This autumn, Ken Forrester Vineyards offers ample activities for lovers of wine, art, yoga and even liquorice. Situated on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain and aptly dubbed the Home of Chenin Blanc, Ken Forrester is a gem waiting to be discovered.
Wine and liquorice
Who said wine pairings are dull? This is your chance to pair decadent liquorice offerings from the world’s smallest liquorice factory with four wines from the Ken Forrester portfolio. Lakrids by Bülow liquorice truly makes the world fall in love with this Scandinavian favourite. “Our vision is to spread the love for liquorice around the globe. Not only the sweet kind, not only the salty one, but the whole spectrum of flavours that can be achieved when using liquorice as a spice,” according to Lakrids.
Visit the Ken Forrester tasting room seven days a week from 10:00 to 17:00 for a pairing of four white or red wines with different flavours of Lakrids by Bülow liquorice at R195 per person. Or double up and spend R250 for eight wines and eight pieces of Lakrids. Booking is essential.
Wine and art
Take your time and enjoy various portrait paintings and sculptures from South African artist Janko de Beer on show daily in the estate’s tasting room and sprawling lawn. Janko’s work is collected globally and enjoyed success in several solo and international group exhibitions. While Janko’s formal career as an artist started with sculpture, he now balances sculpting and painting equally. For him, the process and method of applying paint to canvas or paper are akin to applying patinas to raw sculptures.
Prices range from R15,000 to R380,000.
Wine and yoga
Few things are better than the practice of yoga enjoyed in fresh air. This autumn, Ken Forrester is calling all yogis for a memorable yoga experience while surrounded by vineyards and idiosyncratic sculptures by Janko de Beer. #YogaOnTheLawn, a 60-minute yoga class by yoga instructor Nolene Nel, takes place every Thursday at 18:00 (weather permitting) at R100 per person and includes a glass of Ken Forrester Sparklehorse MCC upon completion. Do bring your own mat and allow 15 minutes to find your perfect spot.
Good to know: The session boasts an exploration of breathing and yoga movements suitable for all levels.
Wine and locals
Local is indeed lekker with Ken Forrester. All locals visiting the estate’s tasting room on a Thursday from 13:00 to 16:00 will receive a glass of Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc on the house. This wine is a great example of the harmonious balance which can be achieved between fruit and delicate oak or vanilla flavours as they combine to form complex, soft flavours with sufficient body to enhance even spicy and full-flavoured meals.
Send an email to tastingroom@kenforresterwines.com for more information.
Wine and cheese
In the spirit of #SupportLocal, enjoy a selection of Dalewood cheeses and Wagyu biltong at R295 per platter served daily. These proudly South African platters, serving 3-4 guests, are perfect companions to any of Ken Forrester’s stunning wines for a laidback wine tasting experience.
And while you’re there, visit the estate’s shop for a curated selection of deli items, homeware, apparel and other wine-related items. Some of our favourites include the must-have Chenin meat rub, locally sourced honey and a selection of mustards.
Good to know: Contact +27 (0)21 855 2374 or send an email to adri@kenforresterwines.com for more information.