by Avondale | Nov 26, 2024 | News
We’re excited to announce a Finance Assitant position is now available at Avondale Wine Estate! If you’re passionate about general bookkeeping and office administration, this could be the perfect opportunity for you. Key Details: Position: Finance Assistant Reporting...
by Avondale | Oct 17, 2024 | In the Media, News
FABER continues to make waves in the culinary world with a series of prestigious awards and nominations, recognising its unwavering commitment to excellence. We are thrilled to announce that FABER has been selected as a winner in the Culinary Experiences category of...
by Avondale | Sep 19, 2024 | In the Media, News
Press Release; Friday 13th September 2024 The members of Organic Wines South Africa are delighted to announce the formation of their Association. Created formally on 4th September 2024, and encompassing the core, established, certified-organic wine Estates of South...
by Avondale | May 9, 2024 | In the Media, News
Situated in the Western Cape region, on the fynbos slopes of the Klein Drakenstein mountains lies Avondale, Paarl, South Africa – a unique parcel of land we call home. Our family-owned and run wine estate Avondale is committed to the practice of organic, biodynamic,...
by Avondale | Nov 21, 2023 | In the Media, News
Avondale Wine Estate, a trailblazer in sustainable farming and winemaking, proudly announces a significant leap forward in environmental responsibility and financial efficiency with the successful implementation of a state-of-the-art solar power plant. This pioneering...
by Johnathan Grieve | Jun 20, 2023 | News
At Avondale Wine Estate, we raise a glass to the incredible power of water! After the extensive storms that have hit the Cape Winelands, our dams are all full. Join us as we dive into the essential role that water plays in creating our wines and maintaining the...
by Avondale | Nov 23, 2022 | In the Media, News
It has been an exceptional few weeks for FABER Restaurant! Situated on the beautiful Avondale Wine Estate, this award-winning restaurant has once again been heralded as one of the best. We’ve been plated! The Gourmet Guide is South Africa’s original and respected...
by Avondale | Aug 17, 2022 | News
Situated in the beautiful Avondale Wine Estate, outside Paarl on the slopes of the Klein Drakenstein Mountains, FABER is one of Africa and South Africa’s leading restaurants. Representing the synergy of two craftsmen, namely chef Dale Stevens and Avondale’s...
by Avondale | Jul 28, 2022 | In the Media, News
Increasingly, wine farmers are putting sustainability at the heart of what they do – and South Africa is no exception. As far back as 1998, South Africa introduced guidelines on sustainability which is adhered to by over 95% of growers and cellars. Sustainable wine...
by Avondale | May 19, 2022 | In the Media, News
“I am honoured and excited to be part of this dynamic collective and look forward to enhancing the profile of South African wines across strategic export markets with the addition of Avondale award-winning, certified organic wines into the PiWOSA stable,” says...
by Avondale | Mar 25, 2022 | In the Media, News
By Madeleine Stenwreth MW “…you cannot enter into an investigation with a philosophy that dictates the outcome. Objectivity is paramount; this is the first principle of detective work that each of us must learn. It sounds simple, but our presuppositions are...
by Avondale | Oct 29, 2021 | Events, News
Join us at Avondale Wine Estate for a “Carols in the Garden” concert, carols by candlelight taking place at our highly acclaimed FABER restaurant. Come and join us in an evening of carols, music, candles, conviviality and fine FABERfood and Avondale wine. The music...
by Avondale | Apr 22, 2021 | In the Media, News
FABEREvents & Specials As South Africa, and the world over, has rallied together to curb the spread of COVID19 and save lives, the resulting detrimental impact of regulations imposed (although much needed and necessary), is well documented. Unarguably, South...
by Kat De Wet | Mar 24, 2021 | Events, In the Media, News
Bring the whole family and celebrate Easter Sunday with a 3 course family sharing lunch at FABER restaurant! Traditional Easter favorites such as pickled fish, hot cross buns and roasted lamb can be expected, for a leisurely afternoon with loved ones. 3 course sharing...
by Avondale | Nov 6, 2020 | Events, In the Media, News
Join us at Avondale Wine Estate for a “Carols in the Garden” concert, a carols by candlelight taking place at our highly acclaimed FABER restaurant which has recently been awarded by Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards as the Best Garden Restaurant in Africa. An...
by Avondale | Sep 28, 2020 | In the Media, News
We are delighted to announce that Faber at Avondale Wine Estate has been awarded in the 2020 Haute Grandeur Global Awards. The prestigious awards are as follows: FABER has won the 2020 Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Award for: Best Garden Restaurant in Africa Most...
by Avondale | Jun 25, 2020 | News
Avondale is a wine farm that is situated on the slopes of the Klein Drakenstein, in the majestic Cape Winelands. Avondale is a family farm where we appreciate that the health and balance of our living system is linked to the well-being of our families. With 4...
by Johnathan Grieve | Feb 3, 2020 | News
The FABER team is kicking the year off with a bang! February and March are filled with a variety of private functions ranging from luncheons, birthday celebrations, Black Tie Dinners and our Field to Feast. Please take note of all our closing dates and times below:...
by Johnathan Grieve | Jan 24, 2020 | Events, News
Our FABERFriday Steak Special has become a firm favourite amongst locals which is why we are now offering our Steak Special on a Friday AND Saturday evening. Bring your friends and family together, in the heart of the winelands, to relax and unwind. Guests are...
by Johnathan Grieve | Jan 24, 2020 | News
Sipping on a complimentary glass of Armilla Blanc de Blanc and catching the sunset over the Paarl Rock and Simonsberg, is the perfect start to a romantic Valentine’s dinner in the heart of the Winelands. A contemporary farm-to-fork 6-course tasting menu will be...
by Johnathan Grieve | Jan 24, 2020 | News
Be part of our 2020 ‘Members Only’ Harvest experience When: Saturday, 29 February 2020 at 08h00 Where: Avondale Wine Estate, Lustigan Road, Paarl What’s Happening: The day starts early amidst the vineyards with grape picking, followed by grape...
by Johnathan Grieve | Oct 22, 2019 | News
The JHP Gourmet Guide recently announced the 2020 plated restaurants and awarded chefs at an event held at the new KitchenAid Africa venue in Cape Town. In South Africa, restaurants aim for one, two or three plates. The plate rating – which equates to global standards...
by Johnathan Grieve | Oct 1, 2019 | News
Over the past years, La Luna Dinners have become a hallmark Avondale experience for our esteemed guests, and we’re delighted to announce that this year will be no exception. Book your limited seat now for our first ‘Dinner in the Vineyard’. Chef Dale...
by Johnathan Grieve | Aug 30, 2019 | News
Celebrate Christmas Day with the whole family at FABER restaurant with a special family style sharing Christmas lunch on Wednesday, 25th December. We are offering a sharing set 3 course menu, which will include an arrival drink, breadboard, 2 starters, 1 main course...
by Johnathan Grieve | Jun 1, 2019 | News
“I don’t believe wine could be made much more naturally than this,” says Johnathan Grieve, proprietor of Avondale Estate, which has released the maiden vintage of its landmark Qvevri Red Blend and Qvevri Chenin Blanc, the first South African wines to be vinified,...
by Johnathan Grieve | May 3, 2019 | In the Media, News
Avondale, the pioneering estate in the Paarl winelands, is showcasing the ageing potential of biodynamic and organic wines with the limited-release of its Avondale Samsara 2009 ‘Decade Edition’. “South African wines as a whole, and specifically organic wines, are...
by Johnathan Grieve | Apr 29, 2019 | In the Media, News
Long respected for its dedication to organic and biodynamic winemaking, the latest releases from family-owned Avondale Estate outside Paarl show the importance of the simplest ingredient of all: time. “We truly believe in the value of authentic slow winemaking, it’s a...
by Johnathan Grieve | Apr 12, 2019 | News
Wind down for winter, in the heart of the winelands, with a roaring fire place and a bottle of Avondale red at FABER restaurant for our set 3 course Winter Special at R298 per person. Our Winter Special menu is available for lunch and dinner from 1st May to 31st...
by Johnathan Grieve | Mar 14, 2019 | News
Announcement from Gilbert & Gaillard 4th February 2019 Johnathan Grieve, Proprieter of @avondalewinesa in South Africa, and pioneer of the BioLOGIC® approach to sustainable viticulture, is passionate about their commitment to produce premium quality wines. The...
by Johnathan Grieve | Mar 10, 2019 | News
Wind down for winter, in the heart of the winelands, with a roaring fire place and a glass of Avondale Samsara Syrah 2009 ‘Decade Edition’ at FABER restaurant for our FABERFriday – Venison and Shiraz Special at R225 per person. Guests will receive our...
