Waterkloof
says ‘I do’ the eco-savvy way
Sustainable Wine Estate leads the way in
eco-friendly weddings
Waterkloof Estate, where a golden thread of
sustainability runs right through every aspect of the farm – from its bio-dynamic
vineyards on the outskirts of Somerset West to its magnificently appointed
‘restaurant in the sky’– offers a picture
perfect Winelands setting to tie the knot in an eco-savvy way.
Not only does this Winelands gem on the slopes of
the Schapenberg rely on genuine horse-power as opposed to heavy machinery and
tractors on the farm; Dorper sheep or as they call them, ‘nature’s weed-eaters;
the manure of their own Dextor cows for fertilizing the vines; and chickens who
keep the vineyards in tip top shape. They even use their own produce in the
restaurant.
“We specialise in stylish, intimate weddings that do
not cost the earth. When you are planning your Big Day the location is probably
the most important item on your checklist and these days more and more couples
are opting for a greener wedding because of an awareness of the colossal carbon footprint attached to the
day. Our restaurant and tasting lounge
is the ideal venue if you want to hold an eco-chic ceremony and reception in
one place in order to cut back on travel,” shares Waterkloof Chef Grégory
Czarnecki
“Waterkloof’s ‘green’ philosophy also rings true in
our kitchen as we use our own lamb, herbs and eggs and follow a ‘little is big’
mantra by supporting smaller, local yet top notch quality producers to
guarantee that the freshness of our contemporary dishes is paramount. We also don’t
charge for still or sparkling mineral water on the tables as it comes from a natural
spring on the estate,” adds Grégory, who is a true perfectionist by heart and
is known for his clean flavours and unique texture combinations.
Waterkloof’s restaurant, perched in a 10 meter high
glass promontory flowing from a suave tasting lounge and gravitational cellar,
is set against the majestic backdrop of the estate’s amphitheatre of
vineyards – complete with Percheron horses amidst its vines, eagerly taking
bio-dynamic farming in their stride – and the full expanse of False
Bay in the distance.
This
slick space can be fully utilised as a private venue that is intimate and warm,
yet sexy, functional and fresh. Waterkloof’s tailor-made wedding reception
packages combined with sheer decadence, personal service, elegant estate wines
and unsurpassed cuisine ensure that the bride and groom share a truly personal,
moving and sustainable celebration with their friends and family.
“Cocooned
in a contemporary glass and concrete sphere, our deep, open barrel cellar
becomes apparent immediately as you enter the building and make your way to the
tasting lounge. Here massive walls of clear glass reveal a working cellar with
ranks of wooden, open top fermenters and create a majestic sense of space
through the uninterrupted, outstretched views. This means guest can enjoy our
wines while seeing where it comes
from and how it naturally ferments,” adds Waterkloof Winemaker Werner
Engelbrecht.
What
makes the Waterkloof restaurant, with its over scaled, pictorial views of the
farm and nature in progress, so unique is that at all times one feels part of
the farming and winemaking process, no matter if you are outside on the balcony
or inside enjoying the best man’s speech. With the restaurant’s beautiful
interior the bride does not have to stress about extra decorations and those
exorbitant expenses for flower arrangements on her special day.
At
Waterkloof, wedding couples can celebrate with up to 120 guests. To book your
dream wedding at Waterkloof contact the estate at Tel: 021 858 1292 or send an email to restaurant@waterkloofwines.co.za.
Waterkloof Estate is located outside Somerset Pass Village Road
On behalf of: Waterkloof Estate
Contact: Claudia Young-Kelly
Tel: (+27)21 858 1292
Photos courtesy of Zara Zoo.
