Celebrating International Chardonnay Month with Robertson Wine Valley's finest

May is International Chardonnay Month, a golden opportunity to celebrate the world's most versatile wine grape in the heart of South Africa's Robertson Wine Valley. Known for its limestone-rich soils and sun-kissed vineyards, the Valley's craft Chardonnays that sparkle with character, from the crisp minerality of Weltevrede to the pioneering elegance of De Wetshof. 

This blog explores the region's finest offerings, including gems from Bon Courage, Van Loveren, Ashton Winery, and Springfield Estate. Guided by the immersive experiences of Wine Valley Safari, we'll taste through a constellation of Chardonnays, uncovering their stories, flavours, and perfect pairings for a memorable May celebration.

The Magic of Chardonnay in Robertson Wine Valley's Terroir

Chardonnay thrives in Robertson's unique terroir, where limestone and clay soils meet a climate of warm days and cool, river-kissed nights. This creates wines with vibrant acidity, lush fruit, and a signature minerality, as seen in Weltevrede's Calcrete Chardonnay. From the zesty, unoaked styles of Bon Courage's Unwooded Chardonnay 2021 to the opulent, barrel-aged De Wetshof Bateleur Chardonnay 2024, Robertson's Chardonnays are a testament to the region's diversity.

International Chardonnay Month is the perfect time to explore this range, as estates like Ashton Winery and Van Loveren showcase both affordability and excellence. The region's terroir, detailed in this viticultural study, mirrors Burgundy's, yet its warmer climate infuses riper fruit, making every sip a celebration of place.

Weltevrede: Crafting Limestone Legends

Weltevrede is a beacon of Robertson's Chardonnay prowess, harnessing limestone soils to create wines like the Calcrete Chardonnay. This unoaked beauty bursts with green apple, citrus, and a saline minerality, evoking the ocean's ancient presence in Robertson's soils. For International Chardonnay Month, Weltevrede's Barrel Select Chardonnay adds oaked richness, with notes of vanilla and toasted almond.

Tasting in Weltevrede's underground cellar, a highlight of Wine Valley Safari tours, feels like a journey into the earth's heart. The cool, stone-walled ambiance enhances each sip, making Weltevrede a must-visit for Chardonnay lovers seeking purity and depth during May's festivities.

De Wetshof: The Chardonnay Pioneer

De Wetshof is South Africa's Chardonnay trailblazer, with a portfolio that dazzles during International Chardonnay Month. Their Bon Vallon Chardonnay 2024 is a crisp, unoaked delight, offering citrus, wild flowers, and grilled nuts with a mineral finish. The Calcrete Chardonnay 2023 showcases Robertson's limestone terroir with wet stone and oyster shell notes, perfect with seafood.

The Bateleur Chardonnay 2024 delivers citrus and pear-drop complexity for oaked elegance, maturing gracefully in French oak. De Wetshof's historic cisterns, featured in Wine Valley Safari tours, elevate tastings and immerse you in the estate's storied legacy.

Bon Courage: Affordable Chardonnay Charm

Bon Courage's Unwooded Chardonnay 2021 brings accessible elegance to International Chardonnay Month. This wine bursts with fresh peach, lemon, and a hint of tropical fruit, making it a crowd-pleaser for casual May gatherings. Its unoaked style highlights Robertson's fruit-driven terroir, offering value without sacrificing quality.

Bon Courage's Chardonnay shines alongside light salads or grilled fish. Its affordability makes it a staple for stocking up, ensuring every toast during Chardonnay Month is delicious and budget-friendly.

Van Loveren: Everyday Elegance

Van Loveren's Van Loveren Chardonnay adds a touch of everyday luxury to International Chardonnay Month. This wine balances crisp apple and pear with subtle oak, creating a versatile sip for any occasion. Its approachable price point makes it a favourite for casual sippers and seasoned enthusiasts.

Van Loveren's welcoming tasting room, often included in Wine Valley Safari itineraries, pairs this Chardonnay with local cheeses, enhancing its creamy texture. For May, it's perfect for impromptu gatherings or a quiet evening under the stars.

Ashton Winery: Rising Stars of Chardonnay

Ashton Winery is a hidden gem in the Robertson Wine Valley, offering Chardonnays that punch above their weight during International Chardonnay Month. Their Calcrete Chardonnay 750ml mirrors the limestone-driven Chablis style, with crisp citrus and a saline edge, while the Limited Release Chardonnay adds gentle oak for depth.

These wines, enjoyed during a Wine Valley Safari stop, reflect Ashton's commitment to quality at accessible prices.

Springfield Estate: The Wild Side of Chardonnay

Springfield Estate's Wild Yeast Chardonnay brings a bold twist to International Chardonnay Month. Fermented with native yeasts, this wine offers funky minerality, green apple, and a creamy texture, capturing Robertson's untamed spirit. 

Springfield's rugged vineyards, often featured in Wine Valley Safari tours, add a sense of adventure to each sip. This Chardonnay is a must-try for those seeking something off the beaten path during May's celebrations.

Zandvliet’s Kalkveld Chardonnay Brilliance

The Zandvliet Estate Chardonnay is a masterful expression of the region's rocky, calcareous soils, delivering a firm acidity, concentrated citrus and tropical fruit flavours with a hint of butterscotch. 

Awarded Double Gold at the 2020 NWC/Top 100 SA Wines Challenge, this elegant wine balances modern fruit-driven appeal with timeless sophistication, making it a perfect sip for May's festivities. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for later, its versatility pairs beautifully with grilled seafood or creamy pasta.