by Johnathan Grieve | Mar 8, 2019 | News
Avondale is the first SA cellar to utilise the ancient Georgian Qvevri in our winemaking process to create unique wines of exceptional flavour, complexity and colour. Become part of the journey and join us for the launch of our Qvevri Wines. The estate’s proprietor,...
by Johnathan Grieve | Mar 5, 2019 | News
Spoil dad by bringing the whole family together at FABER restaurant, to tuck into a contemporary farm-to-fork family-sharing style 4 course feast. Guests will be greeted with the famous FABER welcome of a fresh homemade juice and breadboard with dips, followed by 2...
by Johnathan Grieve | Feb 15, 2019 | News
Join us for our first FABERFriday – Steak Night Special with a unique Samsara Syrah 2009 Decade Dinner on Friday 2nd August. The evening will kick off with our famous FABER welcome of Avondale Armilla Blanc de Blanc and a tour of our three-storey gravity cellar,...
by Johnathan Grieve | Jan 18, 2019 | News
The Field to Feast, three-course luncheons paired with Avondale wines are co-hosted by Avondale proprietor and entertaining raconteur, Johnathan Grieve and FABER Chef, Dale Stevens. Each event is a unique experience of the Avondale Estate with a journey through the...
by Johnathan Grieve | Dec 19, 2018 | News
The Field to Feast, three-course luncheons paired with Avondale wines are co-hosted by Avondale proprietor and entertaining raconteur, Johnathan Grieve and FABER Chef, Dale Stevens. Each event is a unique experience of the Avondale Estate with a journey through the...
by Johnathan Grieve | Dec 18, 2018 | News
Our adventurous wine maker, Corné Marais, made a fun ‘bubbly’ for you to indulge in from 100% Chenin Blanc called Pét-Nat. Pét-Nat is short for pétillant naturel, which is simply French for “naturally sparkling” – and that’s essentially what it is! This lightly fizzy...
by Johnathan Grieve | Dec 15, 2018 | News
The Field to Feast, three-course luncheons paired with Avondale wines are co-hosted by Avondale proprietor and entertaining raconteur, Johnathan Grieve and FABER Chef, Dale Stevens. Each event is a unique experience of the Avondale Estate with a journey through the...
by Johnathan Grieve | Dec 14, 2018 | News
Share one light at FABER restaurant on the Avondale wine farm in support of WWF #EarthHour 2019. In the sparkle of candle-light, Chef Dale and his team will be serving up a contemporary farm-to-fork 4 course dinner. Please view our sample menu below – as we pride...
by Johnathan Grieve | Dec 13, 2018 | News
Come together on Easter Sunday and take a trip to Avondale that will delight the whole family. Easter delights such as lamb, pickled fish and hot-cross buns can be expected for this family style sharing lunch created by Chef Dale and his team. Bring the family,...
by Johnathan Grieve | Dec 11, 2018 | News
Spoil mom and allow her to kick back and relax by bringing the whole family together at FABER restaurant, to tuck into a contemporary farm-to-fork family-sharing style 4 course feast. Guests will be greeted with the famous FABER welcome of a fresh homemade juice and...
by Johnathan Grieve | Nov 20, 2018 | News
Avondale is farmed organically and biodynamically. No chemicals are used in the vineyards or in the cellar, nor are chemicals added to the grapes when they arrive at the cellar. All our fermentations are spontaneous and natural caused by the unique yeasts present on...
by Johnathan Grieve | Nov 16, 2018 | News
“Save Water; Drink Wine” they said. But what they didn’t say is how much water is used to make a bottle of wine. The industry average is 6 liters of water; but luckily here at Avondale this has been brought down to 2.5-3 liters of water per bottle of wine. This...
by Johnathan Grieve | Nov 12, 2018 | News
The 2018 festive season is about to begin. And we couldn’t be more excited! Long, hot summer nights; fairy-lights and tinsel; beautiful flowers; socialising and of course perfectly chilled glasses of our favourite sunset drink – the Avondale Camissa Blanc de Noir. The...
by Johnathan Grieve | Nov 12, 2018 | News
Share one light at FABER restaurant on the Avondale wine farm in support of WWF #EarthHour 2019. In the sparkle of candle-light, Chef Dale and his team will be serving up a contemporary farm-to-fork 4 course dinner. Please view our sample menu below – as we pride...
by Johnathan Grieve | Aug 27, 2018 | News
Recently Emirates Business Class customers had the opportunity to enjoy our white blend Cyclus 2013 on most long haul flights. An invigorating White Blend of Roussanne, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier and Semillon grapes, the softly wooded Cyclus swirls with...
by Johnathan Grieve | Aug 8, 2018 | News
In July we launched our flagship wine the premium, limited-edition Navitas 2009. Mother Nature played her part with a suitably cold winters evening to match the superb Rhone-style blend. A welcoming glass of Armilla bubbles on arrival, a warm fire, and the comparison...
by Johnathan Grieve | Aug 7, 2018 | News
We are excited to offer you a Winter Special at FABER restaurant. This is a delicious set 3 course menu at R298 or set 3 course and 2 glasses of Avondale wine for R370. The menu can change on a daily basis dependent on what is available from the farm and the local...
by Johnathan Grieve | Aug 1, 2018 | News
We are delighted to invite you to our Avondale Vintage Release Dinner where you will experience the best of Avondale Wine. Estate’s proprietor Johnathan Grieve and winemaker, Corne Marais will be partnering up with Chef Dale Stevens to create a truly remarkable food...
by Johnathan Grieve | Jul 25, 2018 | News
The Field to Feast three-course luncheons paired with Avondale wines are co-hosted by Avondale proprietor and entertaining raconteur, Johnathan Grieve and FABER Chef, Dale Stevens. Each event is a unique experience of the Avondale Estate with a journey through the...
by Johnathan Grieve | Jul 20, 2018 | News
FABER Chef Dale can be seen at daybreak inspecting the Avondale organic vegetable garden for fresh seasonal produce. Each day sees him select unique combinations of plants, textures, colours and flavours that he masterfully crafts in his dishes. At present our...
by Johnathan Grieve | Jul 9, 2018 | News
Join us at FABER restaurant in Paarl for a Heritage Day Inspired Lunch on Sunday, 23rd September 2018. Our menu will be inspired by an infusion of different cultures including a definite focus on South African Braai for R550 per adult and R110 per child (under the age...
by Hilton Moore | Jul 8, 2018 | News
We are delighted to invite you to our Avondale Vintage Release Dinner where you will experience the best of Avondale Wine. Estate’s proprietor Johnathan Grieve and winemaker, Corne Marais will be partnering up with Chef Dale Stevens to create a truly remarkable food...
by Johnathan Grieve | Jun 8, 2018 | News
On the 21st July we at Avondale launched the 2009 vintage of our flagship wine Navitas. Navitas is a traditional Rhone-style blend of organically grown Syrah, Mourverdre and Grenache varietals. Grapes were hand harvested in the early morning and brought to the cellar...
by Johnathan Grieve | May 30, 2018 | News
We are delighted to invite you to our Avondale Vintage Release Dinner where you will experience the best of Avondale Wine. Estate’s proprietor Johnathan Grieve and winemaker, Corne Marais will be partnering up with Chef Dale Stevens to create a truly remarkable food...
by Johnathan Grieve | May 29, 2018 | News
Chef Dale Stevens, the head chef of FABER, is a culinary craftsman. He describes his style as simple, seasonal, stylish and sensory stimulating. His focus is on 3 to 4 main components and intricately combining them to ensure they all stand out, but don’t overpower one...
by Johnathan Grieve | May 28, 2018 | News
With the slow down post summer, we have had a chance to reflect on the phenomenal events hosted at Avondale in Paarl. The highlight has to be the Autumn Field to Feast. This sold out event saw an incredibly crafted menu which was served both in the gardens and in the...
by Johnathan Grieve | May 25, 2018 | News
Spoil dad by joining us at FABER restaurant in Paarl for a truly special Father’s Day Lunch on Sunday, 17th June 2018. We will be offering a set family sharing 4 course menu at R525 per adult and R110 per child (under the age of 12 years). Reservations can be...
by Johnathan Grieve | May 25, 2018 | News
Celebrate 7 Days of Shiraz and Venison by joining us at FABER restaurant for a special Venison starter paired with a glass of Avondale Samsara Syrah, priced at R150 per person for food and wine pairing combination. Available from Wednesday, 13th June to Saturday 16th...
by Johnathan Grieve | Apr 12, 2018 | News
Avondale is the first winery in South Africa to introduce clay qvevri (pronounced “kwe-vree”) into the cellar. The United Nations Educational Organization defines a clay qvevri as: “The qvevri is an egg-shaped earthenware vessel used for making, ageing and storing...
