Recently, we heard that a new hotel had opened in our valley, and that it was quite fantastic. When we heard there was a Reubens restaurant going into the hotel, we were absolutely thrilled, as we love food almost as much as we love quaffing big juicy red wines.

The hotel is called the Robertson Small Hotel and you can click that link to go check out their amazing space. Quaint and spacious we were amazed at the pictures and couldn’t wait to get there.

BUT…

someone told us to check out the wines page on the Reubens section…

There, in the circles (albeit unclear, but unmistakable) are two bottles of Kleinhoekkloof Shiraz 2006. In Reubens, who were voted best restaurant in South Africa for a few years running, they are serving our Shiraz.

How on earth did this get past us?

You see, we are very lucky to be working with La Verne wineshop in Robertson. They, it seems, managed the wine list for Reuben and selected the wine from their entire list, to be one of 3 Shiraz wines they serve.

We are suitably impressed and stunned, humble moments indeed.

So… when you`re in Robertson next, and feel the need for something decadent to eat, go for it. Stop at The Robertson Small Hotel and enjoy an exquisite meal with some fine shiraz. Maybe even ours…

The Veritas Awards is the longest running and most prestigious wine competition in South Africa and is synonymous with excellence in wine. It is the only wine competition in South Africa for the industry by the industry and the organisers, the South African National Wine Show (SANW), represents the full spectrum of the industry.

The Veritas Awards gives recognition to wines of exceptional quality and the distinctive Veritas symbol of excellence serves as an authoritative quality guideline for wine connoisseurs. Gold and double gold awards are of significant value to the wine industry as well, as it offers a prestigious image for the wine, winery and winemaker and contributes to growth in sales.

Kleinhoekkloof is proud to announce that our Sauvignon Blanc 2009 was awarded a Bronze Medal at the awards. This year we saw a nice improvement in the Sauvignon Blanc from the farm, only our second release in the cultivar from KHK, so we are more than pleased with the result.

To order some of the wine, just fill in the contact form on the bottom of the page, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

From 16 – 18 October 2009 the Robertson Wine Valley hosts the popular Robertson Wine on the River festival. This idyllic open-air wine festival takes place on the banks of the Breede River at the Goudmyn Farm on the R317 road between Robertson and Bonnievale.

Just imagine a setting with the river flowing by, vineyards all around, beautiful hills and shading trees. Add to that live music, plenty of wines to taste, picnics and other local produce – and you’ve got yourself a spring festival not to be missed!

Kleinhoekkloof has a stand at the Goudmyn Farm so please come around to taste the wines if you have never had them. We will be there doing some special promotions as well.

Tickets can be bought online on www.webtickets.co.za or at the festival gates. For more information contact the Robertson Wine Valley Office, Tel: 023-6263167, E-mail: manager@robertsonwinevalley.com