Hi there, Vondelingers
We are very pleased to have completed installation of our new solar panels. The solar power is enough to supply all but our highest electrical needs, which take place during hot days at peak harvest. Outside of these times, i.e. during winter and over weekends, we will be completely green. Winter weddings will run 100% on green energy as there is still more than enough sun to cover our winter requirements.  The solar system will reduce our carbon footprint substantially. We have a mobile app which enables us to monitor our current usage, shows how much kW the system is generating, how much CO2 emissions we are NOT pumping into the atmosphere and the amount of crude oil we save. I think it’s pretty cool! Read all about our conservation efforts here

Aug NL 1

 Vondeling’s new solar panels.

The last of our stored oat hay was delivered to our various horse breeding clients. It has been very cold at night recently here in the Western Cape, so the animals need all they can get. Cold temperatures also ensure the vines’ dormancy and a nice rest before bud burst. The 2018 oat hay crop is looking good and we will cut and bail that in October/November.

Aug NL 2

 Oat hay being delivered. 

On the wine front, it was very pleasing to be awarded a double gold in the “Rosé Rocks Competition” for our newly released 2018 Rosé and a Gold Wine Award for our 2017 Baldrick Shiraz.  You can now easily place your orders online.

Aug NL 3

My wonderful travel agent, Yolanda from Boland Travel, got married here a couple of weeks ago. She looked beautiful and we wish her and her lucky husband everything of the best. If you’d like to enquire about our wedding packages, contact Mariaan Harris.

Aug NL 4

 Wedded bliss at Vondeling’s Farmhouse

We have a busy few weeks ahead. The Nederburg Wine Auction is on September 8th when our Babiana 2013 and Rurale 2013 will go under the hammer. It really is the most amazing event and if any of you have the chance to attend, I strongly recommend it.  Also, Cape Wine is from 12-14 September and is our industry’s largest and most prestigious showcase to trade buyers from around the world. We will be exhibiting our latest vintages at stand A9 at the Cape Town International Conference Centre.

 Aug NL 5

 The very rare Babiana 2013 will go under the hammer at the Nederburg Auction.

A bilingual Anglican service is held on the last Sunday of every month in the beautiful St Clement Chapel here on Vondeling in the Paardeberg. I am delighted to let you know that Bishop Raphael will be conducting the service on Christmas morning this year, photographed below with Rev Ernest Ward Cox.

 Aug NL 6

 Bishop Raphael and Reverend Ernest

In other news: As you no doubt will have read or heard, there is robust political debate going on at the moment regarding, “expropriating farms with no compensation”. As you can imagine, it is a very emotive subject. However, it is an area in the South African firmament that does need addressing and when the politicians have finished using it as a political football, some good solutions might come to the fore. There is a large amount of government owned land which can be re distributed to begin with and if emerging farmers are funded to get qualified and then given finance to create and maintain a farming business, things may start to happen. There are many established and experienced farmers who would be more than happy to help or get involved with shared farming opportunities.

Until next time, have a wonderful month and enjoy life to the full!

Julian