by Johnathan Grieve | Mar 15, 2018 | News
Come together on Easter Sunday and take a trip to Avondale that will delight the whole family. Easter delights such as lamb, pickled fish and hotcross buns can be expected for this family style sharing lunch by Chef Dale and his team. Bring the family, because...
by Johnathan Grieve | Mar 7, 2018 | News
As Autumn begins to settle in at the Cape, FABER Restaurant on Avondale Wine Estate welcomes in the season with extra enthusiasm with the news that Chef Dale Stevens is to take up the reins in the kitchen. FABER, co-founded by Chef Eric Bulpitt two years ago, who is...
by Johnathan Grieve | Mar 1, 2018 | News
Easter is not only about chocolate eggs and hot cross buns! Particularly in the Cape, pickled fish on Good Friday is a long-held tradition across different religions and language groups. It is common for the pickled fish to be made on the Wednesday before Good...
by Johnathan Grieve | Mar 1, 2018 | News
Come and share your light at FABER at Avondale Take part in the world’s largest grassroots environmental event by switching your lights off at home at 20h30 on the 24th March. But don’t sit home alone in the dark… In the sparkle of candlelight and a blaze of...
by Johnathan Grieve | Mar 1, 2018 | News
Harvest time at the beginning of each New Year brings an incredible energy of profusion and fruitfulness to the farm. In the early morning of the 26th of January, we celebrated our 21st Harvest Anniversary, bringing in the Chardonnay grapes we use to make Avondale’s...
by Hilton Moore | Feb 7, 2018 | News
The Field to Feast three-course luncheons paired with Avondale wines are co-hosted by Avondale proprietor and entertaining raconteur, Johnathan Grieve and FABER Chef, Dale Stevens. Each event is a unique experience of the Avondale Estate with a journey through the...
by Johnathan Grieve | Dec 13, 2017 | News
The Field to Feast three-course luncheons paired with Avondale wines are co-hosted by Avondale proprietor and entertaining raconteur, Johnathan Grieve and FABER Chef, Dale Stevens. Each event is a unique experience of the Avondale Estate, where guests go...
by Johnathan Grieve | Dec 13, 2017 | News
Amphora wine-making, the fermenting and ageing of wines in ceramic vessels based on ancient designs, is fast becoming a notable trend across the world’s wine regions. Years ago, we dug up clay on the farm and got a local potter to handcraft and fire our first...
by Johnathan Grieve | Dec 10, 2017 | News
Be inspired by FABER’S Chef-Patron, Eric Bulpitt and wow your guests this holiday season with this amazing dessert that pairs perfectly with Avondale Amphora. Chocolate Poached Pears, Blueberries, Chocolate Sorbet and Granola To make the chocolate poached pears: 750g...
by Johnathan Grieve | Dec 8, 2017 | News
Carrots over open coals and hot smoked pork cheek Ouma Katherina’s spiced pumpkin tart and burnt nougat with almonds and berries Avondale free-range confit duck leg with garden sweet potato and lavender Springbok loin with broadbean tops and organic lowerland polenta…...
by Johnathan Grieve | Dec 1, 2017 | News
Slow-made and given the cellar time for its extraordinary character to develop, Avondale Navitas is a traditional Rhone blend of organically grown Syrah, Mourvedre and Grenache grapes. Navitas means energy, and this is a wine that perfectly expresses the unique...
by Johnathan Grieve | Nov 29, 2017 | News
Avondale is one of the pioneers of amphora wine-making in South Africa, and our use of these original wine-making vessels has mostly been to use the bright-fruit amphora portions of our wines in our blending process. Wines made in these fired clay vessels have a...
by Johnathan Grieve | Nov 10, 2017 | News
Amphora wine-making, the fermenting and ageing of wines in clay vessels based on ancient designs, is fast becoming a notable trend across the world’s wine regions. Years ago, we dug up clay on the farm and got a local potter to handcraft and fire our first amphorae,...
by Johnathan Grieve | Nov 7, 2017 | News
The narratives that food evokes are very important to FABER’s Chef-Patron Eric Bulpitt. He searches for fresh, seasonal and original ingredients; then toils and crafts in the kitchen to create dishes full of the stories that make us happy. And now, FABER at Avondale...
by Johnathan Grieve | Nov 7, 2017 | News
We are certainly raising a glass of Avondale Armilla in celebration that ‘SA’s best guide to SA’s best food’, Eat Out, has announced FABER is one the 30 nominees in the highly competitive 2017 Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Restaurant Awards. This is amazing recognition for a...
by Johnathan Grieve | Oct 27, 2017 | News
As the temperature rises, we need to take advantage of the opportunities to wind down… This Summer, you’ll find the sizzle at the Avondale Garden Bar on Fridays from 4 to 7pm. Starting on the third of November, FABER at Avondale is welcoming you to a Winelands...
by Hilton Moore | Oct 25, 2017 | News
Avondale is welcoming you to a Winelands chill-out that is all about being in the right place, at the right time to experience all the goodness of Summer living. What could be better on a hot Friday afternoon than a beautiful setting, brilliant wines and a bounty of...
by Johnathan Grieve | Oct 10, 2017 | News
It’s always exciting when our wines get international listings and Avondale’s circle of life expands across the world! Sweden’s government-owned monopoly of liquor stores Systembolaget listed Jonty’s Duck Pekin White some years ago to a great response, and for quite...
by Johnathan Grieve | Sep 12, 2017 | News
Some of our friends in the Avondale Circle of Life don’t want to just day-trip to the Estate, they want a relaxing weekend or a romantic Winelands getaway. We’ve teamed up with The Light House Boutique Suites for an exciting spring promotion that makes it easy for...
by Johnathan Grieve | Sep 8, 2017 | News
Chef-patron, Eric Bulpitt and his team are experiencing their first spring on the Avondale Estate. Inspired by the bounty of fresh ingredients the change of season is bringing, they’re in the mood to celebrate with a delicious new refined dining menu and innovative...
by Johnathan Grieve | Sep 1, 2017 | News
As Winter fades we feel the urge raise a glass of crisp, chilled white wine and connect with the freshness of Spring, which brings new life. At Avondale, our recently released 2015 vintage of Anima just happens to be our wine of choice for this occasion. ‘Anima’,...
by Johnathan Grieve | Aug 25, 2017 | News
Spring just begs you to get out of town and into the country. Come and immerse yourself in beautiful natural surroundings, where exceptional Cape wines and delicious food are produced in harmony with Nature. At the innovative Field to Feast luncheons, Avondale’s...
by Johnathan Grieve | Aug 7, 2017 | News
Few wines embody the Avondale philosophy of Terra Est Vita – ‘Soil is Life’ – as succinctly as the estate’s acclaimed Anima Chenin Blanc, and the newly-released 2015 vintage is once again proving to be a remarkable reflection of this pioneering biodynamic estate in...
by Johnathan Grieve | Jun 27, 2017 | News
One of the exciting things about opening a new restaurant in the Cape Winelands is the enthusiastic interest of the country’s food bloggers and other reviewers who are always eager for new and interesting culinary experiences. Browse through some of the latest FABER...
by Johnathan Grieve | Jun 16, 2017 | News
Avondale is delighted to present Armilla 2010, the latest vintage of our classically-made Blanc de Blanc MCC. Handcrafted from delicious, organically-grown Chardonnay grapes, we take pride in our traditional approach to produce an exceptional bubbly that reflects the...
by Johnathan Grieve | Jun 2, 2017 | News
Over the past six years, La Luna Dinners have become a hallmark Avondale experience for our club members, and we’re delighted to host the 2017 event at FABER on the 5th of August. The La Luna Dinner takes place on the night of the August full moon when the light and...
by Johnathan Grieve | May 19, 2017 | News
If you’ve heard the buzz about Chef Eric Bulpitt and his team finding their culinary home in the Paarl Winelands, don’t be tempted to wait for the Summer before you set out to explore. You would miss out on the joys of refined dining alongside a big log fire and a...
by Johnathan Grieve | May 2, 2017 | News
Come together at Avondale with proprietor, Johnathan Grieve and FABER chef-patron Eric Bulpitt for the Winter Field to Feast on the 11th of June. The uniquely interactive event includes a fascinating farm tour courtesy of Avondale’s vintage-chic tractor-trailer that...
by Johnathan Grieve | Apr 28, 2017 | News
The changing of the seasons always brings on fresh inspiration for chefs. “With the Western Cape’s winter rains, for chefs who forage or pick their own herbs, this is the most exciting time of the year,” says Eric Bulpitt, “Young succulent herbs start popping up...
by Johnathan Grieve | Apr 21, 2017 | News
In the capable hands of Avondale’s Head Gardener, Ricardo, our veg and herb production on the farm has expanded significantly this year so that FABER’s guests enjoy more of an authentic ‘farm to table’ experience. Ricardo, a serial winner of Avondale’s best garden...
