Estate Living Digital Publication Issue 4 April 2015 | Page 8

THE VINES 8 years before moving the operation to the farm, but remains a key consultant.” Yet, that and the cooler temperature are probably the only two references to Stellenbosch, for the wine makers are quick to differentiate themselves. “It is not our aim to become another Stellenbosch,” says Patty. “We want to maintain our identity, because what we offer will always be different and of great interest, with its own All the wine farms are boutique, with character and offerings. It simply cannot be the majority less than 10 hectares in size, compared to Stellenbosch, which has been explains Vicky from Packwood, whose going for 300 years. We need to build stock family has been farming in the region for and develop our own history,” says Patty. nearly 20 years and are one of the main milk suppliers to Lancewood. “Although Falling short of a rich and fascinating history, many of the new wine farms are run it is abundantly clear that Plettenberg Bay by those who are relatively new to the successfully ticks all the wine making industry, collectively, we have a wealth requirements. A cooler climate, good, well of knowledge and understanding thanks drained soils with not too much wind and to celebrated figures like Anton Smal, a top winemaker making the best wines Bramon’s Wine Master and former vintner possible is the perfect combination, so fill on the Stellenbosch wine route and Teddy up your glass and join us in toasting the Hall. Teddy Hall made our wine for several new wine route of the future. Cheers! tasting rooms and a lunch venue like at Packwood Wine and Country Estate allows visitors to sample the homemade cheeses, whilst cycling tours and other ‘add-ons’ are an important element to increase flow to the area. Events such as the Sasfin Plett Wine & Bubbly Festival and the soon to be launched Plett Winelands Trails also provide ample activity.