Not only did Van Loveren get a brand spanking new tasting room, they’ve added a couple of exciting new offerings to their menu. The estate has always been know as a place where you can stock up on bang-for-your-buck wines. The Four Cousins brand is one of South Africa’s most iconic wine brands and many of us have fond memories when encountering the label.

I remember my first visit to the farm as clear as daylight. It was a hot summer’s afternoon and all the wineries in the Robertson Valley were closed, except for Van Loveren. Upon arrival, we discovered that the estate was in actual fact closed for a private function, but this did not stop one of the four cousins to invite us in with open arms. He left us the key to the ”rondawal” and asked us to lock up and leave it under the mat once we’re done tasting. We had an magnificent afternoon and are proud supporters of the Van Loveren brand ever-since.

A couple of things have changed at Van Loveren since our last visit. A year ago, the estate opened the doors of Christina’s @ Van Loveren, a laid back restaurant with uncomplicated food and a whole lot of atmosphere. The menu offers a variety of thin-based and truly delicious pizzas along salads, burgers and steak. All the wines in the Van Loveren range are available at cellar door price and the service is friendly and relaxed. The modern and well designed tasting centre unveiled their fresh new look to the public in November 2012. The facility features a deck overlooking the lush garden where visitors can enjoy an informal and free wine tasting or a relaxed food & wine pairing. Pairings include Chocolate and wine, Cheese and wine, Charcuterie and wine, Nougat, Nuts and wine, a Four Cousins fan pairing as well as non-alcoholic pairings for both adults and children. The whole experience is extremely interactive and every pairing comes with a unique voting ballot which allows you to vote for your favourite match. The ballot papers also offer some interesting wine facts and even a wine cocktail recipe, with Van Loveren’s Four Cousins Rose as a main ingredient. On the day of our visit we decided to try out the Cheese & Wine Pairing and the Wine and Charcuterie Pairing. Both were equally enjoyable and complimented the wines just fine. Pairings are priced at R40 per person and R25 for the kiddies tasting. Don’t forget to fill a basket with a few essentials for your kitchen at home. Another new addition is the Deli at Van Loveren. Here you will find anything from locally produced cheese to their famous Four Cousins Marula Cream Liqueur. A bottle with 2 cognac-style Van Loveren branded glasses are currently on special at the tasting room for only R100 – the perfect Christmas gift or what? Other activities on the farm includes a 5.7km easy Mountain Bike trail and hiking trail, as well as a 15km bike trail for those with a bit more experience. If you don’t have a bike you can always rent one from the tasting room at a cost of R100. Both routes offer abundant bird life to marvel over, as well as panoramic views over the Robertson valley.

Lastly, but by no means least, don’t for to take a stroll through the magical garden, where every tree tells a story. The new look certainly counts in the farm favour.

With ample parking, friendly and attentive staff alongside cheerful wine pairings and soul-fool food, Van Loveren offers visitors a great escape from everyday life.

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Van Loveren Vineyards are open for tastings on:

• Monday to Friday: 08:30 – 17:00
• Saturday: 09:30 – 15:30
• Sunday: 11:00 – 14:00 (December 15h00)
• Public Holidays: 09:30 – 16:30

Christina’s @ Van Loveren  are open on:

• Monday; Wednesday to Friday: 11:00– 17:00
• Saturday & Sunday: 09:00 – 17:00 Last orders: 15:30
• (Closed on Tuesdays)