It is not surprising that the move to open eateries on South African wine estates continues to be one of the strongest dining trends which, together with the ubiquitous focus on food and wine pairing, are effectively about selling more wine.
Carolyn Martin, the firebrand co-owner of Creation Estate, is, I bet, the thought behind Creation Safaris, a clever way of ingratiating the Creation brand into the minds of travel writers. There are already so many compelling reasons to visit Creation Estate: the superb, award winning wine; its position high on the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley Road, Hermanus; first-class food by Andre van Vuuren and co-owner and winemaker JC Martin's seductive personality that the Creation Vineyard Safari will certainly be another.
The 90 to 120-minute safari, priced at R350 per person, includes in-depth, professional descriptions of each of the varietals grown on the farm, as well as the opportunity to taste the varietal in the vineyard bloc from whence it comes.
As a part of the Biodiversity & Wine Initiative (BWI), that preserves the land's natural heritage, through long-term biodiversity as well as sustainable farming practices, there is an emphasis on the Cape fynbos. Scores of Protea and confetti bush flower abound which attracts endemic bird species such as the African Crowned Eagle and the Orange Breasted Sunbird, both favourites among the twitchers. The safari takes in the estate's olive groves, along the scenic lake, the 'koppie' above the lake and to a look out of the formations of Babylon Toren Mountain.
The experience ends with lunch and wine pairing, under the 'The Big Tree' near the vineyards.
Demonstrating her marketing smarts after competitors copied Creation's food and wine pairings, Carolyn Martin has now turned protecting her intellectual capital into a USP. The Secret Wine Pairings will, I guarantee, be utterly delicious and moreish but you will only know what you're eating the moment they serve it. For your sake, I hope their bobotie empanada remains one of them.
If, like me, the thought of schlepping up mountains and traipsing through vineyards doesn't appeal, quaffing their wine while feasting on antipasti platters, from their stylish tasting room and deck, while others do the walking, is very fabulous.
Advance bookings for the guided Vineyard Safaris are essential. Call +27 (0) 28 212 1107 and see www.creationwines.com.
