ReedValley – World famous in Mossel Bay
Steeped in history, ReedValley was established on one of the oldest farms in the Mossel Bay district, not too far from Africa’s southernmost tip. First owned by the Muller family, the homestead built in 1826 remains as a testimony of time, still holding its own as a destination where superior experiences are not the exception, but the rule. During the 1800s
, the farm was known as an oasis to weary travelers going east and it often served as a gathering place for the early settlers. This bountifulness is still reflected today at ReedValley where hospitality and unparalleled experiences are a way of life. Enfolded by the Indian Ocean on both the eastern and the southern side, the historical Reed Valley almost directly aligns with the world-renowned Point of Human Origins at Pinnacle Point, which is only a stones through away. Mitochondrial DNA research has shown that all humans alive today descend from a small population that lived between 150 000 and 200 000 years ago and according to archaeologists, the Point of Human Origins has revealed the earliest evidence of modern human behaviour. ReedValley celebrates the rich history of Mossel Bay, originally named Aguada de São Bras (watering place of Saint Blaize) by the great explorer Bartolomeu Dias after he set foot in Africa on 3 February 1488. Dias, who left Lisbon in August 1487 with two caravels of 100 tonnes each as well as a bigger store ship, was determined to find a sea route to India via the southern tip of Africa. The town was later renamed to “Mossel Bay” by the Dutch but for years the Portuguese used São Bras to take on fresh water and meat. Similar to the way that the Portuguese seafarers brought the best that the world had to offer to the most southern tip of Africa, ReedValley also source only the best vine fruit from the most suitable terroirs, and it’s this fine product that we offer to you exclusively at our venue. On a trip to Indonesia, one of the Reed Valley founders were given a small frog trinket that, to this day, is very dear to her. After discovering that the Reed Valley farm is also home to Hyperolius horstockii, commonly known as the Arum Lily Reed Frog, it was decided to add it to the branding design. These frogs like to hide out in arum lilies that grow on the water’s edge. Its cream colouring blends well with the lily and a dusting of pollen usually improves the camouflage. Amphibians are the most threatened class of vertebrates on earth. Of the 7 000 known species, 3 900 are believed to be threatened in some way and 170 species are believed to be extinct. It is because of this, as well as our love for this small creature, that we have pledged to donate a percentage of all wine sales at our tasting room to the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) for its Threatened Amphibian Programme. This means that every time you enjoy a bottle of Reed Valley wine, you are also aiding the conservation of these special creatures. The women behind the label
It almost sounds as if Albert Hammond had the women of Reed Valley in mind when he wrote, “Free Electric Band”. On our farm we also like to sing, “…they used to sit and speculate upon their daughter’s career, a lawyer or a doctor or a clever marketeer.” That’s because holding the reigns at Reed Valley are three professional women who are not only leaders in their respective industries but also life-long friends. You might wonder what an ex-magistrate, a pathologist and an MD of a marketing company have in common, and the answer is simple – a love for excellent wine! The pathologist with her extensive background in science is currently doing a course in wine-making and is sure to get the very best out of our future harvests. The attorney will offer you enough evidence why you should buy another bottle of Reed Valley wine while the marketeer is sure to tell you what the benefits are of enjoying a glass (or three) a day! Tasting venue
Situated in a structure that is more than 190 years old and that used to serve as a barn for livestock, our tasting room is not only a culmination of history but also of the finer things in life - like superb wine. The original stone walls and clock tower remain the same as it was originally built in 1826, while modern elements were brought in to add to the charm. Where once goats were kept is now the famous Barn Theatre which has played host to some of South Africa’s top talent and emerging bands. South Africans are known for their love of fine wine, and their culture is also synonymous with hunting, at the Hunter’s Lounge at Reed Valley, we pay homage to early settlers of the area and this traditional activity. At Reed Valley we also celebrate the rich history of Mossel Bay and the Portuguese seafarers who regularly used São Bras as a stopping point on their travels to the East. In their caravels they brought spices from the East such as cinnamon, cardamom, ginger and turmeric, and also introduced Africa to piri piri – the African Bird’s Eye chilli is used to make peri-peri sauce that is commonly used in South Africa-Portuguese cuisine. Portugal is famous for their delectable dishes and fine pastries, with the pastel de nata undoubtedly their most popular dessert. This pastry is essentially an egg custard tart in filo dough that gets sprinkled with cinnamon and powdered sugar straight out of the oven. Many of the country's typical pastries were created in the Middle Ages in monasteries by nuns and monks and sold as a means of supplementing their incomes. The main ingredient for these pastries was egg yolks. It is a common belief that the medieval nuns used vast quantities of egg whites to stiffen their habits, and developed endless dessert recipes to use all the surplus yolks. However, it is also known that Portugal had a big egg production between the 18th and 19th centuries, and that most of the egg whites were exported to be used as a purifier in white wine production or to iron suits. The excess quantity of yolks, combined with plenty of sugar coming from the Portuguese colonies, was the inspiration for the creation of recipes made from egg yolk. Reed Valley is proud to be the only establishment in the Mossel Bay area to sell authentic Portuguese cuisine and has even created their very own pastel de vale (pastry of the valley). For those with less of a sweet tooth we also offer caldo verde, a traditional Portuguese green soup as well as pasteis de pescada (Portuguese fishcakes). At our tasting venue you are also able to sample original Portuguese beer and real vinho do Porto. The tasting venue is the only physical location in South Africa where you are able to purchase our wine exclusive range. However, if you run out of your favourite Reed Valley wine and are unable to visit our venue, you can order from our online store and a courier will deliver it right to your door. Area
Reed Valley was established on one of the oldest farms in the Mossel Bay district. Not too far away lies Cape Agulhas that was originally named, Cabo das Agulhas or Cape of Needles, by Portuguese sailors. This cape is the southernmost tip of the African continent and also the beginning of the dividing line between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Reed Valley boasts lush vineyards which thrives in its limestone-rich soil, and being closely situated to the ocean leads us to receive a regular cool evening breeze after a warm summer’s day. The Langeberg mountains in the distance serve as the perfect backdrop for enjoying a glass of superb wine with family and friends.
