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Research supported thinking that the cooler sea breezes against the nearby coastal mountain range were ideal for the production of quality white wines. The Region has since then expanded to 16 vineyards with 10 boutique estates producing their own wine from a extended range of white and red cultivars.
The initial plantings were primarily the Sauvignon Blanc cultivar, processed as a still white it was the first in the country to undergo traditional bottle-fermentation to produce a sparkling champagne known as CC – Cap Classique in South Africa. Subsequently other cultivars, both white and red, have been introduced and thier wines (sparkling, white and reds) have enjoyed favourable receptions at presentations and reaped numerous awards.
Location | The Crags, Plettenberg Bay, South Africa |
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Duration | From 2 - 12 weeks |
Dates | February – November (Anyone wishing to stay over December MUST commence by mid- November) |
Requirements |
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Minimum Age: | 18 |
Documents required | Enrolment form, curriculum vitae, letter of motivation, passport copy, proof of medical insurance |
Day of arrival | Sunday |
Day of departure | Sunday |
Volunteers are involved in a wide range of wine-specific agricultural activities inclusive of vineyard field management, new trellis construction and existing trellis maintenance, irrigation networks, planting, the care and training of new vine growth, the busy harvest and pressing period, vine pruning for the next season, plus then wine maturation and bottling.
The annual cycle of primary activities is:
The estate’s hospitality arm includes wine presentations and tastings of their produce in a dedicated centre plus their restaurant and kitchen surrounded by the estate vineyards.
Once volunteers have mastered the technical aspects of what the estate wines are about and seen how tastings plus the restaurant and kitchen works, they have the opportunity to add variety to their regular routine by participating in these public interface hospitality elements.
The general farming activities are usually a Monday to Friday cycle but could include weekends during the busy harvest and pressing time. The restaurant and tasting activities tend to peak from Fridays through to Sundays so are closed on Mondays.
The general routine programme for Mondays to Fridays could look like this:
Weekends:
Any public holidays, whether falling on weekdays or weekends, will follow the Saturday/Sunday routine.
Please note that seasonal changes will result in a different focus on activities at different times of the year.
It is important to note that this description serves as an example only. The daily tasks and challenges depend on the volunteer, the time of year and the work that needs to be done. The final job description can therefore vary substantially from the above.
The accommodation is set in a 5-hectare small-holding amidst indigenous forest and open grazing pastures in The Crags and about 25 minutes from the main town of Plettenberg Bay.
You are accommodated in fully equipped, shared two-bed rooms, with bedding & towel provided, so might be sharing with another volunteer of the same gender. There are numerous bathrooms for communal access and use. Volunteers have full use of the well-equipped kitchen plus the two verandah areas - with large fire-places. It is here that guests and hosts gather for social interaction and where evening meals are served for all to enjoy.
A large group entertainment area complete with an under-cover combination plunge-pool/hot tub (the latter only fired up on request for special occasions), a bar facility plus an outdoor braai (BBQ) area are provided. Friday is officially declared as “Braai day” with local residents visiting for sundowners and a braai to mark the end of the week with the team and guests. The property also provides a golf practice putting green and a proper boule/petanque track.
Free WiFi is available at the main homestead and entertainment areas only.
Three daily meals are provided. You will make your own breakfast and lunch. Both vegetarian & vegan options, as well as any special dietary requirements, are available.
Raissa from Brazil
"The wine farm project is a complete experience with wine, food and people. You learn everything about growing grapes, tasting wine and food and how this combination can make people feel happy! This was an unforgettable experience!"