by Johnathan Grieve | Apr 14, 2017 | News
2009 is widely regarded as one of the stand-out vintages for Cape wines, and so it is no wonder that the release of Avondale’s Syrah from that year has been much-anticipated. Samsara 2009 does not disappoint. In fact, this vintage is a notable milestone on...
by Johnathan Grieve | Apr 12, 2017 | News
FABER features in new Cape Town 12forward – Following its opening this past December, FABER at Avondale has steadily been gaining attention. Chef Eric Bulpitt and his team have been busy crafting sensational, progressive dishes from ingredients, often sourced...
by Johnathan Grieve | Mar 31, 2017 | News
At the end of March, it was such a pleasure to host our first Field to Feast event of the year. It was fantastic to guide our guests over the farm and experience their wonder and enjoyment at how we produce wine and food. FABER’s, Eric Bulpitt and his team created a...
by Johnathan Grieve | Feb 12, 2017 | News
There was good reason to pop the cork of Avondale’s Armilla when the MCC achieved a stunning result in a review of ‘New World’ sparkling wines by UK-based wine magazine, Decanter. Armilla was rated alongside 95 premium sparkling wines by an expert panel that included...
by Johnathan Grieve | Jan 16, 2017 | News
Food, wine and travel writer, Graham Howe survived over sixty food and wine tastings on the winelands circuit in 2016 – and picks his top ten favourite cellar-door restaurants of the year.
by Johnathan Grieve | Dec 13, 2016 | News
The good news is that FABER is extending its hours over December. We’ll be open from Wednesdays to Saturdays for dinners, and from Wednesday through to Saturday for lunch each week. It’s a great opportunity to bring friends and family together to make great memories...
by Johnathan Grieve | Dec 5, 2016 | News
Avondale’s Tasting Gallery and wine sales will be open Monday to Sunday, from 10h00 to 16h00 over the holiday season. Come and get to know our extraordinary wines and find out first-hand about how we make them with Mother Nature’s approval in an elegant and...
by Johnathan Grieve | Nov 30, 2016 | News
One of the year’s highlights has been to bring chickens into Avondale’s Circle of Life and see them thrive. Housed in a converted 1952 Dodge truck, our brood of Rhode Island Reds, Leghorns, Koekoeks and Buff Orpingtons spend their days free ranging and foraging in...
by Johnathan Grieve | Nov 17, 2016 | News
In partnership with renowned SA chef, Eric Bulpitt, FABER Restaurant opened at Avondale last month to a fantastic reception. The name faber; m (genitive fabrī); second declension, denotes craftsman, creator, artisan, architect, maker, artificer or smith. For us, it...
by Johnathan Grieve | Oct 28, 2016 | News
The Cape The Wade Bales Wine Society will soon be hosting a MCC celebration, and Avondale will be there. Like us on Facebook to get the latest details. We’ll also be showcasing Armilla at the Franschhoek ‘Magic of Bubbles’ Cap Classique & Champagne Festival on...
by Johnathan Grieve | Sep 14, 2016 | News
We are delighted to announce the release of our 2010 La Luna Red Blend. 2010 was a memorable year not least for the tornado that swept through the valley during flowering, substantially reducing our crop. Fortunately the rest of the season was good with the surviving...
by Johnathan Grieve | May 26, 2016 | News
AWARD-WINNING chef Eric Bulpitt is set to open a brand-new restaurant at Avondale Estate in the Paarl Valley on 1 November 2016. In his current position at The Restaurant at Newton-Johnson in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley outside Hermanus, Eric has made a name for himself...
by Johnathan Grieve | Apr 26, 2016 | News
We recently held two media events for the launch of our 2013 vintage; at these events we tasted 5 vintages of our Cyclus White Blend 2009 to 2013 showcasing the blend’s aging potential. Cyclus is made from Viognier, Chardonnay, Roussanne, Chenin Blanc and Semillon...
by Johnathan Grieve | Feb 19, 2016 | News
Renowned South African landscape painter, Scats Esterhuyse has enjoyed a long relationship with Avondale, and his paintings are displayed throughout our Tasting Gallery. This year he is celebrating 20 years as an artist and to commemorate this achievement, we talked...
by Johnathan Grieve | Jan 29, 2016 | News
JUST as the premium quality wines grown and crafted at Avondale Organic Wine Farm encapsulate nature’s vitality, dynamism and bounty, so does this distinctive estate in the Paarl Valley reveal and share in its generosity and beauty. This summer brings a host of...
by Johnathan Grieve | Dec 14, 2015 | News
We would love to welcome you to Avondale over the Festive Season. Enjoy a tasting of our biodynamic wines, take a tour around our farm on our Eco Wine Safari, and indulge yourself in our sumptuous Lunch Platter whilst taking in the views across our gardens and...
by Johnathan Grieve | Nov 16, 2015 | News
The town of Franschhoek will be alive with the sound of popping corks for the annual Franschhoek Cap Classique & Champagne Festival – The Magic of Bubbles – on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th December 2015. We will be serving our award winning Armilla Blanc de Blanc...
by Johnathan Grieve | Sep 16, 2015 | News
We are delighted to announce our success at the 2015 Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championship where our 2009 Armilla Blanc de Blanc MCC won Best South African Sparkling Wine overall and trophies for Best Blanc de Blanc MCC and Best Organic MCC. These three...
by Johnathan Grieve | Aug 25, 2015 | News
The next few weeks offer plenty of opportunities to come and meet some of the Avondale team, learn more about biodynamic winemaking, and most importantly, to taste our range of extraordinary wines, approved by Mother Nature. We will be at the WineStyle Winter Winedown...
by Johnathan Grieve | Aug 10, 2015 | News
At Avondale we pride ourselves on producing premium quality wines and recently had the opportunity to pair with Maserati for an exclusive evening, showcasing our wines with their elegant cars in in Bryanston, Johannesburg. Chef Michel Morand of Bistro Michel, who also...
by Johnathan Grieve | Aug 3, 2015 | News
Each year, in recognition of the moon’s cosmic influence on biodynamic farming, we host a dinner at Avondale. Normally held on the evening of a full moon, this annual event is called the La Luna Dinner after the image of the full moon on the label of our La Luna red...
by Johnathan Grieve | Jul 2, 2015 | News
We are often asked about the Luna Tasting Calendar and how it affects the taste of wines. In the 1950s Maria Thun, a German biodynamic practioner developed the Biodynamic Planting Calendar which linked certain aspects of biodynamic farming to constellations within...
by Johnathan Grieve | Jun 30, 2015 | News
This year sees the Knysna Wine Festival celebrate its tenth anniversary on Monday 6th and Tuesday 7th July, during the Knysna Oyster Festival week. Focussing on just 50 wine estates, it is renowned for being an upmarket event showcasing top South African wines in...
by Johnathan Grieve | Jun 17, 2015 | News
Avondale is blessed with the backdrop of the Klein Drakenstein Mountains, and views across vineyards to Paarl and its famous granite outcrop, Paarl Rock. The estate boasts 300 hectares of vines, fields and beautiful gardens in which our stunning Cape vernacular-style...
by Johnathan Grieve | Jun 9, 2015 | News
Experience Avondale… “Once in a Blue Moon” La Luna Dinner “Once in a Blue Moon” named after the rare fortuity of two full moons occurring within one month. And since the moon holds a special place in Avondale’s heart, the evening promise to be something...
by Johnathan Grieve | May 25, 2015 | News
A highlight of the Avondale Calendar is our Biodynamic Luncheon – a chance to welcome visitors and friends to enjoy an afternoon indulging in fine food and our Avondale wines, and an opportunity to explain our biodynamic principles in a little more detail. On 24 May...
by Johnathan Grieve | Apr 23, 2015 | News
Avondale will be at the 2015 Wade Bales Wine and Malt Whisky Affair on Friday 8 May 18:00 to 21:00 with our range of biodynamic wines, approved by Mother Nature. Taking place at the African Pride 15 On Orange Hotel in Cape Town, this event showcases over 100 fine...
by Johnathan Grieve | Apr 10, 2015 | News
We are proud to announce the upcoming launch of our Avondale Lunch Platter – a fine dining experience with good honest food to complement our slow hand-made wines. Our beautiful fresh platters are laden with a sumptuous selection of mouth-watering treats created by...
by Johnathan Grieve | Mar 29, 2015 | News
At Avondale we believe that working with nature is the key to a sustainable future. We aim to farm holistically and minimise unnecessary energy consumption. Celebrating Earth Hour has become a tradition at Avondale and this year we decided to reach out to our...
