It is almost impossible to produce wine of good quality as an individual winemaker alone. From taming and training the vines to managing the harvest, sorting and fermenting the grapes to macerating, pressing and racking. And finally, blending, ageing and filtering the wine before the bottling process. Each step requires a team of people with special knowledge of their task to do it well. Although we are in a culture that celebrates individual winemakers, we must acknowledge how the team is united by a common purpose in the vineyards and winery.
What is a cellar tour?
If you are like most non-winemakers, you will have only a vague understanding of the ins and outs of winemaking. Perhaps you enjoy wine tasting and want to learn more? Maybe you have a thirst for knowledge and research all things linked with culture. Maybe you arrived at the wine farm to buy some wine and were intrigued by the wine vineyard tour.
Whatever your reason for participating in a guided cellar tour, each stage of winemaking will be unveiled for you to see and touch and understand. You receive a “behind the scenes” view of that particular wine farm responsible for the delicious Cabernet Sauvignon that you enjoyed over the weekend. Guests at the Van Loveren cellar tour will be able to taste directly from the tanks and barrels which will refine their appreciation for any wine.
The Van Loveren Cellar Tour Experience
Our guided cellar tour takes you on a journey through our vineyard and winery. If it is during harvest time, you will be able to walk through the vines, touch and taste the actual grapes that make our award-winning wines and have a full understanding of the winemaking process from grape to glass. During the down season, there will not be any vineyard amble, but you can enjoy the views of the dormant vines as you sip on the glass of bubbly included in your tour.
Booking is essential over weekends (and during the week if your party is more than five people). You can book your wine vineyard tour here. Tours take between 35-120 minutes, depending on the number of attendees.
The Van Loveren Cellar Tour Team
Our exceptional Cellar Master and Production Director, Bussel Retief, is in charge of our winery. Not only does he oversee and nurture the wine that is produced in our cellar, but also does it all with a joie de vivre that our Van Loveren Family has come to treasure.
Furthermore, one of the members of staff from our Tasting Room will be your guide for the cellar tour. They are thoroughly equipped with knowledge, understanding and experience to be your guide. If any of the other winemakers are available at that time, they will provide further insight to the tour group.
What times can you book tours during the week?
Mon-Fri: Anytime from 09h00 - 16h00 (walk-ins welcome but appointments recommended especially during season time - November, December, January)
Sat: 11h00 - 13h00 (appointments only)
Sun: 12h00-14h00 (appointments only)
Please give us a call on +27 (0)23 615 1505 or email us at tastings@vanloveren.co.za if you would like to book a cellar tour or need more information. We hope to see you there!