Breedekloof dinner at the Cullinan

This annual event, held to showcase the wines of Breedekloof to the media and tour operators, was held this year in the banqueting area of the Cullinan Hotel in town, near the Convention Centre. We were welcomed with glasses of two bubblies from the area. There are four judges who taste all the wines submitted to them and then, working with Personal Chef Neill Anthony, they formulate a menu paired with the wines.

Melody Botha, CEO Breedekloof Wine & Tourism tells us about the area and the farms

Lots of media, travel professionals and Breedekloof people attended. The media were instructed to come dressed semi-formally and indeed we did. There were some lovely cocktail dresses and smart suits.

Personal Chef Neill Anthony explains what we are about to eat and why the pairings were made. The menu was put together last winter and many people commented that perhaps some of the dishes were more suited to cold weather than warm mid-summer.

Convening Judge Duimpie Bayly tells us about the other Judges: Fiona MacDonald, Winnie Bowman CWM and Elsie Pells CWM, the wines and the trust that has been formed to aid young people from the area.

The menu

We started with a very hot and spicy tomato soup which had very crisp acidity and this was such a huge flavour that it rather overwhelmed all the wines we were tasting, which were the Merwida Sauvignon Blanc 2013, the Goudini 2013 Sauvignon Blanc and our favourite, Opstal's 2013 Sixpence, a delicate white blend of Sauvignon and Semillon.

This soup was accompanied by crisp Anacini rice balls with a dusting of truffle and this was a very good match indeed for these three wines.

We are afraid that the fish course was not universally liked. Fillets of Angelfish had been soused in vinegar and steeped in fennel; it had turned the fish texture to something approaching wet blotting paper. The avocado mousse on the side had rather a lot of cayenne pepper added which completely wiped out several palates. The wines served with this course were all good. Goudini Chenin 2013; Botha Chenin 2013; and Slanghoek Chardonnay 2013, Lynne especially liked the Botha and her notes for this article include the word BUY! It is a classic chenin, grassy tropical nose and tasting of guavas and lemon sherbet and is very refreshing and delicious. Sad to say, on looking up its price on their web site, she discovered that it is completely sold out. Deservedly so.

The main course resembled pulled pork; strands of slowly braised pork neck, with all the fat rendered out, but still very rich, served with a rather sweet caramelised apple purée and bay mushrooms. 

As a side dish, we had halved baby potatoes in a grainy mustard cream sauce. This was the dish most thought would be better served in winter, but it did taste good. 

Strangely it was served with another two white wines and then two reds. The Goudini 2013 Chardonnay, full of smoky, leesy limes, was crisp, full, fruity and lengthy. Then came the wine of the evening, the Platter five star Carl Everson 2012 Chenin from Opstal, which everyone wanted to taste, as it has been sold out from the farm for a while. Bottles were held back especially for this tasting. This is a beautifully integrated wine, a great expression of South African Chardonnay, and it was a great match for the pork and apple, echoing the dish's flavours. Deetleef’s Family Red 2011, full of umami and red berries and Bergsig’s Cabernet Sauvignon, which is full of savoury and herbal notes with mulberries and pure cassis, both nicely countered the richness of this dish.

Dessert was rather quirky and some people were puzzled about how to eat this. We each received a paper bag containing four mini sugar-dusted doughnuts and then a plate of thick cream in a lot of vanilla surrounded by biscuit crumbs, in which to dip them. 

Fingers were our order of the day, not knives and forks. We had the treat of tasting four good dessert wines with this rather simple dessert and felt they deserved something more complex. They were arranged so that the wines got sweeter and more complex as we went through them. Bergsig’s semi sweet, elegant honey and floral 2013 Riesling (RS 22), Slanghoek’s Crème de Chenin 2013 Special Late Harvest (RS 85, full of spiced honey with Hanepoot grapes and apricots), Badsberg Badslese 2012 (Platter 5 star, RS 120, full of honey, cigar box, cinnamon and ginger on the nose and thick honey and limes with a little touch of Campari herbs on the palate). And finally De Ankerman, a Nectar de Provision made in a similar way to Pineau de Charante - Sweet merlot grape juice fortified by brandy. RS 201, Heady and thick with honey and fruit. And it is a steal selling at approx. R45 a bottle.