by Johnathan Grieve | Mar 26, 2015 | News
Save the date – 24 May 2015, for your place at Avondale’s next Biodynamic Luncheon. AVONDALE, one of the leading proponents of biodynamic winemaking in South Africa is hosting a Biodynamic Luncheon at a particularly propitious time. As the change of season always...
by Johnathan Grieve | Mar 9, 2015 | News
The new Avondale Members Club invites wine lovers into Avondale’s special Circle of Life and offers not just great rewards, but extraordinary experiences. There’s a 15% discount offered on a minimum of purchase of 24 bottles of Avondale Wines over a year. You can...
by Johnathan Grieve | Feb 26, 2015 | News
Celebrating Earth Hour is becoming tradition at Avondale. Each year, families and friends, workers and colleagues gather together on the estate to take part in this global event to express our commitment to a brighter future. We enjoy it so much that this year,...
by Johnathan Grieve | Feb 14, 2015 | News
We are off to a strong start in 2015, with the year’s first new listings of Avondale’s extraordinary wines at some of the most celebrated South African restaurants. Look out for Avondale on the wine lists of these fantastic establishments: Bistro Michel – We’re very...
by Johnathan Grieve | Jan 20, 2015 | News
In tune with the latest wine trends that favour white blends, we have released the 2012 vintage of Avondale’s Cyclus. Made from organically grown Viognier, Chardonnay, Roussanne, Chenin Blanc and Semillon grapes, Avondale’s Cyclus embodies Nature’s power and dynamism...
by Johnathan Grieve | Dec 10, 2014 | News
We are delighted to unveil our new creation – a red wine blend that unifies every essential part of Avondale’s unique philosophy. A reflection of the unseen that binds all life, the wine is Avondale’s Navitas – its name is the Latin word signifying energy. This first...
by Johnathan Grieve | Nov 20, 2014 | News
As we approach summer, and the festive season, what better way to celebrate than with our Méthode Cap Classique (MCC). We will be serving our 2009 Armilla Blanc de Blanc at two elegant events: the Franschhoek Cap Classique & Champagne Festival ‘The Magic of...
by Johnathan Grieve | Oct 28, 2014 | News
Jozi wine lovers, come and say hi to Koliswa and Madeleine at the RMB WineX festival at the Sandton Convention Centre from 29 – 31 October. We’ll be at stand L1 to meet you and give you tasting of Avondale’s extraordinary wines approved by Mother Nature. WineX, now...
by Johnathan Grieve | Oct 2, 2014 | News
Avondale’s 2014 Rainbow Nation Culinary Series was a three-city quest to experience the diversity of South African food – traditional and contemporary. We wanted guests to also experience Avondale’s wines approved by Mother Nature in a uniquely South African culinary...
by Johnathan Grieve | Sep 2, 2014 | News
An Avondale Biodynamic Luncheon gives you a unique opportunity to meet local farmers who are producing good food in sustainable ways. There are just a few places left at the table for our next Biodynamic Luncheon, which will be held at Avondale on the 26th of October....
by Johnathan Grieve | Aug 29, 2014 | News
This year, we are welcoming in the spring in superb style with the release of our first vintage of our treasured MCC, Armilla Blanc de Blanc 2009. This exclusive, handcrafted wine beautifully expresses Avondale’s holistic way of making delicious slow wines. ...
by Johnathan Grieve | Aug 15, 2014 | News
As the buds of spring start bursting into blossom, we too feel the urge to reawaken and what better way to refresh the spirits than a luxurious getaway in nature. If you’d like to avoid the hordes heading up the West Coast, we’d recommend Grootbos Private Nature...
by Johnathan Grieve | Jul 9, 2014 | News
In the spirit of celebrating South Africa’s 20 years of democracy, Avondale is showcasing its premium wines in a series of culinary experiences that highlight the many delights of our Rainbow Nation’s diverse cuisine. Avondale Wines and Chef Clive Aaron invite you on...
by Johnathan Grieve | Jul 9, 2014 | News
In the spirit of celebrating South Africa’s 20 years of democracy, Avondale is showcasing its premium wines in a series of culinary experiences that highlight the many delights of our Rainbow Nation’s diverse cuisine. Avondale Wines and Executive Chef Adriaan Maree...
by Johnathan Grieve | Jul 9, 2014 | News
In the spirit of celebrating South Africa’s 20 years of democracy, Avondale is showcasing its premium wines in a series of culinary experiences that highlight the many delights of our Rainbow Nation’s diverse cuisine. Avondale Wines and Chef Peter Tempelhoff invite...
by Johnathan Grieve | Jul 2, 2014 | News
We launched our first Biodynamic Luncheon in April this year, and we were really delighted at how the event turned out. Avondale hosted 36 guests at our Tasting Gallery who came to meet Avondale’s Proprietor, Johnathan Grieve and Farmer Angus McIntosh to find out...
by Johnathan Grieve | Jun 30, 2014 | News
We’re delighted to get a chance to enjoy the Garden Route’s ‘Best 10 Days in Winter’ as we showcase Avondale wines at the popular 2014 Knysna Wine Festival on the 7th and 8th of July from 17h30 to 20h30 at the Festival Pavilion, Pick ‘n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival...
by Johnathan Grieve | Jun 30, 2014 | News
Staged at top restaurants in Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town, Avondale’s inaugural Rainbow Nation celebration invites connoisseurs on a gastronomic adventure to explore the uniqueness of the South African palate. The Rainbow Nation culinary series ranges through...
by Johnathan Grieve | May 5, 2014 | News
22 May is the United Nation’s International Day for Biodiversity, which aims to highlight the issues of dwindling biodiversity throughout the world. The children at Avondale’s Pre-School and Aftercare Centre were treated to a special biodiversity session presented by...
by Johnathan Grieve | Apr 23, 2014 | News
Avondale’s first Biodynamic Luncheon is an extraordinary experience includes a hand-selected 3-course lunch prepared by renowned Chef Rudi Liebenberg from the Mount Nelson Hotel. Avondale’s Proprietor, Johnathan Grieve and Farmer Angus McIntosh will offer a cherished...
by Johnathan Grieve | Apr 21, 2014 | News
The annual Wade Bales Wine & Malt Whisky Affair presented by BNP Paribas Cadiz Securities is always an exclusive affair on the wine-lovers calendar. This year, Avondale is one of 20 premier South African wineries showcasing just 5 wines each. The event takes...
by Johnathan Grieve | Mar 20, 2014 | News
During the time when the vivid leaves from the vines fall and return to the soil, Avondale presents their first-ever Biodynamic Luncheon on Sunday, the 18th of May. This extraordinary autumn affair will bring to life the smart Biodynamic farming practices that ensure...
by Johnathan Grieve | Mar 4, 2014 | News
Outlandish Kitchen at Avondale Outlandish Kitchen offers ‘a far flung field experience’ that will bring you closer to the origin of really good food. At 1pm on Saturday, the 5th of April, they will be coming to Avondale to serve you a truly local and delicious...
by Johnathan Grieve | Feb 28, 2014 | News
Fruits of the Harvest We began the harvest on Friday, the 31st of January. After daily meanderings, musings and tastings in the Chardonnay vineyards, our winemaker Cornè and I agreed that these beautiful grapes had reached the perfection of taste that is phenolic...
by Johnathan Grieve | Feb 21, 2014 | News
Join Avondale’s Proprietor, Johnathan Grieve at Buxtons La Cave Liquors, La Lucia Mall in La Lucia for an intimate and fascinating tasting of Avondale’s wines. You’ll discover how Avondale uniquely uses the best of modern science, organic and biodynamic practices to...
by Johnathan Grieve | Feb 14, 2014 | News
Avondale’s extraordinary wines each tells a unique story that is inspired by an aspect of the estate, the innovative BioLOGIC® approach to wine farming. Avondale practices a unique mix of organic and biodynamic wine farming combined with the best that modern science...
by Johnathan Grieve | Feb 7, 2014 | News
Avondale sources its elegant, lightweight, glass wine bottles from Vetreria Etrusca in Altare, Italy. While the transportation this requires obviously contributes to Avondale’s carbon footprint, we took a holistic view in assessing the overall, multi-faceted,...
by Johnathan Grieve | Dec 10, 2013 | News
Just in time for the holidays, when both locals and visitors have the time to relax and enjoy fine dining, Avondale’s wines are featuring on the wine lists of some of Cape Town’s popular and new venues: Rub shoulders with the jet-set at The Grand Café as you sip a...
by Johnathan Grieve | Dec 10, 2013 | News
Following a globally-contested, rigorous selection and tasting process, Avondale’s Cyclus 2010 and La Luna 2007 have been listed by ANA, All Nippon Airways for serving to passengers in first-class. Such a prestigious listing is testimony to Avondale’s outstanding...
