On a recent visit to my favourite valley, Franschhoek, I discovered a new-to-me hidden gem… the wine estate of Noble Hill!
Tucked away down a driveway lined with autumnal colours, this boutique winery was a beautiful find…
Our visit started with a greeting from Franschhoek’s official “Winey Dog of the Year” and then it was time to sample it’s many delights….
First up a glass of their Noble Hill Blanc de Blanc. Claiming 49 million bubbles in each bottle, this is a single-vineyard Chardonnay MCC and the drinking experience is one of sophistication accompanied by crisp citrus and biscuit aromas. Fruit notes include melon, pineapple, and hibiscus flower and the bubbles are elegant and fine, with just enough fizz! The 2013 Blanc de Blancs is a brut nature and no sugar is added to the wine during dégorgement.
This initial MCC tasting was followed by a sampling of a few more of their delicious wines next to the roaring fireplace in their cosy wine tasting room.
Wine was followed by food – and it was an array of flavourful Mexican food from their Latin-inspired restaurant cosecha (co-say-cha, Spanish for “harvest”) which left us all longing for more! It was certainly the most original and tasty Mexican food I’ve had in a while, if not ever! And the guacamole = heaven in a bowl!
The restaurant is located right next to the harvest area, where grapes are sorted and crushed, and overlooks a lovely lawned area, dam and the surrounding mountains. Unfortunately we didn’t get to linger longer but it really seems like a wonderful place to spend a day. From breakfast to lunch and into the afternoon… During the warmer months, latin-inspired picnic baskets can be enjoyed in the garden and I will certainly be returning for that experience! And next time I also hope to visit their chilli pepper and vegetable garden where many of their fresh ingredients are grown!
Contact Details
Tel: +27 (0) 21 874 3844
Email: info@noblehill.com
Web: www.noblehill.com
Opening Hours
Open every day from 10:00 until 17:00
Disclosure: 0. I visited Noble Hill as a guest of Franschhoek Tourism. This post is unpaid and I was not obliged to write about my experience. All images and views are my own.
Images: Kathryn Rossiter