We found a huge improvement in the wines we tasted this year to those tasted at last years dinner. This area is heading fast towards making very drinkable wines and their prices are still very competitive. And there are some real gems in there. Go and explore and taste. It is also an extremely beautiful area to visit.

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© John & Lynne Ford, Adamastor & Bacchus 2014

Cape Talk's Bandstand Boogaloo at Greenways

We are great fans of Cape Talk Radio. It is on while we are working at home during the day, in both our studies and usually in the kitchen. So it was a lovely surprise to be invited by Susanne Faussner-Ringer, Managing Director of Greenways Hotel in Bishopscourt, to come to Cape Talk’s Bandstand Boogaloo last Saturday night and listen to the Ambassadors of Swing, the Jonny Cooper Orchestra, play

This lovely small hotel has wonderful leafy gardens and a lawn perfect for concert watching while picnicking. You could bring your own or order one in advance, made up to your own specifications, which is what we did

Wine, beers and other refreshments were on sale and, later, good coffee or tea

A good crowd started to gather when the gates opened at 6 pm. Cleverly, Cape Talk had organised free shuttles, so you could park at Wynberg Boys High School, where they have ample parking space and, in just a few minutes, be dropped off at the entrance to Greenways

The band was set up outside the hotel on the high ground

and Africa Melane, who hosts the Weekend Breakfast programmes, opened proceedings for the evening for Cape Talk

The Jonny Cooper Orchestra entertained us royally throughout the evening and we all had a great deal of fun, serious jazz, huge big bank numbers with lots of brass, great reminiscences and even some jive and bopping at the end

Allan Barnard, who presents Solid Gold Saturdays and Sundays, talked about Jazz and the music we were listening to

The Jonny Cooper Orchestra is recognised internationally as one of the finest 'copyists' of the Glenn Miller Sound and has been referred to recently in the International Big Band magazine 'Big Band Buddies' as 'One of the best Big Bands in the world'. We heard classics from Glen Miller, Bennie Goodman, and Tommy Dorsey during the first set, the era of Swing , then Sinatra, Nina Simone, Louis Armstrong, Bobby Darin and many, many more favourites we could hum or sing along to

The leader of the band

Lots of brass and many numbers we love

Our picnic hamper contained charcuterie platters, brown rice salad, snoek pate, Caprese kebabs, a small ciabatta loaf and wickedly dense chocolate brownies

Beverley Scott-Brown and Cliff Benton were the guest vocalists for the evening. They know and perform the repertoire beautifully, and amusingly

Two hotel guests had a really good view from the balcony

and we were treated to a lovely sunset

Hey! Jenny Morris was in the audience and at interval generously gave us a taste of her superb picnic: Moroccan flavoured beef salad and some prawn Thai rice pancakes with a delicious Asian spicy sauce

Yes, that is Nicolette Waterford and her husband, all the way across the lawn! Zoom lenses are wonderful things.

Alan Barnard, Jenny Morris and Africa Melane

Cape Talk stalwart John Maytham also did some of the presenting and we loved his black takkies (tennis shoes) with white laces, a really good fashion statement with the formal suit he was asked to wear

Jonny Cooper band in full Swing with both guest vocalists

Atmospheric lighting added to the mood

The crowd enjoying the music. The lawn can accommodate a few hundred people

Jonny Cooper with Susanne Faussner-Ringer of Greenways Hotel

This is how you Boogaloo

And with the last few numbers people could not resist getting up to dance; that included us

What an enjoyable evening. We hear this is definitely going to be repeated. Watch this and Cape Talk's space
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© John & Lynne Ford, Adamastor & Bacchus 2014

Picnics and other things to do in the Cape Winelands

Picnics and other programmes in the Cape Winelands

There are now so many ongoing attractions in the Cape Winelands that we are publishing this list separately from our Events Calendar. The events are published in alphabetical order of the places hosting them.

