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Wine Estates

Warwick wine estate launches the gourmet picnic experience

Warwick, the award-winning Stellenbosch Wine Estate, is proud to announce the official launch of their Warwick ‘Gourmet Picnic’ Experience: an epicurean initiative in which Warwick partners with the inimitable Chef, Bruce Robertson. This latest innovation bears testament to the acclaimed winery’s dedication to the pursuit of ‘excellence without compromise’: the maxim which drives this family-run winery. 

2009 demarcated matriarch and pioneer Norma Ratcliffe’s quarter-century in wine-making and son, managing director and marketing guru, Mike Ratcliffe’s, decade at the helm. In addition, 2009 witnessed the Warwick flagship Trilogy as the first South African wine ranked among the top 50 in the world by influential US Magazine Wine Spectator. “2010 will be no different,” expounds the ebullient Mike, “as the production of exceptional wine continues to be the core business of the estate, while the picnics will create an ambience favourable to leisurely indulgence by wine-lovers, amidst a pristine setting”. ‘The Gourmet Picnic’ is simply an extension of the lifestyle mission statement of excellence - and simplicity - that Warwick doggedly advocates.

This well-oiled culinary operation intends taking the winelands’ picnic experience to new heights: and, with a bona-fide safari vehicle, driven by an authentically-clad game ranger, taking patrons on a ‘Big 5 Safari’ to the ‘Mountain-top Penthouse’ for an al fresco, butler-served repast, Warwick is taking these proverbial ‘new heights’ quite literally! Take a guided tour through the vineyards in this high-tech Land Rover and spot the Big 5 grape varietals which define Bordeaux reds.  But this 4 x 4 experience is not for the faint-hearted, so if your adventurous spirit is somewhat lacking, there are a number of alternative, equally charming sites where one can relish delectable cuisine and sample fine Warwick wines.

The ‘Picnic Pods’ are analogous to the perfect marriage of country comfort coupled with refined sophistication with their exquisite architectural structure.  The designer, private ‘Picnic Pods’ seat up to twelve people are situated in the sun-splashed forested area flanking the.  These elements are bound to be highly popular so advanced booking is advised.

‘The Forest Courtyard’ was inspired by the historical Parisian ‘Jardin du Luxembourg’ and comprises a gravelled area with tables and chairs adjacent to the water feature. Children can play on the state-of-the art jungle-gym while parents’ minds are at ease in this child-friendly, chic, bistro-style locale.

‘The Lawns’ spill out onto the dam and a wide expanse of greenery boasts relaxing spaces where visitors can repose at leisure, captivated by the majestic vineyards, mesmerising sky and glorious greenbelt. Shaded by umbrellas, patrons can relax on scatter cushions and bean-bags making for a great siesta while being served by your own picnic butler! 

Mike reiterates the family motto of ’quality without comprise’, asserting that: “while striving for simplicity in this epicurean element, careful attention has been paid to finding the perfect balance between fine cuisine and al fresco picnic dining. Chef Bruce Robertson has created ‘The Gourmet Picnic’ to provide a balance between the freshest seasonal ingredients and a flavour profile that promises to satisfy the most discerning palate and most sophisticated gourmand”. 

To complement ‘The Gourmet Picnic’, there is a vegetarian option as well as a ‘Kiddies’ Picnic’. The picnics are aesthetically appealing and atypical: served on a board with carefully fitted boxes, and a transparent cover. Rolled atop each picnic is a lime-green cheque-, or pink polka dot, table-cloth and a 45cm baguette wrapped in the ‘Warwick Times’. All contents are presented with a ribbon and handed to each picnicker in a manner which bespeaks sophistication and illuminates innovation and finesse. Menus are frequently updated and can be downloaded from the website.

The Warwick team have adopted a ‘zero-carbon-footprint-approach’ to the packaging design with all components being either recyclable or bio-degradable, and disposal facilities are clearly demarcated. 

Perimeter fencing - with only one point of entry and exit - makes Warwick a safe haven for little ones. An intricate, state-of-the-art jungle-gym promises to keep children entertained for hours! The fact that ‘children go free’ also makes Warwick imminently desirable as an ideal family outing.

Warwick is also now the first Estate in Stellenbosch to be open 365 days of the year.

Warwick Wine Estate is indeed doing things a little differently.  Isn’t that what you would expect? So, come along this summer, make a family outing of it, and ‘taste the difference’.