Sundowner with music at Haute Cabrière

Tasting room manager Ingrid Petersen greets us with a glass of Pierre Jourdan

What a lovely way to spend an evening. Together with a glass of cold Pierre Jordan MCC and a beautiful view, while listening to soft jazz

The Dutch Connection playing familiar jazz numbers consisted of band leader Derk “Fingers” Blaisse on Keyboards and a guest Saxophonist. The band plays 1920s and 1930s jazz in the style of Benny Goodman, Louis Armstrong, George Gershwin and Cole Porter as well as Brazilian Bossa novas of Stan Getz and Astrud Gilberto and even some Cape Ghoema. We heard the Saxophonist play a very creditable version of Paul Desmond’s solo in Brubeck’s Take Five

You can sit on the terrace at tables or on cushions on the lawn and there are plenty of umbrellas until the sun sets

Light snack platters are available for R99 per person and their wines and Cap Classique can be enjoyed at Cellar door prices. This was our amazing and very generous cheese platter. Then why not book a table for dinner at Haute Cabrière Restaurant

The patrons enjoying the music and the wine

The view of Franschhoek valley and the mountains beyond from the terrace 

Their talented Executive chef, Ryan Shell, popped out for a chat before getting back to preparing dinner

Co-Owner Hildegard von Arnim and Ingrid join us for the cheese platter and some MCC and a glass of this year’s excellent Pinot Noir

The Pinot noir is elegant, soft and fruity and very easy to drink! A classic expression of this challenging grape

Good dogs are welcome to the Soirée, as are well behaved children

The vaulted underground barrel cellar

Sunsets can be spectacular from the terrace. This evening was a little cloudy but warm.

empty glasses in the lovely evening light - time to eat!

© John & Lynne Ford, Adamastor & Bacchus 2013