Note: These events are published with information provided by the event organisers or their representatives. John & Lynne Ford and their businesses cannot be held responsible for any incorrect or misleading information

Anthonij Rupert Tasting Room - HIGH TEA WITH A VIEW. Enjoying high tea with close friends has become extremely popular these days with establishments throughout South Africa treating patrons to an unforgettable culinary experience. Visitors to the Anthonij Rupert Tasting Room on Anthonij Rupert Wines can enjoy this pastime with the picture perfect Groot Drakenstein Mountains as its background. At a cost of R95 per person guests are served a beautifully displayed selection of five sweet and two savoury items. The treats are freshly baked on the premises by the chefs who incorporate new treats all the time. A sample menu of what to expect is as follows: Orange infused koeksisters - Mini chocolate and hazelnut mousse pots - Cup cakes - Chocolate salami - Red berry tarts - Smoked salmon blinis - Cucumber, horseradish and dill sandwiches. A firm favourite on the menu is the L'Ormarins Brut served as an accompaniment, which can be enjoyed with each high tea experience. Booking is essential and needs to be made at least 24 hours in advance, and is ideally suited to parties of 2 to 20 people. The perfect occasion for a book club get together, birthdays, kitchen teas and baby showers. And if you’re a wine aficionado take time to enjoy a bespoke wine tasting experience of the Cape of Good Hope and Anthonij Rupert Wine ranges in the original Manor House.  The Manor House, restored to its former glory, features beautiful wooden beam ceilings, yellow wood floors and spacious areas for entertaining, furnished throughout in the style of the mid-nineteenth century in the Cape. The rooms all feature carefully sourced items which include marble fireplaces, several antique furniture pieces as well as a beautiful collection of art depicting landscapes of the Cape during that period. The front rooms lead out onto a veranda with breathtaking views of the Franschhoek Wine Valley, whilst the back porch displays views of the beautifully landscaped back garden with vistas onto the rose garden and the mountains. A carefully selected herb garden, showcasing some of the country’s best culinary and medicinal herbs, is situated to the side of the house. The perfect venue to enjoy a favourite pastime. For further information, please call 021 874 9004 or email tasting@rupertwines.com.

