Deprecated: Assigning the return value of new by reference is deprecated in /usr/www/users/meerkah/cake/libs/debugger.php on line 99 Deprecated: Assigning the return value of new by reference is deprecated in /usr/www/users/meerkah/cake/libs/debugger.php on line 108 Deprecated: Assigning the return value of new by reference is deprecated in /usr/www/users/meerkah/cake/libs/file.php on line 96 Deprecated: Assigning the return value of new by reference is deprecated in /usr/www/users/meerkah/cake/libs/cache/file.php on line 89 Deprecated: Assigning the return value of new by reference is deprecated in /usr/www/users/meerkah/cake/dispatcher.php on line 453 Deprecated: Assigning the return value of new by reference is deprecated in /usr/www/users/meerkah/cake/dispatcher.php on line 677 Deprecated: Assigning the return value of new by reference is deprecated in /usr/www/users/meerkah/cake/libs/router.php on line 173 Deprecated: Assigning the return value of new by reference is deprecated in /usr/www/users/meerkah/cake/libs/controller/controller.php on line 338 Deprecated: Assigning the return value of new by reference is deprecated in /usr/www/users/meerkah/cake/libs/controller/controller.php on line 775 Deprecated: Assigning the return value of new by reference is deprecated in /usr/www/users/meerkah/cake/libs/controller/component.php on line 237 Deprecated: Assigning the return value of new by reference is deprecated in /usr/www/users/meerkah/cake/libs/controller/component.php on line 239 Deprecated: Assigning the return value of new by reference is deprecated in /usr/www/users/meerkah/cake/libs/view/view.php on line 744 Deprecated: Assigning the return value of new by reference is deprecated in /usr/www/users/meerkah/cake/libs/class_registry.php on line 68 Deprecated: Assigning the return value of new by reference is deprecated in /usr/www/users/meerkah/cake/libs/class_registry.php on line 140 Deprecated: Assigning the return value of new by reference is deprecated in /usr/www/users/meerkah/cake/libs/class_registry.php on line 148 Deprecated: Assigning the return value of new by reference is deprecated in /usr/www/users/meerkah/cake/libs/security.php on line 53 Deprecated: Assigning the return value of new by reference is deprecated in /usr/www/users/meerkah/cake/libs/validation.php on line 122 Deprecated: Assigning the return value of new by reference is deprecated in /usr/www/users/meerkah/cake/libs/model/behavior.php on line 286 Deprecated: Assigning the return value of new by reference is deprecated in /usr/www/users/meerkah/cake/libs/model/connection_manager.php on line 66 Deprecated: Assigning the return value of new by reference is deprecated in /usr/www/users/meerkah/cake/libs/model/connection_manager.php on line 80 Deprecated: Assigning the return value of new by reference is deprecated in /usr/www/users/meerkah/cake/libs/model/connection_manager.php on line 106 Deprecated: Assigning the return value of new by reference is deprecated in /usr/www/users/meerkah/cake/libs/string.php on line 45 Deprecated: Assigning the return value of new by reference is deprecated in /usr/www/users/meerkah/cake/libs/i18n.php on line 107 Deprecated: Assigning the return value of new by reference is deprecated in /usr/www/users/meerkah/cake/libs/i18n.php on line 108 Deprecated: Function split() is deprecated in /usr/www/users/meerkah/cake/libs/l10n.php on line 396 Deprecated: Assigning the return value of new by reference is deprecated in /usr/www/users/meerkah/cake/libs/view/helpers/xml.php on line 49 Deprecated: Assigning the return value of new by reference is deprecated in /usr/www/users/meerkah/cake/libs/view/helpers/xml.php on line 158 Deprecated: Assigning the return value of new by reference is deprecated in /usr/www/users/meerkah/cake/libs/xml.php on line 150 Deprecated: Assigning the return value of new by reference is deprecated in /usr/www/users/meerkah/cake/libs/xml.php on line 164 Deprecated: Assigning the return value of new by reference is deprecated in /usr/www/users/meerkah/cake/libs/xml.php on line 1387 Schalk Burger & Sons Welbedacht Farm Newshttp://www.meerkatwines.co.za/news/feed.rssnewsfeedrssen-us Welbedacht Wine Estate completes unique Pinotage Hat Trick http://www.meerkatwines.co.za/news/feed/1/21.rsshttp://www.meerkatwines.co.za/news/feed/1/21.rss At the 2010 South African Wine Index awards function, held recently in Stellenbosch, the Welbedacht Hat Trick became a member of the very exclusive 96+ club. The award was granted to Welbedacht Estate for having produced a superlative wine of world distinction over a period of years. It is based on the results that have been achieved by the wine at a variety of International and Local competitions over a period of time.   “Being a Cape Blend and the fact that we produce quality Pinotage in great volumes, makes it very rewarding that our area, Wellington and our Estate Welbedacht, can be awarded this pinnacle accolade as the Welbedacht Hat Trick comprises 50% Pinotage. Our Estate furthermore completed the Hat Trick with the Welbedacht Estate 2009 Pinotage winning the best Pinotage in the 2011 National Terroir Awards and the 2009 Meerkat Pinotage being selected into the prestigious ABSA Top Ten. We have now come of age as a serious pinotage producer and it makes me very happy as a proprietor and Pinotage lover”  stated the resident proprietor Schalk Burger.   