Nestled along the Cogmans River, Zandvliet's vineyards bask in breezes from Cape Agulhas, cooling the sun-drenched slopes to preserve the Chardonnay's vibrant character. A visit to their Kalkveld Lounge tasting room, a highlight of Wine Valley Safari tours, offers a chance to savour this award-winning wine amid the estate's historic Cape Dutch charm.

Tasting Rooms to Visit This May

• Weltevrede: Sip Calcrete Chardonnay is a Wine Valley Safari highlight in their underground cellar.

• De Wetshof: Explore the "House of Chardonnay" range in historic cisterns, steeped in history.

• Bon Courage: Enjoy Unwooded Chardonnay, a serene stop on safari routes.

• Zandvliet: Taste elegance alongside the beautiful fireplace at the Kalveld Lounge tasting room

• Van Loveren: Variety is the order of the day at Van Loveren's iconic Tasting Room. Be sure to include Christina Chardonnay

• Springfield: Taste the ancient traditions while sipping on Methode Ancienne

Pairing Robertson's Chardonnays with May's Bounty

Chardonnay's versatility shines in food pairings during International Chardonnay Month. De Wetshof's Limestone Hill Chardonnay 2024, with grapefruit and nutty notes, pairs exquisitely with oysters or grilled fish, its elegance praised by critic Robert Parker. Bon Courage's Unwooded Chardonnay complements fresh salads or creamy pasta, its bright fruit cutting through rich sauces.

For oaked styles, De Wetshof's Finesse Lesca Chardonnay 2024 matches roasted chicken or lobster, its citrus and nuttiness enhancing savoury dishes. This pairing guide offers more inspiration, ensuring your May feasts are unforgettable.

Terroir: The Soul of Robertson's Chardonnays

Robertson's terroir — limestone, clay, and Breede River breezes — shapes its Chardonnays, making International Chardonnay Month a celebration of place. De Wetshof's Calcrete Chardonnay 2023 reflects this with wet stone and saline notes, a nod to ancient maritime deposits. Ashton's Calcrete Chardonnay echoes this minerality, tying it to the region's unique soils.

This terroir study highlights how Robertson's climate and geology craft Chardonnays with Burgundian finesse and New World vibrancy. Tasting these wines, especially on a Wine Valley Safari tour, connects you to the land's ancient story.

Oaked vs. Unoaked: Finding your Chardonnay Style

International Chardonnay Month invites you to explore oaked and unoaked Chardonnays. Unoaked wines, like De Wetshof's Sur Lie Chardonnay 2024, offer lemony freshness and a yeasty, nutty finish, ideal for warm May days. Van Loveren's Chardonnay balances light oak with crisp fruit, making it a versatile crowd-pleaser.

Like De Wetshof's The Site Chardonnay 2023, oaked chardonnays bring lime, vanilla, and a creamy texture. They are matured in French oak for complexity. Valley Safari tastings let you compare styles, guiding you to your May favourite.

Wine Valley Safari: A Chardonnay Journey

Wine Valley Safari transforms International Chardonnay Month into an adventure, weaving through Robertson's top estates — Sip Weltevrede's Calcrete in their underground cellar, or savour De Wetshof's Bateleur amidst historic cisterns. Stops at Bon Courage and Ashton Winery add further charm and local flair.

These tours offer a front-row seat to Robertson's Chardonnay magic. Take a May tour to taste the region's finest in style.

Sustainable Winemaking: Robertson's Green Heart

Sustainability is at the core of Robertson's wineries, especially during International Chardonnay Month.  De Wetshof', a WWF Conservation Champion, uses regenerative farming for wines like Limestone Hill. Weltevrede prioritises water conservation, ensuring Calcrete Chardonnay is eco-friendly.

This sustainability study underscores how these practices preserve Robertson's terroir. Sipping sustainably crafted Chardonnays adds a feel-good vibe to your May celebrations, knowing each glass supports the planet.

Hosting a Chardonnay Tasting at Home

• Curate a Selection: Feature De Wetshof's Bon Vallon, Springfield's Wild Yeast, and Bon Courage's Unwooded.

• Create Ambiance: Use white linens and simple glassware, inspired by the wine estates' tasting rooms.

• Share Notes: Discuss oaked vs. unoaked, using Wine Enthusiast's tips.

The Legacy of Chardonnay in Robertson

Chardonnay's story in Robertson, celebrated during International Chardonnay Month, is one of vision and craft. De Wetshof planted Chardonnay in the 1970s, setting a global standard with wines like Finesse Lesca. Weltevrede and others followed, leveraging limestone soils for Calcrete.

This wine history article traces Robertson's rise as a Chardonnay powerhouse. Tasting Van Loveren or Ashton's Limited Release feels like sipping history, each glass a chapter in the region's legacy.

Why May Is Chardonnay's Moment to Shine

May's balmy days and crisp evenings make International Chardonnay Month a sensory delight. De Wetshof's Sur Lie refreshes at picnics, while Springfield's Wild Yeast elevates cozy dinners. Wine Valley Safari tours capture this festive spirit, weaving through vineyards aglow with autumn hues.

From Bon Courage's budget-friendly sip to De Wetshof's luxurious Bateleur, Robertson's Chardonnays suit the moment. May invites you to slow down, sip, and let Robertson's finest Chardonnays light up your world.