Avondale - Avant-Garde Pairing A festive pairing inspired by the delicate balance between art, food & wine Every year over the festive season, Avondale holds a food and wine pairing at its Estate in Paarl. This experience has become extremely popular with local and international guests alike, firmly establishing its place in every self-respecting foodie’s calendar. But this year, Avondale wanted to do something a little different....  The Avant-Garde Pairing is available at the Avondale farm from 15 November 2013 – 15 January 2014. For this year’s festive food and wine pairing, Avondale has once again collaborated with Chef Reuben Riffel to explore the delicate balance between art, food and wine. Riffel explains: “A beautiful dish, well executed, is art. Beautifully crafted wine, such as Avondale’s, is art. We wanted to explore the individual elements that - when in perfect balance and harmony - produce a culinary masterpiece.” This year’s food and wine pairing derives its name from the French expression, ‘Avant-garde’, which refers to that which is experimental, innovative and artistic. The pairing menu includes a visual representation of the ingredients which make up each bite-size, sumptuous delight – in their natural, unaltered state. “With these images, we wanted to show our guests exactly what went into each pairing, in an artistic and visually-arresting manner. To see and experience each finished dish for themselves, they will need to come to the Estate!” smiles Avondale Proprietor Johnathan Grieve. The Tasting begins with Marinated Salmon with Avocado Coulis, Sweet and Sour Beet, Preserved Ginger and Wilted Tatsoi, accompanied by a glass of the effervescent Armilla Méthode Cap Classique. This is followed with Avondale’s vibrant Chenin Blanc Anima, paired with Malay-Style Chicken Curry, Creamy Rice and Poppadom. Avondale’s Viognier blend Cyclus marries well with Citrus Braised Duck, Green Olives and New Potatoes. Avondale’s Camissa Blanc de Noir is served with Warm Roasted Prawn with Tropical Fruit Salsa and Lightly Spiced Persimmon Sauce. Avondale’s Syrah Samsara is paired with White Pepper Spiced Pork Belly Bordelaise with Toast. And finally, Avondale’s signature red blend La Luna partners with Sticky Braised Beef with Puff Pastry and Mushroom Crème. Grieve says: “We believe that in order to create a masterpiece, all of the components need to be mindfully selected and prepared. This is why we have broken down the preparation process to show each element individually, so that our guests can understand how much work, care and preparation goes into creating the whole.” As with the dishes on the pairing menu, there is also a great deal of time and effort that goes into creating an Avondale wine. “We produce our wines according to the BioLOGIC® methodology, which combines certified organic and biodynamic farming principles with the best that modern science has to offer,” explains Grieve. “All of our grapes are harvested by hand and whole-bunch pressed, and our wine is designed to mature in the bottle.”  “We believe that sometimes the good things in life take a little longer – and if something is worth doing, it is worth doing with care. It was this philosophy that inspired this year’s Avant-Garde Pairing; where each element - in perfect harmony with the next - creates a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.” The cost is R150 per person and is by appointment only. Call 021-863 1976 or email wine@avondalewine.co.za to book now. AVONDALE BOILERPLATE. Avondale’s ethos, Terra Est Vita, or ‘Soil is Life’ guides this wine estate in the Klein Drakenstein Mountains near Paarl and its approach to the environment. Since the owners’ son, current proprietor Johnathan Grieve joined the farm in 1999, Avondale went through a revolutionary change after developing a unique approach to farming. The BioLOGIC® approach to farming encompasses all the best elements of organic and biodynamic farming while still taking advantage of the benefits that modern science has to offer. Avondale produces seven wines: Camissa, a Blanc de Noir; Cyclus, a refreshing white blend; Anima, a lively Chenin Blanc; La Luna, a classic red blend; Samsara, a Syrah; Navitas, the flagship red blend; and Armilla, a joyous Brut made in the Méthode Cap Classique tradition.

Delheim - Have your cake and pair it at Delheim Estate. Forget cheese and chocolate…Delheim Wine Estate now whips up a decadent Cupcake & Wine Pairing for an impromptu party in the mouth, whilst discovering an array of estate wines on offer at this legendary Stellenbosch Estate. This decadent treat costs R75 per person and comprises four exquisite cupcakes matched with a specific Delheim wine. “Cupcakes make people smile and wine in moderation enlivens any affair, therefore we pair the two for the perfect pick-me-up indulgence that pampers the palate and the mood,” shares Delheim’s resident chef Christine Claasen, the mastermind behind this delicious foursome. First up to fulfil that ‘fairies dancing on the tongue’ feeling is her Rooibos Cupcake infused with lemon and topped with a cream cheese and honey icing, which is paired with the Delheim Unwooded Chardonnay for a fun, fruity and fresh start. The wine’s vibrant citrus aromas and mineral undertones cut through and complement the sweeter taste profile of the confection and uplift the subtle Rooibos nuances. Next up is the exotic Pomegranate Cupcake matched with the ever-popular Delheim Pinotage Rosé. The strawberry and raspberry kisses combined with the perfumed floral notes in the wine pair well and accentuate the grenadine flavoured, ‘wish-i-could-lick-the-bowl’ cream cheese icing. A traditional African Makataan Cupcake festooned with makataan (wild melon) syrup icing shares the spotlight with the Delheim Chardonnay Sur Lie. The citrus, stone fruit and mineral notes of the wine add a gentle, refreshing twist to the melon’s tropical-tinted and somewhat tart taste. It is a superb crowd-pleasing combo with flavours that merge and mellow with subtle sweetness. Christine ends this tasting on decadent high with her Pumpkin Cupcake paired with the Delheim Pinotage. This mouthwatering morsel is made with farm grown pumpkin, spiced up with star anise, cinnamon and nutmeg and topped with pickled pumpkin. Exuding black cherry, plum and red berry fruit backed by dark chocolate and floral notes, the wine peaks at mid-palate and then fades to the rear to allow the distinct flavor of the cupcake to return for the grand finale. The Delheim Cupcake & Wine Pairing is on offer seven days a week at the tasting room – between 9h00 and 16h30 – and pre-bookings are essential. To book this tantalising experience for you and your friends contact Delheim Estate (Charlotte

