Idiom wines—nestled in the heart of the Helderberg range—is a celebration of terroir, unusual varietals, and masterful blends. This southernmost part of the Stellenbosch wine region provides the perfect backdrop and climatic conditions for an incredible range of wines.
Idiom Wine’s Unique Location
This elite winery is situated at the foot of majestic granite mountains. Idiom’s slopes vary in height from 200 to 350 meters above sea level. The 150-hectare property is easily recognizable due to the distinctive mountain shape known as the Idiom Conical Peak. Their soils contain decomposed granite which is relatively shallow and stony in patches with a clay base. These unique northern, western, and southern aspects create several micro-terroirs that add character and complexity to the wines.
A Family Wine Farm with Italian Heritage
The family wine farm has seen many great achievements. This includes the massive project to build a signature tasting centre and restaurant in 2016 undertaken by Alberto and Roberto. Their decision to plant Italian varietals as part of their diversified portfolio of grapes and actively promote these grape varietals in South Africa is a celebration of their heritage.
Idiom Wines: A Taste of Europe in the Cape
The vineyards bearing the Idiom fruit are called “Da Capo,” meaning “from the beginning” or “from the Cape” in Italian. This name refers to the fact that the vineyards were carefully planted for the first time in 1999. The range consists of 19 different varietals with each providing a unique and direct comparison between famous French wines of Bordeaux and Rhone and Italian wines of Tuscany and Piedmont. All are expressed in the Cape terroir.
Idiom Wine Tasting Centre: A World-Class Experience
The Idiom Wine Tasting Centre offers world-class and informative tasting experiences. It showcase Idiom’s flagship blends, signature Italian varietal wines, including the rare limited-release 900 Series wines. Guests can explore the ‘Cape Idiom’ of the great wine regions of the world while taking in architecture, views, and Italian-South African wines.
Vinotria Italian Wine Library: A Journey Through Italy
Guests are also able to embark on a virtual journey through the main wine regions of Italy at the Vinotria Italian Wine Library where a display of 250 wines from all over Italy distributed by Bottega Family Wines in South Africa.
Idiom Sensory Walks: Exploring Wine Through Nature
You can enjoy a unique experience only to be found in the Varietal Sensory Garden and the Fynbos Garden. Walk from varietal to varietal to explore the scents that are the constituent elements found in white and red wines of the Idiom Collection and whats more is that each bed offers descriptors of the different aromas and flavours, including its herb and floral characteristics. In addition this is also used as a culinary garden for Idiom’s restaurant.
Fynbos & Wine Walks: Celebrating Indigenous Flora
Idiom’s Da Capo Vineyards is situated within the Cape’s biosphere, and the garden celebrates some of the beautiful indigenous flora of the area. Guests can explore the scents of indigenous fynbos on a Fynbos Walk followed by the Cape Blend Tasting.
Idiom Wine’s Restaurant: Contemporary Dining with Breathtaking Views
The Idiom Restaurant opened in June 2016 and offers contemporary dining in the restaurant and a wine-tasting centre. It showcases Idiom’s flagship blends too, signature Italian varietal wines, including the rare limited-edition 900 Series wines. The 100-seater main dining area in the restaurant offers a fusion of Italian and South African cuisine in a modern vernacular.
The restaurant includes a unique, panoramic views of the majestic Helderberg basin. You can see the full expanse of the Cape Peninsula. You can see Table Mountain to Cape Point in addition to False Bay glistening in the foreground. Enjoy the Idiom Signature experience – a 3-course set menu paired with recommended wines from the Idiom Collection. There is also an à la carte and pizza menu available. Please keep in mind that the restaurant closes at 5 pm for day visitors but is available for booking as a venue for private parties.
Remco and Tanja, owners of La Bonne Auberge, often head over to Idiom Wines as it’s one of their favourite spots. Check out what they think about this elite wine estate:
“We are always truly delighted in visiting the Idiom Wine Centre. Nestled away from the hustle and bustle. Furthermore, it offers a stunning view of the surrounding landscape. Wine tasting at Idiom is more than just sampling and purchasing our favourite wines. We love Idiom mostly because we get the opportunity to taste and savour top-quality wines, guided by professional experts who provide insightful explanations. This unforgettable experience keeps us coming back to Idiom time and time again.”
Photo Credits: Idiom website and Instagram