The wines are all available through fine wine stores and the larger retailers or contact the farm for orders or trade enquiries.   Issued by: Tiaan Burger e-mail : tiaan@welbedacht.co.za Date: 29 August 2011  Mon, 29 Aug 2011 14:41:51 +0200Meerkat in Top 10!http://www.meerkatwines.co.za/news/feed/1/20.rsshttp://www.meerkatwines.co.za/news/feed/1/20.rss   All us Meerkats' at Meerkat Wines woke up this morning feeling a bit groggy after having had the biggest party of our lives!! As everybody knows we are the most gregarious wine in South Africa and after our 2009 Pinotage won an ABSA Top 10 yesterday we did not need too much invitation to celebrate!!   Thanks to all at the competition and thanks to all our supporters, the retail trade and our loyal consumers, you do not have to pay a premium to enjoy South Africa's most gregarious cultivar and wine!   Gregarious adj; 1, fond of company 2,living in flocks or communities   The Meerkat, Pinotage and Schalk Burger & Sons are indigenous to Southern Africa and are very, very gregarious! Fri, 26 Aug 2011 16:41:28 +0200When tasted blindhttp://www.meerkatwines.co.za/news/feed/1/18.rsshttp://www.meerkatwines.co.za/news/feed/1/18.rssWellington. What image does this Boland town and area conjure up for you? Does it have any image at all as an entity? Or do you have mixed feelings as I do? Primarily, Wellington has had echoes of co-operatives and chenin blanc used for the production of sherry and brandy; fine wine has been way off the radar. Frankly the town too seems a bit of a backwater; a place one would pass through en route to somewhere else rather than a destination. With the pace of change in the winelands, it’s not surprising when such negative impressions have to be re-considered. Mine were, last week when I spent a fascinating day at Welbedacht with owners, Schalk and Myra Burger and their young winemaker, Jacques Wentzel. To read more please click on link...    ttp://www.grape.co.za/users/angela_lloyd/blog/2011-05-30-when_tasted_blind.htmlMon, 13 Jun 2011 15:31:57 +0200Wondrous Wellington Wineshttp://www.meerkatwines.co.za/news/feed/1/17.rsshttp://www.meerkatwines.co.za/news/feed/1/17.rsshttp://t.co/tNQPvZa    Please follow link for article in Cape Argus about wondrous Wellington Wines.   Those looking for a lighthearted unwooded aperitif with honeyed fruit should try the farm’s Meerkat chenin (R35 ex-cellar) – one of only two whites in this fun third tier. Schalk Burger sr started producing his own wines in his new cellar in 2005, establishing an enviable record of quality and diversity in six short years.Mon, 13 Jun 2011 12:22:24 +0200A very gregarious wine better known as Meerkat Pinotage! http://www.meerkatwines.co.za/news/feed/1/16.rsshttp://www.meerkatwines.co.za/news/feed/1/16.rss   South Africa’s most gregarious wine brand has scored yet again at a tasting and this time at the WINE MAGAZINE’s Pinotage tasting in the May 2011 issue.             It was also named one of the Best Value Pinotage’s based on price out of a 150 wine entries for this tasting. “As one of South Africa’s fastest growing Pinotage’s with a strong following in South Africa and Internationally the award just underwrites why you do not have to drink Pinotage with a flavour to it as long as it is gregarious!” exclaimed Tiaan Burger who as marketing manager said determinedly we shall never compromise quality with our Meerkat range as it has built up a strong heritage as a real value for money brand. “We must also thank all the retailers who have had faith in the brand and who have made it a commercial success as well!” Meerkat Wines, which are under the Schalk Burger & Sons Wine Estate umbrella, are known as South Africa’s most gregarious wine as for the animal, which are like Schalk Burger & Sons and Pinotage indigenous to Southern Africa and very gregarious. The Estate itself produces 400 tons of Pinotage per year and Pinotage really is one of the driving forces behind Schalk Burger & Sons. The Welbedacht Estate Range Pinotage 2008 got an ABSA Top Ten Wine Award accolade in the 2010 competition and the Welbedacht Hat Trick (Cape Blend which consist 50% Pinotage) has won the Decanter World Wine Awards Trophy for Best Red Blend from South Africa at the prestigious 2009 Decanter World Wine Awards Ceremony in London, UK. The Meerkat Pinotage is a juicy Pinotage, which offers you the sensual extravaganza of sweet plums and soft vanilla. Like the back label says: “Invite Meerkat Pinotage in for your favourite dinner or take him out to a noisy BBQ with friends – Meerkat loves company!”          