We started our visit to the Wellington Wine Festival with an unofficial visit to Roger and Dawn Jørgensen’s distillery
Roger shows us the large range of spirits he makes, which includes absinthe, gin, whisky, vodka and some other more interesting distilled spirits like Aquavit
They are all showcased at his ‘cellar’ at Versailles Farm in Regent Street, Wellington, where he distills them. The tasting room is in their large, wonderful, old and spacious house just off Wellington’s Main Street
Roger took us through to the stoep, where he entertained us with delicious coffee and chocolate torte – and a little taste of
Primitiv Cask Aged Aquavit. Absolutely delicious to drink, but also very necessary if you are making salmon gravadlax. Roger told Lynne he makes gravadlax using Yellowtail, something she will definitely be trying soon. All our Norwegian and Swedish swallow friends will be delighted to discover this and we hope they visit the Jørgensens on their next visit, to taste and buy
Roger explained his distilling process to our good friend Peter Kampmeinert, who is visiting from Holland
Peter with one of Roger’s rescued ancient copper pot stills. We also covet them, but you need a serious liquor licence to own one and use it
The courtyard entrance to Jørgensens reminds us a little of a Moroccan courtyard
The view from their front porch is totally South African and it is hard to believe that the Main Street is one road away on the other side of the building.
Do visit and taste for yourself. See them at www.jd7.co.za
© John & Lynne Ford, Adamastor & Bacchus 2014
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