If there’s a winery that just gets it so right, down to the minutiae of detail, it’s Bartinney. Last week we attended the launch of two new premium wines and were reminded why we have such deep admiration for this little estate nestled above Stellenbosch in the Banhoek. On paper they boast some serious environmental credentials (carbon neutral, pesticide and herbicide free, WWF Conservation Champion), but it’s something you tangibly experience when you turn off the Helshoogte Road onto the steep dirt path leading up to the estate. It’s the kind of place where, if you’re lucky enough, you’ll spot a porcupine, or like we did, hear the hooting of an owl far up in the trees. Considering you’re less than 10km out of Stellenbosch town, it’s simply astounding this much diversity exists.
Bartinney’s devotion to operating in total harmony with the greater ecosystem is unmistakably evident in their wines. Both the freshly released 2015 Hourglass Chardonnay, which is named after the hourglass-shaped vineyard from where its grapes are sourced, as well as the 2012 Skyfall Cabernet Sauvignon, named after the vineyards that drift down from the Banhoek skyline, exhibit unmistakeable character of the local fynbos. So much so, that the team has crafted an entire wine and fynbos pairing experience to emphasise the synergy between the vineyards and local flora.
With such a beautiful philosophy that expresses itself in these wines, Bartinney is a place to while away a few hours, taking it all in. And if that isn’t enough – stay in one of their vineyard cottages that embody Bartinney’s thoughtful approach. We, for sure, are going to be back soon for the full wine and fynbos pairing. Noses at the ready!
