I’ve been visiting Meerlust regularly ever since I settled in the Cape after returning from a stint in New Zealand, and it remains one of my favourite tasting rooms in the country. I still remember my first visit, when the tasting fee was around R30. Not much has changed since then, but that is just it. Consistency is key. The addition of the outdoor deck has made summer tastings even more enjoyable, with sunlight spilling across the tables and a gentle breeze carrying the scent of the vineyards. As a local, I actually prefer winter. Sitting inside by the fireplace, glass in hand, with the soft crackle of burning wood and the quiet weight of history all around you, creates an atmosphere that’s warm, intimate, and deeply authentic. It never feels commercial, it feels like you’re part of the estate’s story, especially the staff. Meerlust also holds a special place in my heart because it was the very first wine farm I visited when lockdown restrictions were lifted. After months indoors, I wanted my first public outing to be a tasting of some of South Africa’s finest wines, and Meerlust was the obvious choice. I’ve always appreciated the attention to detail, right down to serving the wines in Riedel glasses, which lift the aromatics and allow each wine to express itself with clarity and precision. With the new winemaker now firmly settled into the role, this latest vintage offers some fascinating nuances while remaining unmistakably Meerlust. The entire current winemaking team are doing a phenomenal job, and it really shows in the glass. Having enjoyed these wines for close to 30 years, I can honestly say they’ve never disappointed me. Vintage after vintage, they continue to deliver exceptional quality, elegance, and consistency. That’s no small achievement, and it’s exactly why I’ll keep coming back. Ciao ~ SB 🍇
