It’s
that time of year again folks! Time to see what us Luddite’s have been
up to and time for you to be the first to order the latest vintage of
your favourite Shiraz ;)
24 500 bottles were produced (click here for the tasting notes!)
If this year is anything to go by our Luddism definitely hasn’t held us back – it’s been hectic and super-productive.
Penny’s
venture into producing various cured meats has really taken off. The
piggies are procreating and putting on the pounds like all good pigs
should, and Richard from the Deli in Hermanus is making salami,
prosciutto, pancetta and a whole lot of other delights that mostly
begin with a “P”. If you’d like a taste you can buy them from the deli
or the farm.
Our
entry to the Cape Winemakers Guild was successful and 90 cases of "Wild
Hoar" were snapped up at the auction. Kim provided the inspiration for
the name (again!) with a truly French faux pas. We were lucky enough to
visit a vineyard in France and whilst removing the electric fences the
farmer cautioned us about the wild boars. Fifteen minutes later, while
looking at 80 year old Grenache vines, we noticed Kim looking around
very nervously. He then asked where these "Wild Hoars" were, much to
our amusement and like any good family he got teased for the rest of
the holiday.
The
2nd annual Bot River Barrel Race, in aid of the Bot River Education
Foundation, was a huge success and it was wonderful to see how much
support and attention it attracted. Rumour has it that a local
journalist skipped two other major events in the area because she just
couldn’t miss it! The Luddite team (Murray, Thomas, Thapelo and Niels)
won their heat comfortably, but their time was not good enough to
qualify for the knock-out races. They definitely had the best outfits.
The
highlight of the year has been the building (and completion!) of our
Cellar, offices and tasting room. It has spectacular views and the
floor that we created from barrel lids is a ‘must see’. Come to think
of it so is Penny’s general disposition now that the office is no
longer in our bedroom!
Penny and the "Girls Hockey Team" tested out the cellar floor at her
latest 40th before it became a working cellar.
latest 40th before it became a working cellar.
Join
us for some snacks and wine on the 16th of January 2009 between 11h00
and 14h00 and celebrate the opening of the cellar with us. (Let us know if you’re coming.)
You
can also come and have a food and wine pairing lunch or dinner at
Luddite. Penny can cater for between 4 and 20 people at a time – just call her or Liesl to discuss dates and costs.
If anyone is interested in coming to harvest next year – 2009, please let us know soonest
as this has become and bit of party and we need to restrict it to 60
people. We are only going to let you pick 2 rows each and the “beer
truck” will be around on a regular basis to keep you going.
HAVE A FANTASTIC FESTIVE SEASON. WE ARE HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS SO IF IN THE AREA, POP IN FOR A TASTING!
CHEERS
Niels, Penny and the kids
(Did you notice - Penny now does photo's!)
PS We'll be at the Wines of Hermanus Festival at Hermanuspietersfontein on the 20th of December 2008.