by Johnathan Grieve | Dec 2, 2013 | News
On Wednesday 6 November, we held a media launch for our Avant-Garde Festive Pairing Experience, available for guests to the Estate from 15 November 2013 – 15 January 2014. The launch event served as a preview of what guests to the farm can experience over the festive...
by Johnathan Grieve | Nov 12, 2013 | News
Over the weekend of 30 November and 1 December 2013, Avondale will be proudly showcasing Armilla at the Franschhoek Cap Classique and Champagne Festival ‘The Magic of Bubbles’. Visitors can enjoy a culinary showcase in the grand marquee situated on the lawns...
by Johnathan Grieve | Nov 8, 2013 | News
Avondale is offering visitors to our Tasting Gallery an extraordinary opportunity to get up close and personal with a magnificent selection of the works of South African landscape artist, Scats Esterhuyse, hand-picked by the artist himself. The Crossing Over...
by Johnathan Grieve | Nov 7, 2013 | News
Every year over the festive season, Avondale hosts a unique food and wine pairing at our Tasting Gallery. This experience has become extremely popular with local and international guests alike, firmly establishing its place in every self-respecting foodie’s calendar....
by Johnathan Grieve | Sep 19, 2013 | News
On the 20th of July, we hosted an exclusive La Luna dinner for 30 invited guests at the Avondale Tasting Gallery. Mount Nelson hotel Chef Rudi Liebenberg, who was the 2012 Sunday Times Chef of the Year, prepared an outstanding six-course feast, with each speciality...
by Johnathan Grieve | Jul 29, 2013 | News
Throughout the ages, some of the world’s most famous women have been almost as renowned for their love of wine as for their glamour. Icons such as Marilyn Monroe, Vivien Leigh and Bridget Bardot are all famed for their fondness of the odd tipple. Like red lipstick or...
by Johnathan Grieve | Jun 28, 2013 | News
Avondale Wines has teamed up with award-winning Jo’burg caterer, Vicky Crease to create an extraordinary food and wine pairing experience that can be staged at a venue of your choice in Johannesburg! Vicky has created three sumptuous menu choices that pair...
by Johnathan Grieve | Jun 26, 2013 | News
A blend of two flavourful varieties, the latest vintage of Avondale’s Camissa arrests the nose with rose petals, scented pelargonium and fresh red fruits of the earth. Hints of Turkish Delight and lemon zest attest to the perfect acidity of this wine; for Camissa may...
by Johnathan Grieve | Jun 24, 2013 | News
We’re delighted that a number of Avondale’s premium wines have been recently added to the wine lists of some Gauteng’s most prestigious establishments and restaurants: Avondale’s Armilla, Anima, Camissa and La Luna are now all available the Mount Grace Country House...
by Johnathan Grieve | Jun 20, 2013 | News
What better way to beat the Winter Blues than getting out with your girlfriends to enjoy an extraordinary experience! Avondale has collaborated with renowned chef Chef Reuben Riffel to show off Avondale’s wines in front of a warm and cosy fire. Up until the 15th of...
by Johnathan Grieve | May 20, 2013 | News
Avondale has returned from the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) Convention with six gold accolades. Our Bordeaux blend, La Luna scooped up not just the “Best in Show Bordeaux Blend” but also the coveted ‘Best in Show Red Wine’ award. The WSWA Annual...
by Johnathan Grieve | May 17, 2013 | News
Last Friday, a small group of bloggers were given the opportunity to preview our Winter Warmer Pairing experience we are offering guests to the estate this winter. We invited a number of our favourite bloggers, including Natalie from Tails of a Mermaid, Bailey from...
by Johnathan Grieve | May 8, 2013 | News
Over the past 18 months or so, we’ve had a lot of delicious fun teaming up with Chef Reuben Riffel to create exciting Summer and Festive pairings with Avondale’s premium wines. These extraordinary experiences have inspired us this winter to collaborate with this...
by Johnathan Grieve | Apr 24, 2013 | News
Avondale proprietor, Johnathan Grieve was honoured as the runner-up for the Green Personality award at the international 2013 Drinks Business Green Awards, which was held at the Ivy in London on 23 April. Avondale was also a finalist in the Sustainability Award...
by Johnathan Grieve | Apr 22, 2013 | News
Experience Avondale at the Juliet Cullinan Standard Bank Wine Festival After 23 years, the Juliet Cullinan Standard Bank Wine Festival is the most exclusive and longest running wine show in the country. Small, select, superior – the event is singularly about...
by Johnathan Grieve | Apr 20, 2013 | News
Avondale employs a unique approach to wine farming that combines organic and biodynamic farming methods with modern science. From production through to packaging, Avondale aims to be environmentally responsible in all that we do – hence the switch to lighter materials...
by Johnathan Grieve | Apr 17, 2013 | News
Experience Avondale at Planet Restaurant On the eve of the lunar eclipse on the 25th April, Avondale Wine Estate and the Mount Nelson will be hosting an extraordinary seven-course dinner paired with wines at the historic hotel’s Planet Restaurant. Award-winning...
by Johnathan Grieve | Apr 15, 2013 | News
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes directly behind the Earth into its umbra, and can occur only when the Sun, Earth and Moon are aligned exactly. A lunar eclipse can only occur the night of a full moon… On the eve of the lunar eclipse on the 25th April,...
by Johnathan Grieve | Mar 27, 2013 | News
We wish all our Avondale Family & Friends a blessed Easter Weekend! Our Tasting Gallery will be closed Friday till Monday so please ensure you stock up today and tomorrow on your favourites! Why not try our Camissa Rosé with this traditional Curried Pickled Fish,...
by Johnathan Grieve | Mar 11, 2013 | News
We are delighted that Avondale’s lively and soulful Chenin Blanc, Anima 2010 has won a hotly contested tender bid to be listed by the Swedish alcohol monopoly, Systembolaget from May this year. More than 40 Top end Chenin Blancs from South Africa participated in the...
by Johnathan Grieve | Mar 8, 2013 | News
There has been much in the news over the past months regarding labour strife in the Cape Winelands. Avondale is deeply grateful that we have a different kind of story to tell. In December last year, when many farmers were locked in battle with their labour force,...
by Johnathan Grieve | Feb 13, 2013 | News
Blog written by Natalie Roos © Tails of a Mermaid Friday 1st February 2013 I knew that being invited to Avondale’s first day of harvest was a special honour, but I couldn’t have know just how special it would be… At 04h30 on the morning Friday the 1st of...
by Johnathan Grieve | Jan 23, 2013 | News
If our Avondale community ever needed any further confirmation that recycling pays, then our crèche and after care children have certainly done that through their great efforts in the 2012 annual Collect-A-Can school’s competition. Under the eco-friendly guidance of...
by Johnathan Grieve | Nov 20, 2012 | News
After the success of our last Festive Food & Wine Pairing with Showchef extraordinaire Sonia Cabano, we decided to do it all over again! This year, Avondale has collaborated with esteemed Chef Reuben Riffel to offer guests to the farm an Extraordinary Festive Food...
by Johnathan Grieve | Nov 18, 2012 | News
Avondale held a Media Launch for its Extraordinary Festive Food & Wine Pairing on Wednesday 14th November at the Chef’s Warehouse in Cape Town. It was a cosy, intimate affair with only a small number of journalists invited for a sneak preview of the tasting...
by Johnathan Grieve | Nov 17, 2012 | News
This festive season, Avondale Wine Estate and esteemed Chef Reuben Riffel have collaborated to create the perfect Christmas gift for wine aficionados and foodies, or end-of-year gift for your corporate clients. A ‘surprise’ recipe, specially designed by Chef Reuben,...
by Johnathan Grieve | Oct 20, 2012 | News
Majeka House – One of our favourite Sommeliers, Josephine Gutentoft recently took up a position at Stellenbosch’s lavish Majeka House. To our delight, Josephine has now listed Avondale’s Armilla MCC at Majeka’s stunning Makaron Restaurant where we trust it will...
by Johnathan Grieve | Oct 15, 2012 | News
In the last days of September, Avondale joined hundreds of South African wine producers at the Cape Town International Convention Centre for Cape Wine 2012. Widely regarded as the most successful international wine trade show in the southern hemisphere, Cape Wine is...
by Johnathan Grieve | Sep 6, 2012 | News
Calling all foodies, wine lovers, outdoor adventurers and wine farm fans! Show your love for South Africa’s winelands by voting for your favourite nominee in the country’s first ever, consumer-driven, interactive wine tourism award – the #KLINK Awards. ‘Klink’...
by Johnathan Grieve | Sep 6, 2012 | News
This past Friday evening, Avondale held its La Luna Once-in-a-Blue-Moon dinner event at our farm in Paarl. Thus named after the rare fortuity of two full moons occurring within one month, the evening promised to be something spectacular- and we had one or two...
