known for its value-for-money quality. But ‘ordinary’ does not feature in Corlea’s vocabulary, and instead, she has championed this varietal, made from an organic single vineyard on the historic Twyfeling farm, creating a wine that holds the perfect balance between luscious fruit and savoury notes, exhibiting an elegance that is classic but definitely not old-fashioned. This is a wine to keep, a wine to celebrate, and even a wine to show off and impress.

UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN…

We are really looking forward to seeing you again on the farm now that Lockdown rules are being phased out. While you are welcome to visit us by appointment, we cannot set a date for our Release Celebration yet, as large gatherings will be prohibited for some time.

We’ve had such fun at these celebrations, we definitely are planning to host one as soon as we can. One person in particular who is waiting impatiently for the next big day on the farm is Cheslin Lyne (35). He has been tending the Lelienfontein gardens now for several years, along with his father Manus. The two spend hours every day sweeping up the leaves that the majestic oaks shed with annoying regularity, weeding, pruning and nurturing the beautiful plants that create the lush haven we love. But when we host an event, Cheslin fills in as a parking attendant, making sure everyone gets a space and directing them towards the festivities. “I really enjoy helping the visitors and showing them where to go,” he says, “I can’t wait for the next Release Celebration, I have so much fun.”

Well we can’t wait either. So keep safe, keep sane and (hopefully) see you soon!