Romond Vineyards

Everyone at the farm turn to stare as we arrived like VIP’s at the farm and drove right up to the entrance to the tasting room and cellar. We weren’t VIP’s, instead we were looking for parking as this farm was packed with people chilling everywhere. Almost like a hippie convention. A young man, without shoes, ran over and without any prejudice or discrimination, politely pointed us in the right direction.

When finally we parked and walked up to the main building, I noticed that the building facade looked like a mini-Waterford. The difference though is the people who ‘took us in’ and the fact that the layout of the land took me to the hills of Italy. Their bare-foot-approach to people is reflected in their wines. Laid-back and relaxed. At this farm we could enjoy wines from Miravel and Heron Ridge as well. My personal favourite was the Rebus which has potential for greatness but even at this ripe age, it was inspiring. We automatically went into a lower gear and slowed down to taste the entire range while being entertained by a krat orkes (crate orchestra) with their Mississippi-inspired tunes. I kinda liked this farm . . . a lot!

This is one of the most welcoming wineries you’ll ever have the pleasure of visiting. It’s not often the owner and wine maker welcomes you to their cellar. The tasting room is fairly new and has quite a rustic feel. In the barrel rooms are gargoyles about which I didn’t get a chance to ask, so if you know what that’s about…let me know. This is a great wine farm and I’m looking forward to some big things from here in the next few years.
Here are some of my tasting notes for those interested:

Like Drew, we got to taste the Romond (R) wines as well as wines from Miravel (M) and Heron Ridge (HR).
*The Pinotage Rose (R) is an awesome example of a dry rose. It has less than 2.5g/L of sugar and is therefor regarded as extra-dry. Its strawberry nose leapt out at you with the first whif and is followed by a sort of cream cheese smell (a lot more pleasant than it sounds, I must say). The nose is followed by a crisp dry taste, lovely for this summer’s long hot days. I think this will be the last vintage of this Rose as it’s quite a job to produce… so hury up and get some before it’s too late.
*The SB (M) is made in the typical green style, with green pepper and asparagus.
*(HR) has two Shirazs, the softer 05 and the more intense (big mouth feel) “The Flight Shiraz 06″. I enjoyed the latter one better.
*(R) The Rebus 2003 is a blend of CF and CS. This is an excelent wine with nice vegetative tone. A really good buy at R65 per bottle.
*Lastly… way after what should have been “closing time” we got to taste the Rebus 07, which has not been released yet, but promises to be a great wine… up there with the likes of the Cordoba Crescendo. I’m really looking forward to that coming out. I think that will be released in about 6 months at less than R100 per bottle.

We were lucky enough to taste the miravel wines as well as the Romond stuff.
Very few wines on offer here from Romond but absolutely worth the trip. Old school farm like feel a bit disorganised but friendly and happy

I really liked the rustic look of the place. It seems as if it’s been there for centuries, but in fact it’s newly build.

Our host was the owner’s daughter and one could she that the whole family are extremely passionate about their wines and their farm. I would have been as well. The effort and love that they’ve put into their wines, shines through when you take your first sip.

A truly remarkable spot with super friendly and down to earth people, combined with yummy wines.

Well this place has quite a few dogs that will welcome you to the tasting center… a very friendly lady to talk us through the tasting of some lovely wines. inside the tasting area the feel is very classical and cozy indeed.
i must say it was here that i climbed into a fermentation tank for the first time, well it was part of the task for the amazing wine challenge.
the Rebus 2007 shows some promising notes for the future!