Eikendal eases in the weekend with Summer Sunset Socials. On Fridays you can ditch the couch and join a cool crowd at the water’s edge when Eikendal Vineyards, a popular Winelands hotspot conveniently situated between Stellenbosch and Somerset West, eases in the weekend with laidback Summer Sunset Socials. Until the end of February, one can kick off the weekend with feel-good vibes infused with live music, award-winning Eikendal wines and sumptuous bites, when this prominent cellar welcomes families and friends to a serene setting on the lawn overlooking the dam and prized vineyards. These Sunset Socials are pure bliss and the perfect antidote to a hectic week or a grim day at the office. The rustic snacks to be enjoyed al fresco style are prepared by savvy chef Mark Radnay and his team and ranges from delicious pizzas and fresh pastas to charcuterie and cheese platters and sweet temptations – all served up with a stunning sunset and a ‘thank-goodness-it-is Friday’ smile. The Summer Sunset Socials Menu alternates weekly to rekindle the end of week slumber with a variety of tastes and treats unique to the season. The Eikendal Summer Sunset Socials are from 17h00 to 20h00 so why not escape the afternoon traffic and life’s stresses and strains for some vibey downtime with your mates or work colleagues. The entrance fee is R30 per person (kids are free) and pre-bookings are essentials. To claim your spot at this social soiree, contact Eikendal Vineyards at 021 855 1422 or send an email to info@eikendal.co.za. Eikendal is on the R44, midway between Stellenbosch and Somerset West.

Hartenberg - Summer Fun at Hartenberg Visitors to Hartenberg Estate in Stellenbosch will get to experience the warmth and hospitality, seven days as week, from November until Easter, making the most of the laid back summer days and exploring all the farm has to offer. Be guided through the multi- award winning wines by knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff. A canapé and wine pairing for R100 per person is a delicious treat of five wines including the Bordeaux blend The Mackenzie. Paired with delectable morsels it is an ideal pre-lunch appetiser. Lunch is served alfresco on the terrace, with daily blackboard offerings which include grilled Karoo lamb chops, salmon trout salad and a trio of savoury tartlets. A summer special of free-range chicken breast over crispy smashed new potatoes and a Chardonnay wild mushroom cream served with a glass of Chardonnay. Choose a table under the trees or lounge on cushions on the lawn with a beautifully packed picnic basket. All ingredients are locally sourced, free-range and complemented by home baked breads. R150 per person, which includes a bottle of estate wine to share between two. Children’s picnics are R50 for under twelve’s. The children’s play area, boules, strolls in the wetlands and bird watching round off a perfect day in the sun drenched winelands. For more information and bookings contact the farm on 021 865 2541 or email info@hartenbergestate.com

La Mouette Restaurant Summer Seafood Tasting Menu available until the end of December. 6 courses R295 or 7 courses R345. Tomato gazpacho, Crayfish aioli, basil oil, truffle and cheese croquettes - Salt and pepper prawns, Sweet corn puree, chorizo, popcorn, tamarind dressing - Seared yellow fin tuna, Salt baked potatoes, smoked onion puree, grilled green beans and truffle dressing - Pan fried sea bass, Cauliflower, pan fried potato gnocchi, almonds, carrot and curry emulsion and / or Springbok medallions, Smoked aubergine puree, tabouleh, crispy pastilla and grilled baby marrow - Strawberry kir royal, Strawberry gel, meringue, marshmallows, champagne foam, strawberry and cassis ice cream - Petit fours. Seasonal cocktail Rhubarb Cosmopolitan R45. Please see our website for all our Seasonal and a la carte menu offerings:  http://lamouette-restaurant.co.za/menu/. La Mouette is OPEN 7 nights a week and Sundays all day. For tables of 10 or more a 10% discretionary service charge will be added to your bill. A voluntary & much appreciated R5 donation will be added to your bill for Streetsmart Charity. La Mouette Restaurant.  021 433 0856.  78 Regent Road, Sea Point  .  www.lamouette.co.za

