Wine releases 2010

We have Out of stock vs stock on hand

We’ve had a bumper summer season at Hidden Valley. The out of stock situation on three quarters of our wine portfolio for two consecutive months has been more of a blessed problem than a train smash. We believe in continuity of supply and above all the correct release dates in order to supply customers 365 days a year. Although we needed to beg and borrow some stock from retailers to supply restaurants, the relationship building while communicating this to customers has made this a far better experience than might have been.

The Hidden Valley and Land’s End Wines have always been a ‘hand sell’, as Dave Hidden likes to say. We thrive on building relationships with clients and the fact that we almost had a sell-out means our relationships are simple and successful. Being out of stock and getting the hand crafted wines from winemaker Louis Nel (CWG member) back in glass is very exciting. It’s almost like being promised a gift, exciting but you can’t ask for it! Most of the staff at Hidden Valley are tying to bribe Emma Moffat, our junior winemaker for some samples of the unlabeled releases, but without success!

For the first time we have a full line up of Louis Nel’s wines across the two labels, Hidden Valley and Land’s End. Louis had his hands on the grapes with Oom Grobbie, our viticulturist, from vine to barrel to glass.
Our Hidden Valley Pinotage 2008 has a distinct mocha chocolate character. Our two flagship wines, the Hidden Gems and Hidden Secret 2007 are both amazing. The Gems is a Bordeaux-style blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Petit Verdot that shows a complexity of classic flavours; blueberries, eucalyptus and cassis with underlying minerality. The Hidden Secret 2007 is classified as a Rhône-style blend as an ‘SMT’ (blend of Syrah, Mourvèdre and Tannat), in true spicy and savoury profile with a hint of marzipan.

We will price our new releases according to market-related information, and in reflection of what we spend per hectare per annum. Farms in the valley spend approximately R 7,500 a year to maintain good viticultural practices per hectare; we spend around R 30,000 per hectare per year. Sound like overkill? No. No vehicle can drive on Hidden Valley without being a 4X4; that is how far up the slopes of the Helderberg we are!

Louis Nel - from consultant to associate

Louis Nel, Hidden Valley and Land’s End winemaker is well known as a craftsman inducted into the prestigious Cape Winemakers Guild. He is passionate about his profession and has always longed to launch a personal wine brand. In order to accommodate both his dream and Hidden Valley’s desire to retain Louis’ skills, an association of mutual benefit has been formed.

It differs from a consultancy in that Louis has an ongoing accountability for all aspects of the winemaking process for both Hidden Valley and Land’s End. This seamless transition has been in operation since the beginning of May 2010.
The role may well be a first in the South African wine industry. Louis retains his role as resident winemaker at Hidden Valley while given the opportunity to make and actively market his own brand, The Louis, at the same time. “It’s a win-win situation for us both,” Louis says.

Clearly the common denominator is Louis’ winemaking skills. Another advantage for Louis is the availability of the modern winery at Hidden Valley.
Dave Hidden’s mantra is ‘the more you share the more you gain.’ “Working together is something we should all be striving towards if we want to be successful in this industry,” Dave says.
Joining the wine making team is Emma Moffat who has been appointed as assistant winemaker.
 

Koos Kombuis @ Hidden Valley

Afrikaans rock legend Koos Kombuis will perform at Hidden Valley on 24 July. Kombuis, a well know musician and lyricist of local heritage, has been heating up stages around South Africa since the early 1980’s with folk hits such as Lisa se klavier and bicycle sonder slot.

Join Hidden Valley Wines and Koos Kombuis for a glass of wine and traditional boerekos, priced at only R 120 per person. To reserve your seat please phone Carle van Schalkwyk on 021 880 2646 or email functions@hiddenvalleywines.com.
All Hidden Valley- and Land’s End wines will be for sale on the evening.
 

Winter menu @ Overture Restaurant

Overture at Hidden Valley has prepared a special menu to warm away the winter chills. The Menu Du Jour (special menu) will consist of four courses; starter, main, pre-dessert and dessert with amuse-bouche and petit fours to finish the meal to perfection.

The price is R250 per person with wine or R200 for the meal alone. Dishes from the set Overture menu will also be available at an additional price.
The lunch special runs from 1 May to 31 July, Tuesdays to Fridays.
 

World Cup wine specials

In celebration of the Soccer World Cup all of our wines will be offered at 10% discount at the cellar door from 1 June to 31 July 2010.

Come and enjoy a delicious cooked meal made by Overture restaurant @ Hidden Valley Wines at just R85 including a glass of our 2008 Pinotage.

Monthly lucky draw

HIDDEN VALLEY & OVERTURE
offers you the chance to win one of a range of prizes in our lucky draw at the end of this month. Buy a Case of any 6 Wines and enter your
details or business card with your till slip in our lucky bowl.

Congratulations to last month's lucky draw winner Ansie Welman, pictured above with Barend Barnard, our Marketing Manager.

1st Prize:  A lunch table for 4 guests at Overture including 2 Hidden Valley wines.

2nd Prize: Valued at over R500 - A mixed case of Hidden Valley & Land’s End Wines.

3rd Prize: Valued at R170 - An olive gift pack from Hidden Valley.

Winners will be notified on the 1st Friday of the new month.