2016 Bloggers Overall Winner & 2016 Best Value Winner: Org De Rac Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Despite its comparatively short existence, Org de Rac has made impressive strides, with nearly 60 ha under vine. Both farm and cellar are certified organic by Control Union, a global network of inspection operations and certification programmes.
Org de Rac, the most northerly producer in the large and diverse Swartland wine region, is owned by Nico Bacon, a pioneer of eco-friendly viticulture in this area. The cellar offers visitors three ranges, including a well-rated all-Chardonnay bubbly, four-star Cabernet and Shiraz, with Chardonnay being the single white. They recently added a husk spirit (better known as grappa) to their range.
The farm uses no chemicals on the vines, plants cover crops between the rows for additional nutrition, and employs ducks for snail patrol. Grapes are hand-harvested and sorted, and wine production – from crushing to labelling – is done on site.
Visitors are welcome to walk around the farm and view the springbok and bontebok herds.
Generous cheese platters and picnics are available (book 48 hours in advance). They also make organically certified olive oil, lavender and rosemary products, and stock chocolate sourced from ‘Africa’s only organic bean-to-bar chocolate factory’. Pairing this with their robust reds could be an interesting exercise.