Lanzerac - STEP BACK IN TIME AS YOU TAKE AN HISTORIC TOUR THROUGH THE LANZERAC WINE ESTATE. Due to popular demand Lanzerac Wine Estate, in the heart of the Stellenbosch Winelands, will be extending their historic tour of the Estate to visitors for the remainder of. Regarded as South Africa’s birthplace of Pinotage, Lanzerac is steeped in a rich heritage dating back to 1692. Whilst enjoying a chilled glass of Rosé on arrival, your guide will provide a brief overview of the tour, which commences in the Pionier Room with a tasting of the Mrs English, a reserve Chardonnay. This wine is a tribute to Mrs English who purchased the farm in 1914, changing its name from Schoongezicht to Lanzerac. It is believed that Mrs. English bottled the first Lanzerac wine from grapes grown on her land. The tour continues to the Red Maturation Cellar, where you will taste the Pinotage, and then to the Chardonnay Maturation Cellar, where you’ll be met by winemaker Wynand Lategan for a barrel tasting of the Chardonnay. This tasting affords you the opportunity to taste the difference between fermenting Chardonnay must and wine. After the tasting you’ll be taken to the Lanzerac Hotel, which highlights the Estate’s rich heritage. This part of the tour will also take you through the historic Manor House and its wine cellar. Before heading home you will make your way back to the Restaurant for a delicious Food and Wine Pairing where your senses will be awakened to the diversities of these superb wines. The tour costs R250 per person, and will be conducted on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. In order to make your experience as memorable as possible booking is essential as a maximum of 30 people per tour can be accommodated. For bookings and queries contact Rozane Els on 021 886 5641 or winesales@lanzerac.co.za.

MURATIE MOUNTAIN BIKING TRAIL Opening hours: Weekends from 07h00. Cost: R50 entrance. Distance: 22 to 26 km. Level of difficulty: Moderate.  Muratie’s mountain biking route is managed by Dirtopia. Visitors sign in at the Muratie cellar. The entrance fee goes towards the maintenance team and a portion to the Simonsberg Conservancy. The single track route runs through Muratie and part of Uitkyk Estate. After the ride, relax under the oak trees and enjoy a delicious breakfast or brunch and Muratie’s popular range of wines. For further information contact Thalia Alberts at Muratie on 021 865 2330 or info@muratie.co.za.

Nederburg - HERITAGE HEROES WINES FEATURED AT NEDERBURG’S RED TABLE RESTAURANT. Nederburg is showcasing its gourmet Heritage Heroes wines this summer at The Red Table restaurant with a set menu that's a feast for the senses. Priced at a very reasonable R195 per person for four courses and wines to match, or R240 for five courses and five wines, the menu has been brought back by popular demand.  It was first offered during Heritage Month. This time round it will be offered during the months of November, December and January. Expect slow-roasted tomato tartlets with chevin and baby leaves, matched with The Young Airhawk Sauvignon Blanc, Cape Malay lentil bobotie samoosas served with The Motorcycle Marvel Rhône blend, or rosewater-infused jelly with naartjie and Gewürztraminer custard, perfectly paired with The Beautiful Lady Gewürztraminer. The five Heritage Heroes wines are individually named in honour of a personality who has played a major role in shaping the winery’s reputation. Made by current cellar master Razvan Macici, the wines are an ample demonstration of just how he and his team work to the mantra of mastering wine. An à la carte menu is also available. Pre-booking for the set menu is advised. Contact The Red Table on 021 877 5155 or theredtable@nederburg.co.za. The Red Table, created in collaboration with well-known Cape Town foodie Andrea Foulkes, offers locally sourced fresh, light food in a comfortable, relaxed and gesellige atmosphere. This novel restaurant meanders through the iconic Nederburg manor house, a national monument, and spills out onto the terrace and sprawling gardens against the backdrop of vineyards and the towering Drakenstein mountains. Its à la carte menu features food for everyone, with prices for first courses starting at R50, mains at R95 and desserts at R35.  Kids are also catered for. Vegetarians and those with special dietary needs can be accommodated. A wide selection of Nederburg wines is offered by the glass, and the entire range is available by the bottle. Trading hours: Mondays: Closed. Tuesdays to Saturdays: Lunch served from 11:00 Sundays: Lunch served from 12:00

