“They should call the Paardeberg the Partyberg,” said Pieter Euvrard from Orangerie. “Since Adi Badenhorst moved here, the parties just don’t stop. The next one is the 25th birthday party of Jasper (Adi’s winemaker). I hope my liver can handle it.” Pieter was speaking at the annual oesaf (end of harvest) braai at the Swartland Cellar last night.

With 70% of its production exported, the majority to Gallo in the USA in a rand-denominated contract, Swartland is surfing the recession better than most. And on the evidence of the 2010 wines being liberally poured alongside Oom Balie’s mobile Bar-B-Q from Worcester, 2010 is looking good. 17 000 tons of grapes have been crushed (as opposed to a usual 20 000 tons) confirming reduced volumes for 2010. But no sacrifice of quality, if the dense Chenin Blanc 2010 is anything to go by.

Earlier in the day, we stopped by Annexkloof and tasted some spectacular 2009 vintage Shiraz with Hugo Basson. Wine made from grapes grown on three different vineyards on Babylonstoren, Rheboksdam and Eenfontein farms confirm a terroir that is almost northern Rhône in rusticity. Hugo showed us a 2009 vintage Sauvignon Blanc he bottled on Friday. “A year on the lees and R25 a bottle,” making it one of the best value for money Sauvignons of the season. I’ll certainly be tipping the Good Value Guru off, but in the meantime Sauvignistas can give Hugo a call on 083 284 8645.

Marius and Hugo Basson

The spring which forms the largest tributary of the Diep River rises on Annexkloof and makes its may leisurely to the sea at Milnerton. A river which is a metaphor for life on the Paardeberg where farms like Annexkloof have been in families for generations. An observation hard to pick up at the oesaf that evening for although the 60-odd farmers are mostly related, family resemblances (apart from an enthusiasm to party) are few and far between.