by Johnathan Grieve | Sep 3, 2012 | News
Avondale is delighted to join a host of Cape wine producers at the 2012 Soweto Wine Festival. It promises to be an action-packed event with more than 950 wines to taste, a vibey food marquee showcasing fare from Soweto’s favourite restaurants, a free Nederburg Wine...
by Johnathan Grieve | Sep 1, 2012 | News
We are delighted that Avondale’s wines are now on the winelist at Chef Marthinus Ferreria’s acclaimed restaurant in Dunkeld West, Johannesburg DW eleven-13. You can enjoy Avondale’s Cyclus, Camissa and Samsara with the decidedly contemporary French fare in a New York...
by Johnathan Grieve | Jul 23, 2012 | News
Each of our extraordinary wines tells a unique story and is inspired by an aspect of Avondale’s innovative BioLOGIC® approach to wine farming. The 2006 vintage of Avondale’s La Luna red blend proudly displays the image of the moon on its label. The moon is one of...
by Johnathan Grieve | Jul 18, 2012 | News
We have passed Winter’s halfway mark; and with cold temperatures and relatively high rainfall, we can say that it has been a good Winter so far. The vines are bare; drawing breath, resting and rejuvenating before the exertions that will be demanded by Spring. In the...
by Johnathan Grieve | Jun 28, 2012 | News
There is a wonderfully magic feeling about cold wintry nights, roaring fires and fine wine. Combine that with a new moon, delicious food and the perfectly crafted words of two well known local authors and these are the ingredients for an extraordinary evening. The...
by Johnathan Grieve | Jun 25, 2012 | News
Avondale is one of 50 handpicked icon Cape wineries at the Juliet Cullinan Standard Bank Wine Festival – Monday 16th July 2012 – Tuesday 17th July 2012. You are most welcome to visit our team, Johnathan Grieve, Koliswa Jayayi and Jodi Hook, at our stand and...
by Johnathan Grieve | Jun 22, 2012 | News
In the 1950’s, Maria Thun, a proponent of biodynamics devised a lunar calendar to guide farming activities. According to the movements of the moon and stars, she identified ‘root’, ‘leaf’, ‘flower’ and ‘fruit’ days within the month. Out of this came the theory that...
by Johnathan Grieve | Jun 21, 2012 | News
The eve of a ‘Super Moon’ rising promised to be an auspicious occasion for a La Luna Dinner, but even then, we didn’t quite anticipate how sensational the 6-course menu that Sonia Cabano prepared for the 5th of May would be. La Luna Dinners are held at the Avondale...
by Johnathan Grieve | Jun 20, 2012 | News
Through Avondale’s partnership with the Waitrose Foundation South Africa, our crèche and after care facility at the Avondale Community Centre received a donation of four new computers. The school-going children were delighted to discover they all have Word,...
by Johnathan Grieve | Jun 18, 2012 | News
During August 2012, we will see the extraordinary rising of two full moons. The second of these, appearing on Friday 31 August 2012, is known as a ‘Blue Moon’, signifying the rarity of this lunar phenomenon. The moon is one of the cardinal influences guiding...
by Johnathan Grieve | Jun 15, 2012 | News
On the evening of 28th June, Avondale’s proprietor and originator of the BioLOGIC® approach will be hosting an exclusive tasting of Avondale’s wines at the renowned Buxtons La Cave liquor store at the La Lucia Mall in KwaZulu-Natal. A renowned, award-winning family...
by Johnathan Grieve | May 29, 2012 | News
Ritrovo, Pretoria’s Italian fine dining restaurant, will be hosting an exclusive Mentored Tasting of Avondale’s range of nature-friendly wines in its video conferencing room on the 6th of June 2012 and 11th of July 2012 respectively. Fortunato Mazzone, Chef Patron of...
by Johnathan Grieve | May 7, 2012 | News
Avondale is excited to launch an intriguing experiment in conjunction with Platter’s South African Wine Guide to put the biodynamic lunar tasting calendar to test. The moon, which typically governs many aspects of biodynamic farming, is believed to play a role in how...
by Johnathan Grieve | Apr 25, 2012 | News
Avondale’s Samsara is full, round and undeniably grape-tasting with hints mulberry and plum, clove and cinnamon. Soft wood and white pepper, wild berries and fynbos arrest the nose. This wine has a spectacular balance of tannin, fruit and oak across a lengthy...
by Johnathan Grieve | Apr 25, 2012 | News
Hot on the heels of winning the prestigious Amorim Environmental Award at the international Drinks Business Green Awards in London, we have now returned from the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) Convention with an array of accolades for our wines. The...
by Johnathan Grieve | Apr 24, 2012 | News
Our new vintages for Anima (2010) and Cyclus (2010), and our Rosé, Camissa (2011) will be launched in new lightweight bottles that will reduce the mass of the glass by 25 per cent. This will have a positive impact on further reducing our carbon footprint, as...
by Johnathan Grieve | Apr 19, 2012 | News
The inaugural KZN Bubbly Festival will be held on 27 April at Makaranga Lodge in Kloof and 28 April at The Piggly Wiggly in the Midlands. More than 30 of the Cape’s top Cap Classique producers will come together for a celebration of traditionally-made,...
by Johnathan Grieve | Apr 12, 2012 | News
As the 42nd Earth Day approaches, we are reminded that the transformation to a more sustainable world requires that each person, each family, each community and each country takes actual steps towards protecting and preserving the environment. Earth Day’s A Billion...
by Johnathan Grieve | Apr 5, 2012 | News
CNBC’s Tech @ Work show takes a look at QR code technology and finds out more about how the wine industry, and Avondale specifically, uses it to tell the brand’s story digitally. Each of Avondale’s wines has a unique story and we use this technology to tell the tale...
by Johnathan Grieve | Apr 3, 2012 | News
This year brought on an atypical harvest that was almost leisurely! The uncommonly cool temperatures during February made for a long ripening of the grapes. This did result in beautiful, flavourful fruit, but it meant we had to be on our toes to bring in the...
by Johnathan Grieve | Mar 28, 2012 | News
Avondale is thrilled to have been awarded the sought-after Amorim Environmental Award at the prestigious Drinks Business Green Awards, which was held in London on the 26 March 2012. The Drinks Business Green Awards is the world’s largest programme to raise awareness...
by Johnathan Grieve | Feb 28, 2012 | News
UNITING PEOPLE TO PROTECT THE PLANET – EARTH HOUR 2012: SATURDAY 30 MARCH, 08:30PM We hope that you will join Avondale and many other South Africans in celebrating Earth Hour 2012, the largest environmental event in the history of the Planet. Hundreds of...
by Johnathan Grieve | Feb 28, 2012 | News
This is theme of National Water Week, from the 5th to the 11th of March. It is an appeal for South Africans to cultivate a real appreciation of water and to foster a constant awareness of our complete dependency on water. This is an appeal that Avondale surely...
by Johnathan Grieve | Feb 28, 2012 | News
Avondale is not just a good place to grow healthy balanced grapes and make premium quality wines; it is also an environment that encourages the blossoming of human potential and supports development. Ivan September joined Avondale around 10 years ago as a general...
by Johnathan Grieve | Feb 27, 2012 | News
With its subtle salmon hues and soft blushing scents, Camissa is the Avondale wine that epitomises our blessing that we make our wines from sweet waters. Camissa is made from 84% Muscat de Frontignan and 16% Mourvedre grapes. The vines are 21 years old, naturally...
by Johnathan Grieve | Feb 10, 2012 | News
Nature of Africa A rainbow flashes across a storm-drenched sky over Kagga Kamma… An early morning mist shrouds a line of Mozambican women… A languid, elegant leopard strolls over the hot, dry sands Kgalagadi Trans Frontier Park… A statuesque Goliath Heron is etched...
by Johnathan Grieve | Dec 4, 2011 | News
This year, Avondale’s Créche and After Care Centre entered the annual school’s Collect-A-Can competition, and all the children took up the challenge with great enthusiasm, and results. They won R1000 in prize money for the school when they were placed third in the...
by Johnathan Grieve | Dec 2, 2011 | News
It’s Summer, it’s the festive season – the perfect time to be popping the corks of the bottles of bubbly! Armilla, Avondale’s traditionally-made Methodé Cap Classique (MCC) embodies our celebration of life on the farm. Sparkling with joy, this fresh, versatile Brut...
by Johnathan Grieve | Nov 30, 2011 | News
If you want to escape the Christmas rush in the City, and head out to the Winelands for peace and quiet, beautiful scenery and great wines, then an Avondale Eco Tour will make for an extraordinary holiday outing. Our Eco Tours take you on a wonderful journey...
