I had so much fun at the Slanghoek Winery this past weekend. Not only do they divine wines to taste but they have a special ‘blend and bottle’ activity open to the public (www.slanghoek.co.za). 
This is how they do it:
You are given three unfiltered varietals: Merlot, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.
First you taste each wine.
Second, you write down an estimation in percentages of what you think will work. I first went for: 60% shiraz, 25 merlot%, 15% cab.
Third, you measure the percentages out into a cylinder and then pour the new combination into a glass, so that the flavours can become more ‘acquainted’.
Fourth, you taste your new concoction and decide whether you like it or not.
Each person has three attempts. I finally settled on 55% shiraz, 25% merlot and 20% cabernet sauvignon. The subtle change in percentages really changes the flavour. 
Once you are happy with your choice of wine, the wine maker (we were lucky enough to have Cellarmaster Pieter Carstens help us out) measures it out in 1 litre, and bottles it for you.
You also get to create your own label. Mine was: The Shameless Hobbit (for many personal reasons only close friends would understand).
Wines I liked: The Slanghoek Vonkel, the Slanghoek Pinotage, the Slanghoek crème de chenin (sweet) and the slanghoek chardonnay. Their wines are good value for money when bought directly from the estate, and let’s just say, I’m stocked up for the rest of this winter!
My mum is visiting me from Harare at the end of the month, so I can bank all the wine being finished by then. ;-)
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