At the moment we have Florent (nickname Flo) from France assisting us in the Haute Cabrière Champagne Cellar.

Florent from France (third from the left).

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Flo studied at the oenological college in Reims and has worked in cellars both in Champagne and Burgundy. This makes him ideally suited for Cabrière.

Florent comes from Champagne in France and he has worked under Laurent Fresnet at Henriot Champagne House. In fact, as far as history goes, it was Laurent who created the first ever Ratafia. But he was made famous by his escargot dinners in 1993, made from bags and bags of snails he hunted down in vineyards.

I’ve been warming up for the Franschhoek Uncorked Strongest Arm Competition. I plan on keeping this title in the family so bring your best game but expected to go home disappointed. But remember even when you lose (because you will lose) all is not totally lost! There will be more than enough amazing franschhoek wine on offer and I know I’ve heard that a bottle of Pierre Jourdan fixes everything.

If you’re interested in what the new Haute Cabriere Chardonnay Pinot Noir tastes like I’ve put together a short tasting video. If it’s not enough head on out and join us for this weekend’s Franschhoek Uncorked festivities. Come on, you know you want to!

We’ve been promising  an update, regarding what’s going to be on on offer at Cabriere during Franschhoek Uncorked, and here it is:

1. Wine Tasting by Helicopter - for those that hate driving and want to experience Franschhoek Uncorked in style. The farms involved in this adventure are us (Haute Cabriere), Rickety Bridge and Boschendal.
2. Pita and Pinot Noir on the Heli pad. Beautiful bedouin tents, delicious Haute Cabriere food and the best South African Pinot Noir (ours).
3. Oh, and of course, our legendary Franschhoek Uncorked Strongest Arm competition. We hope you’ve been training because this year, given the greatly improved Franschhoek Uncorked weather, we’re banking on an incredibly competitive Strongest Arm.  To play you down a shot of Ratafia and throw a tennis ball in the dam - the furthest throw wins. If you’ve never played swing round and we’ll be happy to teach you. Well actually Takuan will be doing the teaching. Catch him earlier, rather than later, he’s less fun earlier but probably a whole lot more helpful!

There will also be a competition regarding the best photo taken at Cabriere over the Franschhoek Uncorked weekend. The prize will be some Pierre Jourdan Cap Classique (Y.U.M) … more details about this Franschhoek Uncorked Cabriere competition will be posted shortly.

Join us over the Franschhoek Uncorked weekend … come on, you know you want to!