The Berrio Wines

We arrived at The Berrio only to find out that there was no one home. Our handy Wine Tourism Handbook however stated that they are open from 9am to 5pm. We arrived there at around 1pm on a Friday. We decided to phone the number provided in the book and a friendly guy answered. I assume he’s the owner. He was very apologetic and told me that he was unfortunately out on business in Cape Town but will make a quick call and find out where the lady is who’s suppose to man the tasting room. He phone back in less than a minute and said she just quickly went out to pick something up at the neighbouring farm. This was completely understandable and we did not mind waiting. The Elim wine route is pretty quiet, especially on week days and I don’t expect a welcoming comity around every corner. What I did mind however was the rude attitude we got from the lady upon her arrival. We were sitting on the stop as she got out of the car and walk towards the tasting room. She ignored us completely and did not even utter a “hallo” or gestured a wave. She looked extremely pissed off, as if we interrupted her lunch or something. We felt unwelcome. In fact, the only welcoming gesture we received during our time here was from the friendly Border Collie who kept us company while we waited. After unlocking the front door, which was about 6 meters away from where we were sitting, she went inside and stayed there. Half shocked, we got up and greeted her as we entered the tasting room. In return we got an abrupt hallo. Feeling pretty awkward we decide to defuse the tension and make some conversation. She eventually warmed up after she saw that I was making notes and noticed that we at least know a thing or two about wine. To be honest, I can not remember the wines we tasted because her attitude overshadowed our whole experience. After rushing through the wines we bought a bottle Sauvignon Blanc and made our exit. She might have been polite towards the end but fact is, if we did not make the effort to be friendly and polite, her rudeness would have persist throughout the tasting. It’s a pity, because the establishment is very pretty and offers a great setting. The owner also sounded like a real nice guy over the phone and if we ever return we’ll make sure he’s there to present his wines.

Looks beautiful from the outside, pity everything was locked up tight on Friday the 17th June at 3 o’clock. They clearly care nothing for the people who drive all the way there to visit.

Pragtige Wynproelokaal, net ‘n jammer daar was niemand tuis om ons te help op Sat 2 April 2011.

A superbly appointed tasting room awaits as you drive up the magnificent palm lined drive ! Really well thought out labels and the decor to compliment. I adore the straight solid lines of the table and seating ,while the White overall paintwork gives you a perfect backdrop to check your wine out !
The little fold out literature is a creative touch and works ..leading you into the tasting .I love the Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 which has a complexity that is Elim’s terroir. ‘Ferrocrete, Gravel, Coffee Stone, Clay, Weathered shale.’ to quote the soil make up. You can see the complex nature of the soils by driving along the little dirt roads from Bredasdorp to Elim..Interesting for a geologist never mind a Wine taster !
Managed to get my hands on “The Weathergirl2009″ and it is a wonderful blend of Sauvignon and Semillion with the complexity and a nose which will compliment many dishes! I really can’t find fault with the whole setting.
Conclusion : Another wonderful Elim Wine farm and a must visit venue! “Stylish”

The 2008 Weather Girl is sadly sold out but the 2009 vintage should be ready some time soon I believe. You can also order a yummy cheese platter at the farm now.

The is the flashiest of the Elim wineries but they are not over the top. They have a simple classic tasting centre overlooking the elim main road. The wines are equally simple yet classic what stands out is their aging potential particularly for white wine. watch out for the 08 weather girl