Windmeul Kelder's Inaugural Wine Tasting at Baobab, Calgary

A Night to Remember: Windmeul Kelder's Inaugural Wine Tasting at Baobab, Calgary

At Windmeul Kelder, we take immense pride in crafting wines that embody the soul of the Paarl region, and we were honored to be part of an extraordinary evening at Baobab in Calgary for the inaugural tasting event, hosted by Iconic Wines

This unforgettable night was a true celebration of South African excellence, culture, cuisine and craftsmanship, shared with an intimate gathering of wine enthusiasts who were among the first in Alberta to experience our wines.

Baobab , a charming South African deli and boutique, was the perfect setting for this exclusive occasion. More than just a venue, Baobab provided an authentic and welcoming atmosphere that brought the true spirit of South Africa to life.

The event designer, Kate from @cybusdecor_yyc,

brought a vision of elegance to life with a sophisticated palette of dark green and gold, mirroring the lush vineyards and golden sunsets of our beloved home.

The tables were adorned with the soft glow of candlelight, reflecting off carefully curated arrangements of fresh queen, pink ice, and pincushion proteas—the national flower of South Africa.

This stunning floral display evoked the authenticity and natural beauty that define both our wines and our heritage.

Throughout the evening, guests embarked on an immersive journey through Windmeul Kelder’s prestigious wine portfolio.

We proudly showcased selections from our core range, our Reserve Collection, and culminated the tasting with the magnificent 2022 Legend Pinotage—a masterpiece that embodies the dedication and artistry of our winemakers.

This extraordinary blend, crafted from only the finest selected Pinotage barrels, is matured for 18 months in new small French oak, creating a wine of remarkable depth, structure, and elegance.

The Legend Range is a tribute to the great TPD (Theunis Petrus Daniel) Briers, a legendary Springbok rugby player and past director of Windmeul Cellar, whose legacy lives on in every sip of this exquisite wine.

The culinary experience was no mere afterthought; it was an essential part of the evening’s success. Baobab’s Executive Chef masterfully crafted a menu that embraced South African flavors with a modern and inventive twist.

The undisputed star of the night was the Bobotie Pizza—an innovative reimagining of one of South Africa’s most beloved dishes.

The rich, spiced essence of bobotie, with its perfectly seasoned ground meat and hints of sweetness, met the crispy, cheesy comfort of an Italian pizza base. It was an unexpected yet brilliant fusion, seamlessly bridging two culinary worlds while providing an ideal pairing for the robust wines being poured.

As if this star dish wasn’t enough, the night’s menu reached even greater heights with the addition of savory macarons—an offering that delighted and surprised in equal measure.

These delicate confections, often reserved for the realm of sweets, were transformed into bold, complex bites that perfectly balanced sweet and savory elements.

The blue cheese and caramelized pear macaron was a revelation, its tangy, creamy filling softened by the mellow sweetness of pear. The drunk cherry macaron—featuring cherries soaked in red wine—was a decadent nod to both dessert and wine culture, while the brie and raspberry macaron provided a harmonious blend of creamy and fruity notes.

For those with a sweet tooth, the evening concluded on a high note with an indulgent selection of truffles.

The Amarula truffles, infused with the velvety richness of South Africa’s iconic cream liqueur, melted luxuriously on the tongue, while the Peppermint Crisp and caramel truffles provided a nostalgic yet sophisticated tribute to a beloved South African treat.

Each bite was a perfect balance of texture, sweetness, and depth—proof that dessert, when executed with precision, can be just as complex and layered as a fine wine.

The meticulous attention to detail, from the fusion of traditional and contemporary elements to the bold experimentation with flavors, made this an unforgettable culinary journey.

Iconic Wines of South Africa made a brilliant choice in selecting Baobab as the venue, where food was not merely a complement to the wines but an integral part of the storytelling experience.

This exclusive preview, made possible by the dedicated team at Crafted Cask Imports, provided a first taste of Windmeul Kelder’s wines before they become widely available in Alberta.

Crafted Cask Imports played a pivotal role in ensuring that our wines reached the right audience, and their commitment to bringing premium South African wines to new markets is truly commendable.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Iconic Wines of South Africa for choosing Baobab as the venue for this prestigious event. Their dedication to showcasing the finest South African wines in a setting that authentically reflects our heritage made for an unforgettable experience.

We also wish to thank Kate from @cybusdecor_yyc for her impeccable attention to detail and Crafted Cask Imports for their role in bringing our wines to Alberta.

For those in search of a dining destination that embodies authenticity, creativity, and excellence, Baobab should be at the top of the list.

Whether hosting an intimate tasting, a celebratory dinner, or a gastronomic adventure, this South African deli and boutique proves that true artistry lies in both the glass and on the plate.

As we continue to bring our wines to new markets, we are thrilled to know that the passion, warmth, and rich flavors of South Africa are being celebrated and embraced around the world.

To those who joined us, thank you for being part of this special journey.

For those yet to experience Windmeul Kelder, we invite you to discover our wines and share in the legacy of excellence that defines our craft.