Mon, 13 Jun 2011 12:13:56 +0200Meerkat Sun Angel 2008 named best Wine of the Yearhttp://www.meerkatwines.co.za/news/feed/1/15.rsshttp://www.meerkatwines.co.za/news/feed/1/15.rssThe very popular and gregarious wine, Meerkat Sun Angel 2008, has received the award at the Wine-of-the-Month-Club for the Best Wine of the Year in the category for Semi-Sweet/Sweet/ Off Dry category. Congratulations to Jacques Wentzel and the rest of the winemaking team. Thu, 16 Sep 2010 16:38:34 +0200Welbedacht Cricket Oval popular with the Cape Wild Boar XIhttp://www.meerkatwines.co.za/news/feed/1/14.rsshttp://www.meerkatwines.co.za/news/feed/1/14.rssAbove can be seen the devastation caused by the Cape Wild Boars on our Estate’s very famous Welbedacht Cricket Oval. These Cape Wild Boars, due to the very dry conditions, come out of the Groenberg Mountain at night to feed. We believe they have started their own 20/20 Night Cricket League but their last game must have been a particularly tough one, given the state of the field the following morning! We believe that this game was possibly between the Boars and the Meerkats, who are also not shy of burrowing away at our soils. Further news is that our resident Meerkat family has grown to 4, following Blossom giving birth to 2 babies a month ago. However the result was not on the scoreboard the following morning so we do not know who won! The Boars use their tusks to plough beneath the kikuyu and lift the roots which they are very fond of. They are a very rare breed and are hardly seen during the day and can weigh up to a 200 kg’s. It is further also testament to the terroir and surrounding bio-diversity that we are privileged to have these rare animals so close to our farms. Please feel free to visit Welbedacht Estate and get acquainted with our unique terroir, wines and animals, Enjoy you rest of your week and please leave your comment. Regards from the warmest burrows, Tiaan BurgerMon, 02 Aug 2010 15:23:05 +0200Harvest time fun in Wellingtonhttp://www.meerkatwines.co.za/news/feed/1/1.rsshttp://www.meerkatwines.co.za/news/feed/1/1.rssMention the town "Wellington" and immediately you'll conjure up enticing images of the noble fruit of the vine, old fashioned Boland hospitality and the down to earth, yet wholesome life and unpretentious atmosphere which pervades this well known valley. To celebrate and savour these and other Wellington treasures, this historic town will be rolling out the red carpet at the third Wellington Wine Route Harvest Festival on Saturday, 21 and Sunday, 22 March 2009. Bring along the entire family for a laid-back autumn day in the open air or hop from cellar to cellar to meet the masters behind the award winning wines from the Wellington region. Even though the Wellington wine and brandy route is compact, it contains no fewer than 25 of the country's foremost cellars, of whom five also produce some of South Africa's finest potstill brandy. The festival will also showcase various private cellars that are normally only open by appointment.In the Perdeskoen area visitors will be treated to horse rides, day trips through nature heritage sites, and a fresh goods market with organic suppliers. Diemersfontein offers aspiring wine makers the opportunity to step out and blend their own bottles from various quality cultivars. Linton Park in the Groenberg area is set to lure visitors to a crayfish braai, and while Mischa's Moroccan tent with DJ and cocktails promise a deliciously colourful experience, you can simultaneously experience a close-up view of the rare Cape Quagga. The three co-ops of the area will treat adrenalin junkies to an exciting quad bike trail at the Bovlei cellar.For those with a passion for the cultural side of life the writing course and lunch in the brandy cellar of renowned author Riana Scheepers in the Bovlei area is just the thing. Try your hand at Boule with live Jazz to spur you on, or rub shoulders with several illustrious personalities including Wellington's golden boy, Valiant Swart, at a story telling and cooking evening. Lovers of South African talent will be sure to enjoy the sounds of amongst others Bok van Blerk and Robbie Wessels at Schalk Burger & Sons.Whether you're in the mood for an exceptional gourmet experience or merely fancy sampling a selection of the wide variety of goodies on offer, the delicious smorgasbord laid on by this charming Boland town's food fundis is bound to delight. You will be spoiled for choice at the Kleinfontein farm kitchen or try the Dunstone spitbraai; load your plate at the Doolhof potjiekos competition and dare to participate in the grape stomping escapades also at Doolhof. Enjoy a long lunch at Lelienfontein or a Sunday afternoon lunch in Nabygelegen's picture perfect cellar and then salute the finest life has to offer with a starlit five course dinner at 5 Mountains. Or simply while away an hour or two at one of the coffee shops in and around Wellington. Whatever your food fondness, this festival promises to exceed all your gastronomic expectations.Be it fine cuisine, culture or art that make your soul sing, or be it simply tons of fun and pure pleasure which ignite your passion - in March 2009 all roads lead to Wellington! Although the fruit of the vine is to be the guest of honour, the festival remains a fabulous family affair.For only R40 your ticket will put you in possession of a Glass and a Pass. Although tickets may still be available during the festival, it's recommended that you be the early bird and secure them in advance from the information office or participating farms. Also be on the lookout for special packages which will keep you in Wellington for the whole weekend. Visit www.wellington.co.za or contact Trudy Oosthuizen at the Wellington Wine Route at tel (021) 873-4604/8 or e-mail wine@wellington.co.za for more information.Mon, 26 Jan 2009 12:31:45 +0200