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
