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Nelson's Creek - A working wine estate

Nelson’s Creek is a working wine farm and the members of the Nelson family are all intimately involved in the business in one way or another. Alan Nelson, previously a Senior Advocate in Cape Town, recently gave up his highly lucrative legal practise in order to pursue a lifelong dream to go wine farming on a full time basis. It has taken the Nelson family seventeen years to lovingly restore this historic farm. Although wine making facilities are state of the art, much attention has been paid to maintaining the old world charm and ambiance of the Estate. 

Important Facts and Highlights

  • Easy access to highway although off beaten track
  • 45 minutes from Cape Town close to other attractions such as Paarl Mountain and Taal museum; KWV; Stellenbosch and Franschoek
  • A working wine farm – not touristy
  • Family Estate producing champion wines
  • Historical farm and one of first to be occupied by French settlers
  • Old world architecture
  • Traditional Xhosa Huts
  • Bird sanctuary – beautiful gardens and views
  • Best wine growing region in the world
  • Vineyard, cellar and wine tasting by Olivia (assistant winemaker)
  • New Beginnings – first vineyard to be owned by black people in the New South Africa
  • Wholesome family cooking or 5 star cuisine
  • Can take groups of between 20 and 300

Location

The farm has a beautiful setting with lots of old world charm. It is located on two hills at the foot of the Paarl Mountain. The views of the surrounding mountains are splendid. Access by large coaches is easy as the farm lies directly adjacent to the R44 in Windmeul only 45 minutes from the centre of Cape Town.

Range of Wines and Awards

The farm is located in a region with a unique micro climate and terroir. Wines made from grapes grown in this region were recently repeatedly acknowledged internationally as being the best in the world. 

The first wines under the Nelson’s Creek label were produced in 1994, and in 1996 the estate won the award for the best Chardonnay in South Africa. Later that year Nelson’s Creek was crowned Champion Private Wine estate in the Boland - an area comprising Paarl, Franschhoek, Wellington and Tulbagh. Abundant recognition of the quality of the Nelson’s Creek wines followed, both in South Africa and in the international arena, with the Estate receiving a truly remarkable array of awards year upon year both locally and internationally. 

A new brand of wines released in 2004, reflect Alan Nelson’s commitment to quality. The range currently consists of 4 varieties, namely a wild ferment Chardonnay, a Cabernet Merlot blend, Shiraz and Pinotage.

Vineyard Tours & Winetastings

Our wine tours are presented by Lisha Nelson (the winemaker), Olivia Poonah (assistant winemaker) and Jack Kukard (general manager). The tours offer a fun and entertaining way for guests to learn more about the inner workings of a wine farm and to become more familiar with the various processes involved in the production of wine.

Visitors are taken into the vineyards for an overview of the wonders of winegrowing, past traditional huts that replicate those of the Mandela family in Qunu. General information about vine preparation and maintenance is shared and we also offer up some interesting and little known facts about wine that are sure to impress even the most difficult of dinner guests.

After visiting the vineyard, the visitors are taken on a tour of the wine cellar where every facet of the winemaking process is discussed. 

The tour then culminates in a wine tasting where the finest wines that the Estate has to offer can be tasted in the rustic elegance of the "Old Cellar" or in the Lapa. During the tasting, visitors will be shown the various ways in which wine is to be evaluated and will no doubt leave the Estate feeling like true wine buffs.

Wine tasting can take place for small or large groups of up to 100 persons.

Costs:

Option 1:    Wine Tasting                                                              R15.00 p/p

Option 2:    Wine Tasting & Tour                                                 R25.00 p/p

Option 3:    Wine Tasting, Tour & Cheeseplatter                     R40.00 p/p

 

Luncheon Venues

There are various options for luncheon venues by arrangement:

  • On rolling lawns beneath tall trees in lush gardens;
  • Group picnics can also be arranged and by special arrangement visitors can make use of the large swimming pool ;
  • Meals on a balcony with panoramic views of the Cape Mountains.

Meals

Catering is outsourced to a few specialist caterers making it possible to offer a variety of meals as required by each tour group. From five star French cuisine to generous helpings of traditional farm style South African food, the estate is able to cater for every need.

Drinks

Wine and other beverages for all tours at Nelson's Creek are provided by Nelson's Creek. Fully equipped bars are available in all three function venues Nelson's Creek provides wine to all functions at cellar prices and we are happy to make suggestions as to which wines will be suitable for your chosen menu.

Please note that it is prohibited to bring other wine and alcohol to functions at Nelson's Creek.

Entertainment

Traditional African and Cape Malay music can be offered by local groups. These include a marimba band, gum boot dancers and groups of Cape Carnival musicians and dancers.

These offerings are available by prior arrangement only and costs will be quoted as and when bookings are made.

Translators

Translators can be provided on request.

There are a number of French, German, Portuguese and Italian translators located nearby.

Cost varies but an allowance of R180 per hour should be adequate.
 
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Nelson Wine Estate