Herbetsdale’s Pristine Jewel
10 March, 2011 at 10:44 am in Garden Route News
Jakkalsvlei Private Cellar in Herbetsdale near Mossel Bay
Jakkalsvlei Private Cellar – a new name among wine lovers in the Garden Route is owned by the wine maker Jantjie Jonker. Jantjie is passionate about his farm and wine making and he is involved in every step of the production process from planting the vines, picking the grapes, the actual wine making, designing of the label, bottling the wine, the marketing and wine tastings on the farm. Jakkalsvlei is a name you can certainly memorize, because in future you can definitely expect great things from Jakkalsvlei and Jantjie!
Vineyards in Herbetsdale owned by Jantjie Jonker of Jakkalsvlei Private Cellar
My first visit to Jakkalsvlei Private Cellar was on the 11th of February 2011, during which the Lalakoi team and friends went to pick grapes and enjoyed a picnic on the beautiful wine farm. As we drove through the gates of Jakkalsvlei Private Cellar we had the most beautiful views over the farm. We were mesmerized by lush green vineyards in the valley and we could only stare in amazement at this hidden gem. Every now and then the sound of a “wow” echoed through the car as camera’s flashed. At the wine tasting room we were welcomed by “Google” and “FIFA,” the owner’s two friendly dogs.
Herbetsdale surroundings ideal for vineyards
Jakkalsvlei is not only the name of the farm, but it is also the name of the surrounding area. The name was derived from the number of Foxes on the farm. They are still visible there today and one can almost say it’s as if they watch over their piece of earth from the mountains.
Wine from Jakkalsvlei Private Cellar
Jantjie said that his grandfather, Nelis Jonker was the pioneer on this farm. The Jonker’s in those days farmed in the Bonnivale district. Jantjie’s grandfather often came to the Jakkalsvlei to hunt and fell in love with the scenery. He also realized how fertile soil was. In 1972, he sold his farm in Bonnievale district and moved to the Jakkalsvlei area. Jantjie’s father planted the first vineyard in 1987. He did not bottle the wine, but sold it in bulk. In 2005 when Jantjie moved to the farm he told his father that he would like to produce his own wine under his own label. However, this meant that Jantjie had to plant his own cultivar from scratch, because the cultivar on the farm was not suitable for bottling.
In 2008 Jantjie bottled his first 4500 bottles of wine under the name Jakkalsvlei Private Cellar. Jantjie is planning on bottling 75000 bottles in 2011.
This young farmer is passionate about wine making and constantly plants new vines.
Currently Jakkalsvlei has 30ha of vineyard.
Top quality vineyards at Jakkalsvlei Private Cellar
According to Jantjie, Herbertsdale has the ideal climate for the cultivation of vines. The days are warm and the evenings cool. Herbertsdale is also far enough away from Mossel Bay so that they do not get the mist from the sea. The soil is unique and they have different types of soil on the farm. Some places are rocky; others have clay soil and red soil. The farm runs on different slopes – the Southern slopes are cool the Northern slopes are warmer. The area however has a disadvantage being in the Summer rainfall area. When the grapes swell they do not want rain. Luckily the area does not get frost.
Jakkalsvlei Private Cellar produce award winning wines
Jantjie has already received a number of awards for Jakkalsvlei wines. In 2009 Jakkalsvlei Hanepoot was awarded the HJ Etchell champion Desert wines. In 2010 Jakkalsvlei Red Muscadel was the champion at the South African Young Wines Show.
Jakkelsvlei Private Cellar’s red wines do very well and in 2009 the Mount Cuvée was honored with a bronze medal. This is a light dry red wine which is served with light meals.
Jantjie are very proud of the range of wines that the Jakkalsvlei Private Cellar offers.
Wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Pinotage, Ruby Cabernet and Shiraz. The Chenin Blanc, Colombard, Sauvignon Blanc and Semilion are white wines.
Red Muscadel and Hanepoot are desert wines.
In 2011 Jakkalsvlei will have a new wine under the name ‘White Pearl’- a sweet white wine. It is a combination of Sauvignon Charden and Chenin blanc. There will also be a new Pinotage and Pinot Noir.
It is therefore clear that the Jakkalsvlei Private Cellar will become part of the big names in the world. On 1st March, 2011 Jantjie will go nationally with his wines and in 2013 he wants to go international and introduce his wines to Europe and the East.
I asked Jantjie wat makes Jakkalsvlei so special. The farm is situated far from the nearest town and there are many obstacles to overcome and yet he walks away with most of the awards. Jantjie concentrates on a fruity taste in his wine.
Pick your own grapes at Jakkalsvlei Private Cellar
Jakkalsvlei offers from 11 February 2011 to March 12, 2011 their “Pick your own Grapes”. Admission is free and a minimal fee of R4, 50 per kilogram is charged for the grapes you pick.
Barefoot Grape Dance at Jakkalsvlei Private Cellar
On the 5th of March Jakkalsvlei also offers their first “Barefoot Grape Dance” on. The day will be accompanied with music, wine, food and pressing of the grapes. This promises to be a day full of fun and every person who helped to press the grapes will receive their own bottle of wine when it is bottled. The bottle will be delivered at their home.
Jakkalsdraai Mountain Bike Endurance
Jakkalsvlei Private Cellar lies between rivers and mountain slopes. This makes it the ideal destination for Jakkalsdraai mountain bike Endoro on the 29th October 2011. The routes vary from 10km, 30km and 55km. You will drive four times over the Gourits River, pass vineyards, olive groves on mountain slopes and you get the opportunity to see unspoiled part of our area first hand.
Jantjie is an aspiring winemaker and businessman with a great vision for Jakkalvlei Private Cellar. He plans to build self catering chalets and a restaurant on the farm in the future.