Neethlingshof Wine Garden Live Music Wednesdays run throughout the summer season from Wednesday 30th October. Popular acoustic guitarist, Francois Haasbroek, will entertain with his sounds of folk, rock – and more – every Wednesday evening from 5pm to 7pm until end January (except for 25th December and 1st January). This Stellenbosch wine estate is the perfect place to go to ‘wine’ down, relax and re-charge, mid-week. Take time off in a beautiful setting to enjoy a glass of wine, a delicious selection of Tapas platters, and music, and make the most of the glorious evenings and Stellenbosch sunsets. Choose between a Cheese Platter, with a selection of cheeses, dried fruit and preserves, grapes and breads; a Charcuterie Platter of cold meats, biltong, pickled vegetables and breads and a Tapas Platter with olives, stuffed peppadews, biltong, paté, humus, guacamole, tapenade and cheese, with bread. Platters cost R65-R75 per person. The Wine Garden and wine tasting centre – normal opening hours 9am-5pm, weekends and public holidays 10am-4pm, will be open daily from 9am to 7pm throughout December 2013 and January 2014, weekends and public holidays 10am – 6pm. Closed 25th December. For more information call 021 883 8988 email: info@neethlingshof.co.za www.neethlingshof.co.za

Simonsig - Cuvée puts a spin on traditional summer lunch favourites Take a culinary road trip down memory lane and taste the essence of the Cape's flavours at Cuvée restaurant amidst the Simonsig vineyards, with their new summer light lunch and Gastronomic menus. Adding some spice to locally sourced ingredients, chef Lucas Carstens has designed a brand new lunch menu combining traditional South African favourites with a quirky flavour twist. The new line-up includes yester-year favourites from Cape fishcakes with homemade masala mayo and ox tongue dressed with traditional sweet mustard sauce to juicy aged rib eye steak with peach mampoer butter and crispy onions. In true South African style, Cuvée guests can savour lamb ribs braaied over real coals, guaranteed to be a winner with foreign guests looking for traditional home turf food. Lucas who enjoys the lamb ribs the most says: “I love experimenting in the kitchen and with access to beautiful, seasonal ingredients, and with the strong focus on local, traditional dishes in our new light summer menu, my team and I want to showcase the best of Cape food and introduce our guests our rich food heritage,” In addition to the new light menu, Lucas has also revamped his a la carte Gastronomic Menu. Promising a true Simonsig experience some of the seasonal newcomers on the menu include new taste sensations such as decadent carrot risotto with a drizzle of white chocolate sauce, seared home farmed trout, rabbit and pancetta roulade and beef fillet with oxtail truffles. “In addition to relying on local produce as far as we can in all our dishes, we aim to reduce our carbon footprint even further by making use of our own Simonsig home farmed trout” adds Lucas. On the Cuvée terrace and wooden deck, guests can enjoy al fresco indulgences whilst soaking up the breathtaking views of the Simonsberg and sip on the wines crafted from the surrounding vineyards.  Cuvée is open from Tuesday to Sunday between 12h00 - 15h00 and Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings from 19h00 - 22h00. Private evening functions and parties can be reserved in Simonsig’s stylish Van Niekerk Room. For reservations or more information contact Cuvée restaurant at 021 888 4932; send an email to cuvee@simonsig.co.za or visit www.cuveeatsimonsig.co.za. Simonsig Wine Estate is outside Stellenbosch, on the Kromme Rhee road between the R44 and R304.

