DELHEIM

Vera Cruz Shiraz 2007 4½ stars; Delheim Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 4 stars; Delheim Shiraz 2008 4 stars;  Delheim Grand Reserve 2008 4 stars; Delheim Grand Reserve 2007 4½ stars; Delheim Chardonnay Sur Lie 2009 4 stars; Delheim Edelspatz Noble Late Harvest 2010 4½ stars; Delheim Merlot 2008 3 stars; Delheim Pinotage 2009 3 stars; Delheim Chardonnay 2010 3½ stars; Delheim Gewürztraminer 2010 4 stars; Delheim Sauvignon Blanc 2010 too young to rate; Delheim Spatzendreck Noble Late Harvest 2010 3 stars; Delheim Sauvignon-Shiraz 2009 3 stars; Delheim Pinotage Rosé 2010 2½ stars; Delheim Chenin Blanc 2010 3 stars; Delheim Heerenwijn NV 3 stars.

Little did Johan Mocke know when he took this magnificent photo at Delheim that he was possibly documenting a new species.  Shortly after it appeared on Twitter, we received an e-mail from Darren Bruce-Brand, who had asked his bird enthusiast mother Pam to identify it.  This is how she responded: “This is an “Elgin Buzzard” -  a mystery bird everyone is talking about as even the experts say that the Forest Buzzard and the Steppe Buzzard have closely overlapped and now may be intergrated; so they want to rename the bird and call it the Elgin Buzzard, but that’s not official.  I have photographed it as well and sent it in to the experts.”

A little rooting around on the internet took me to this site, where Bill Clark shares his observations on these unusual birds: http://www.africanraptors.org/some-thoughts-on-the-unusual-buzzards-in-the-south-cape-area-william-s-clark/

We keenly await news on this one!

UPDATE:  Pam informs us that the latest Africa Birds and Birding Magazine October/November 2010 Vol 15 No 5 has an article on these mystery birds titled “Mixed Messages” An update on the mystery Buzzards to the link provided above on pg 35.

We had an unexpected amount of rain on Saturday night and yesterday – 65mm – which had not been forecast. The MTB & hiking event has thus been postponed to this coming Sunday. Hope to see you here!

The Delheim winery offers the chance to make a difference while having fun – by Myrna Robins, Sunday Argus – The Good Weekend, 14 November 2010

Mountain biking, hiking, fine wine, farm fare and Boland hospitality blend seamlessly on the Delheim menu next Sunday, and there’s a bonus as well – those taking part will help swell the funds of a worthy Stellenbosch youth support group.

The third annual Delheim Anna Foundation MTB starts at 8.30 am on the Delheim farm off the R44 outside Stellenbosch on November 21. This event is the only time that the Sperling family open their vineyards and mountainous areas to the public: as these form part of one of the most beautiful wine regions in the world, with panoramic views across to Table Mountain, it’s a chance not to be missed.

Hikers can choose their own pace. Cyclists can tackle the challenging single-track 14km route or opt for the less technical loop of 7km, ideal for social cyclists and families.

Entry fees are dependent on distance and entry times, ranging from R35 to R100, with discounts for AMA members and early entries – the latter close tomorrow. There are prizes for category winners and lucky draws for others.

A R10 donation from each entry will go to the Anna Foundation, a non-profit organisation which aims to empower youth through programmes of academic, social and skill support.

They work with children in disadvantaged communities in the fields of literacy, running and morality and their school scholarship programme, started last year, has enabled eight farm children who show potential to attend Stellenbosch schools and enjoy support in the form of transport and individual tutoring. One of them lives on Delheim farm.

Visitors making a day of the Sunday outing could add a tasting or lunch at the Delheim garden restaurant to their programme. There is a wide range of well-priced wines at this renowned cellar, which celebrates its 60th birthday next year; while family head, the irrepressible Spatz Sperling, recently turned 80.

To book for lunch, call 021 888 4607.
For more information on the trails and entry forms, see www.dirtopia.co.za
For further details about the Anna Foundation see www.annafoundation.com