by Johnathan Grieve | Oct 31, 2011 | News
In line with our BioLOGIC® approach, we take our cues from Mother Nature when it comes to pest control. Perhaps the most picturesque of our natural pest management methods is the employment of a posse of glossy white Pekin ducks who range through green vineyards on...
by Johnathan Grieve | Oct 31, 2011 | News
Avondale Wine Dinner at The Marion on Nicol presented by Johnathan Grieve As a Boutique Hotel of Distinction, The Marion on Nicol in Johannesburg sets the perfect scene for the first of our Extraordinary Avondale Events. We are delighted to partner with them to...
by Johnathan Grieve | Oct 31, 2011 | News
Accomplished food writer, cook and showchef extraordinaire, Sonia Cabano has paired six of Avondale’s nature-friendly wines with an exquisite culinary delight, carefully crafted to excite the senses with an unusual and delightful marriage of flavours. What you can...
by Johnathan Grieve | Sep 28, 2011 | News
Our thanks to Olivier Jaeggi-Wright, Chef and co-owner of Paarl’s Terra Mare restaurant for generously sharing his wonderful recipe with Avondale’s friends. The richness and the delicious blend of decadent flavours in the bisque made for an incredible combination with...
by Johnathan Grieve | Sep 27, 2011 | News
A coffee table book with contemporary appeal, this beautifully illustrated book tells the history of South Africa’s prestige méthode Cap Classique (MCC) sparkling wines. The story begins, however, way back in 1500 BC in Phoenicia and winds its way through the ages via...
by Johnathan Grieve | Sep 27, 2011 | News
We are really proud that three Avondale wines so far, have featured in Robert Parker’s top ratings at www.eRobertParker.com. The American wine writer was the founder of the famous The Wine Advocate, a long-standing independent consumer guide to the world’s finest...
by Johnathan Grieve | Sep 2, 2011 | News
An Extraordinary Avondale wine Approved by Mother Nature We believe that the birth of a premium quality wine like Cyclus begins in the soils of the vineyard. If the quality of life in the soils is healthy and balanced, then you have mastered the first step in the...
by Johnathan Grieve | Jul 29, 2011 | News
More and more South African wine-lovers are becoming familiar with the Biodiversity in Wine Initiative (BWI) logo appearing on the labels of many of their favourite wines. Avondale was one of the first Cape wine producers to obtain BWI certification. Founded by the...
by Johnathan Grieve | Jul 29, 2011 | News
Now that they have learnt to ride in the ‘duck-mobile’ and are getting out into the vineyards, Avondale’s ducks had a special outing to visit the children at our crèche and after-care centre. Pre-school teacher, Nadia Retief used the opportunity to explain to the...
by Johnathan Grieve | Jun 30, 2011 | News
Since our launch of Avondale’s Magnificent Collection earlier this year, we have been getting a fantastic response to the new wines from all quarters. It is great to see that people are not just appreciating that the wines are so delicious, but they also value our...
by Johnathan Grieve | Jun 28, 2011 | News
Avondale Cellar Assistant, Ivan September has successfully completed Wine Training South Africa’s (WTSA) Introduction to Junior Cellar Management course. Over the past three years, Ivan has been dedicated to his studies, advancing through WTSA’s SKOP 1, 2 and 3...
by Johnathan Grieve | Jun 27, 2011 | News
Avondale’s Magnificent Collection of extraordinary wines approved by Mother Nature had the opportunity to shine at the TFWA Asia Pacific trade show held in Singapore during May 2011. The focus for our agent, Anthony Budd of Diverse Flavours was to gain listings for...
by Johnathan Grieve | Jun 27, 2011 | News
An Extraordinary Avondale wine Approved by Mother Nature. We believe that the birth of a premium quality wine like Samsara begins in the soils of the vineyard. If the quality of life in the soil is healthy and balanced, then you have mastered the first step in the...
by Johnathan Grieve | May 31, 2011 | News
Our Eco Tours take you on a wonderful journey throughout our beautiful and bountiful farm. Highly specialised and informative, the Eco Tour includes a welcome at our Tasting Gallery, a vineyard tour and a visit to our state-of-the-art gravity flow cellar; as well as...
by Johnathan Grieve | May 29, 2011 | News
Avondale is delighted that our proprietor and pioneer of the BioLOGIC® system, Johnathan Grieve has stepped out into the world of bloggers with the launch of www.biologicwine.co.za . This provides Johnathan with a great platform to share more of what he has learnt...
by Johnathan Grieve | May 26, 2011 | News
With the ever-increasing consumer demand for healthier, eco-friendly organic products, more and more producers are exploring sustainable farming practices that do not require the use of chemical fertilisers, herbicides, fungicides and pesticides. Avondale has...
by Johnathan Grieve | May 26, 2011 | News
The United Nation’s Environment Programme’s World Environment Day (WED) is celebrated across the globe on the 5th of June 2011. Over nearly 40 years, WED has become a key worldwide event to stimulate environmental awareness, to focus political attention and encourage...
by Johnathan Grieve | May 13, 2011 | News
Life begins in the soil. At Avondale we are acutely aware that healthy balance in our vineyard Eco-system, in our wines and in our own lives is dependent on first achieving healthy balance in our soil. Chemically, biologically and physically the health of soil,...
by Johnathan Grieve | May 12, 2011 | News
Avondale is amongst the first South African businesses to enhance the consumer experience by including 21st Century QR codes on our wine labels. Every bottle in Avondale’s Magnificent Collection range includes a unique QR code on the label that is specially designed...
by Johnathan Grieve | Apr 19, 2011 | News
It is that time of year when our thoughts are naturally turning to log fires and great bottles of smooth red wine. On the farm, it reminds us of our commitment to slow winemaking that enables our winemaker to fine tune the ageing and blending of our wines in an...
by Johnathan Grieve | Apr 4, 2011 | News
It is known as the farm with the ducks and where the term BioLOGIC® was born. Avondale Estate has been at the forefront of organic wine production in South Africa, taking the buzzword “organic” a step further with the introduction of BioLOGIC®, a unique and more...
by Johnathan Grieve | Mar 24, 2011 | News
Four years ago, 2.2 million people and 2000 businesses in Sydney, Australia, turned their lights off for one hour to take a stand against climate change. Who would have imagined that this local initiative would quickly go global to become the biggest environmental...
by Johnathan Grieve | Mar 15, 2011 | News
The launch of Avondale’s new range of seven hand-crafted, elegantly classic wines marks a triumphant turning in the more than 300-year history of this wine farm. In 1999, Avondale’s proprietor Johnathan Grieve was convinced that an innovative approach, combining...
by Hilton Moore | Aug 7, 2010 | News
To her this was simply a barbaric act of treason akin to slouching at her table, turning down her offer of seconds or – if as designated barman – you allowed her glass to stand empty for a brief second. In the event of this calamity occurring, she would become...
by Hilton Moore | Aug 6, 2010 | News
It all started sneakily enough. A number of unmarked vehicles showed up, and some engineering-type people began unloading equipment. “Nothing to worry about” was the news the ducks got from their sentries. The engineering-types then started setting up their equipment...
by Hilton Moore | Jul 1, 2010 | News
I don’t wish to sound fanatical as this is not about right or wrong, but rather about choice. We have the choice as to what role we wish food to play in our lives. For a working mom the instant meal is a time saver. For the mom who hasn’t stood on a chair next to the...
by Hilton Moore | Jun 30, 2010 | News
Q: What does it mean to be certified organic? A: I have written quite a lot on our natural, Bio-LOGIC methods of farming. While we follow this approach as part of the whole philosophy of Avondale, some markets expect us to have our processes verified through external...
by Hilton Moore | May 26, 2010 | News
After 45 days, the Duck-Wagter turns marine instructor on the brace and transforms them into the most efficient snail-killing machine known to man. Their training begins with getting them to walk-up the ramp of the duckmobile. Like potty training this has its humorous...
by Hilton Moore | Apr 12, 2010 | News
We are very proud of the fact that our Bio-LOGIC approach to vineyard management has seen a return of many species of wild animals to the farm, including a variety of raptors such as small falcons and owls. Unfortunately some of these birds get hurt on their way to us...
by Hilton Moore | Oct 7, 2009 | News
Avondale now has three certified wine. They are Jonty’s Ducks 2007 , Chenin Blanc 2009 and Rosé 2009 . Four years ago, 25 hectares of new vines on virgin soil were certified organic. Now, leading internationally accredited European agency Control Union, has certified...
by Hilton Moore | Oct 7, 2009 | News
Let me start off by pointing out that sulphur is a mineral found naturally in many kinds of foods. In winemaking it dates back to Roman times when sulphur was burnt in wine storage vessels to prevent the spoilage of wine. Sulphur is a preservative and ensures the...