Simonsig - Kaapse Vonkel & Oysters on Cuvée terrace at Simonsig every Saturday between 15h00 and 18h00. Round up your friends and head down to Cuvée, Simonsig Estate’s signature restaurant for a relaxed afternoon of bubbly, oysters and local music talent, served on the terrace and lush lawns. Spice up a slow afternoon with aphrodisiacs from the West Coast seas, whilst sipping on South Africa’s first Cap Classique, Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel, Kaapse Vonkel Rosé or the prestige cuvée, Simonsig Cuvée Royale. With an array of fine cheese platters as an alternative and local musicians adding to the tranquil setting of this family owed Stellenbosch landmark, everyone will have something to look forward to. The Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel & Oyster Saturdays take place from 15h00 to 18h00 on the terrace in front of Simonsig Estate’s tasting room. For dinner reservations and to ensure a delectable end to your day, contact Cuvée on 021 888 4932 or send an email to cuvee@simonsig.co.za. Simonsig Wine Estate is outside Stellenbosch, on the Kromme Rhee road between the R44 and R304.

The Roundhouse. Friday Fizzy Therapy. Villiera Friday Sundowner Sessions: Come and join us for some Fizzy Therapy at our Villiera Friday Sundowner Sessions on the Rumbullion lawns with live music by the Adamu da Silva band! Sit outside, enveloped by nature, overlooking unmatched views of Camps Bay and the Twelve Apostles and take in the breathtaking sunsets from one of Cape Town’s best viewing spots.  Compliment this experience with a bottle of delicious Villiera Bubbly, our scrumptious pizzas and tapas menu and the soothing rhythm of the live music in the background and you have the perfect recipe for a truly memorable sunset. The Roundhouse Restaurant, Round House Road, The Glen, Camps Bay. It's back and it's bad! Come and get into trouble on The Rumbullion lawns with our Double Trouble Special of  2 delicious pizzas and 2 bottles of wine for R330! Click here to visit our website for up-to-date menus and to make a reservation request or email reservations directly by clicking here. To speak to our reservations managers, please call us on 021 438 4347.  

The Twelve Apostles. TUESDAY TASTINGS Talented Head Sommelier Gregory Mutambe and his team offer a complimentary wine tasting every Tuesday, which is available to in-house guests and those who have a dinner reservation in Azure Restaurant. Discover new wines and let yourself be guided by Gregory’s incredible knowledge and enthusiasm. Then order a bottle of your new favourite with dinner! Sink into a cosy couch, sip one of our innovative signature cocktails and dig into the hearty complimentary snacks, while listening to the soulful sounds of music. A glowing fireplace adds warmth inside, while outside heaters and comforting blankets allow for perfect evenings all year round. Follow Food and Beverage Manager: @GavinFerreira on Twitter for exciting new events and updates. Oysters and Bubbly make for a seductive combination – add the elegant setting of The Twelve Apostles’ Leopard Bar and you have the perfect night out. Recline on a plush sofa or take in the sunset on the terrace while enjoying six fresh Oysters paired with a glass of Krone Borealis Méthode Cap Classique. Price: R 135 per person. ENQUIRE NOW. If you are heading for sundowners at The Leopard Bar try the Cocktail of the Month, the Cider Mule. This Twelve Apostles spin on the classic Moscow Mule features vanilla vodka, fresh lime and a dash of mint bitters, topped with Kopparberg strawberry and lime apple cider. Perfect for warm summer evenings.

Tokara - IS SCULPTURE AT TOKARA DELICATESSEN. Enjoy the Orchard Walk between Tokara Tasting Room/Restaurant and the Delicatessen to view a collection of South African Sculpture. Artists represented are: Angus Taylor, Steven Delport, Guy du Toit, Sarel Petrus, Conrad Hicks, Isabel Mertz and Kobus La Grange. Information of the work will be available from the Tasting Room and Ihe Delicatessen. For more information please contact Ilse Schermers at 083 626 9058 or isart@lqf.co.za. The Delicatessen is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 09h00 to 17h00. For bookings: Tokara Delicatessen 021 808 5950 or Tokara Restaurant 021 885 2550. Tokara, Helshoogte Road, Banhoek, Stellenbosch. www.tokaradelicatessen.co.za or www.tokararestaurant.co.za