Art and fine wines culminate in night of excellence

KOMATIPOORT – Ecolux Boutique Hotel & Spa hosted its first private art viewing with a tasting of its new wines paired with co-owner Vonja Coetzee’s menu on Monday August 24. Talitha Engelbrecht of Hamilton Russel Vineyards, a name that is synonymous with award-winning wines, had its absolute best on offer. Ashbourne Sandstone 2009 pairs with the Ecolux cheese platter, Southern Right Sauvignon Blanc 2015 and Ashbourne Sauvignon Blanc/Chardonnay 2015 goes with tomato-and-pesto bruschetta. Hamilton Russel Vineyards Chardonnay 2014 pairs with chicken curry, Hamilton Russel Vineyards Pinot Noir 2014 with lamb shank and Southern Right pinotage 2014 and Ashbourne 2009 with oxtail. Hamilton Russell Vineyards, one of the most southerly wine estates in Africa and one of the closest to the sea, is located in the beautiful, cool, maritime Hemel-en-Aarde Valley just behind Hermanus. The estate specialises in producing highly individual, terroir-driven Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, which are widely regarded as the best in South Africa and among the best in the world. Founder, Tim Hamilton Russell purchased the undeveloped 170-hectare property in 1975, after an exhaustive search for the most southerly site on which to make South Africa’s top, cool-climate wines from a selection of noble varieties. Joshua Rossouw’s art was enjoyed by the guests and he had interesting life stories to tell about some of the artists. He opened the Fisherman’s Gallery in 1995, today known as Rossouw Modern Hermanus, and it is enjoyed by many art lovers and new collectors. He travelled extensively in search of talented southern African artists. He is representing both up-and-coming as well as established artists. He established himself as a respected and dedicated participant in the arts environment. Rossouw’s passion is evident in the collection of gifted South African artists he discovers, develops and proudly represents. Invited guests had a very enjoyable evening with Johan Coetzee and his wife, owners of this five-star venue.