Welcome to the oldest wine route in South Africa : Stellenbosch Wine Routes

Winter Riding & Running On Scenic Stellenbosch Trails

Die Burger MTB Challenge will take place for the eight year in 2013 in Stellenbosch on Saturday 3 August. This year organisers have decided to bring a brand new Trail Run on the Sunday to outdoor enthusiasts, so that families can make it a real Stellenbosch weekend!

The event, which is renowned for its challenging and picturesque routes, will be held in association with the Simonsberg Conservancy and will boast five scenic mountain bike routes to cater for all levels of riding.

DATE:

Saturday 3 August 2013

VENUE:

Eikestad Primary School, Stellenbosch

TIME:

First start at 08h15, last at 10h00

Mountain Bike DISTANCES:
15km funride for children & novices.
30km funride for beginner riders
42km challenge for intermediate, but fit riders
60km challenge for advanced riders
75km invitation race for top riders

Meurant Botha of Dirtopia, who has been designing and maintaining mountain bike trails for over ten years, says that the routes will pass through more than 60 farms in the area, giving riders the opportunity to tackle some of the best and most beautiful trails in the country. Two distances for the runners on Sunday around the Stellenbosch area.

At the finish line there will be kiddies entertainment, food & drink, medals to all finishers, and make sure you stay for prizegiving & the lucky draw.

Entries are open and close on 22 July, or as soon as the 4000 entry limit is reached.

For updated event information, visit www.dieburgermtbchallenge.co.za or email theteam@dirtopia.co.za. Call Dirtopia Trail Centre on 021-8844752

One-day Pankcake Festival at Uitkyk Wine Estate

Make your way to Uitkyk wine estate close to Stellenbosch on Saturday, June 29, for its début Pancake Festival that promises a gourmet food and wine pairing with a difference. Called the Cat and Mouse pairing as a tribute to the farm’s cat who stayed living on the roof of the 18th century manor house long after its owners had left, the taste fest at just R60 a head, features wines from both the Uitkyk and Flat Roof Manor ranges, teamed with delicious savoury pancakes.

Flat Roof Manor Pinot Grigio is matched with a spicy Thai green-curry pancake; Uitkyk Chardonnay with a slow-roasted pumpkin and brie pancake; Flat Roof Manor Merlot with a roast chicken, camembert and sage pancake; Flat Roof Manor Shiraz Mourvèdre Viognier with a roast beef, baby spinach and cranberry jelly pancake; and finally, Uitkyk Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz, with a pancake filled with sautéed onions, mushrooms and Edam cheese.

There will be two seatings; the first at 11:00 and the other at 14:00. Please note that booking is essential. Call 021 884 4416 or send an e-mail to bbrand@distell.co.za.

The sweetener is that there will be entertainment for the kids, regardless of the weather on the day.

Uitkyk is situated on the R44 between Paarl and Stellenbosch.

Father's Day Lunch at Louiesenhof

Date:
Sunday 16 June 2013

Time:
12h00 – 14h30

Address:
Louiesenhof Farm (R304) Koelenhof Road
Stellenbosch

Bookings:
021 8652632

Full House Pizza & Wine Pairing!

Café Blanc de Noir has now released the FULL HOUSE PIZZA to be complimented by four of our Brenaissance wines.

This pairing is unique in the winelands & we have created an interactive, gourmet experience which combines our pizza's & wines in a fun, simplistic way.

At R150 per head this pairing will be like no other! Ideal for friends and family outings, corporate groups, birthdays and alike.

Bookings Essential. 021 200 2644

Delheim turns up the heat with Jazzy Cheese Fondues on Sundays

Dip into a melting pot of culinary bliss, fine wines and genuine hospitality when family-owned Delheim Wine Estate, nestled just outside Stellenbosch, wards off the winter chills with their popular Jazz & Cheese Fondue indulgences, every Sunday afternoon from 7 July until 25 August.

This ultimate winter warmer is your ticket to end your weekend on a decadent high with a taste of retro-nostalgia, when resident chef Christine Claasen treats guests to Delheim’s spin on the all-time favourite cheese fondue.

Lashings of piping hot cheese fondue meet toe-tapping tunes when guests are ushered to the cosy ‘downstairs’ tasting cellar at this prominent Winelands destination, where steaming pots of Swiss fondue and award-winning estate wines tantalise the senses to the sounds of The REAL Wicomb Jazz Trio.

“Unspoilt by gourmet pretensions, Delheim offers the perfect hotspot for families and friends to spend their Sundays, with steaming pots of mouth-watering cheese sensations to comfort winter blues. Our more-ish fondue is prepared to an authentic Swiss recipe and is served with farm-fresh bread and crisp crudités to satisfy the appetite,” shares Christine who joined Delheim at the end of 2012 after a stint at the 5-star Cape Grace Hotel in Cape Town.

Meat lovers can pimp up their fondues with savoury potato and prosciutto bites and in addition to the dreamy fondue indulgence, starters and desserts – ranging from samoosas, pâtés and carpaccio to Grappa with dark chocolate truffles – can be ordered separately from Delheim’s Garden Restaurant.

The Delheim Jazz & Cheese Fondue events on Sundays cost R150 per person and include a warming glass of Glühwein on arrival, the cheese fondue as well as the live music (starters, desserts and meaty add-ons are extra). The band will be adding rhythm and soul to a relaxed vibe from 12h30 until 15h30.

Bookings for the Delheim Jazz & Cheese Fondue Sundays are essential. Contact Delheim at Tel: (021) 888 4607 or send an email to restaurant@delheim.com to secure your table.

Diaries the following dates NOW: 7 July, 14 July, 21 July, 28 July, 4 August, 11 August, 18 August and 25 August.

Winter 2013

Please make a note of these dates on your calendar:

28 June:
“Game & bird” themed dinner

2 August:
Dinner presented by guest chef Kobus van der Merwe
of Oep ve Koep, Paternoster

30 August:
“Nose to Tail” themed dinner

27 September:
Dinner presented by guest chef Ralph van Pletzen, previously of Ralph’s

1 November:
“Sommeliers’ Shootout 3”

Set Menu

Only available till 2:30pm for lunch

Crisp linefish with sushi rice, coconut tamarind sauce,
coriander & macadamia
served with a glass of Miles Mossop Viognier

Slow braised springbok with pomme purée, brussel sprouts,
pickled onion & braising jus
served with a glass of Miles Mossop “Brother’s Blend” red

“Tiramisu”

R275

Click to enlarge

At Spier, we’re not fans of run-of-the-mill celebrations, and with Father’s Day just around the corner, we’ve decided to turn up the heat (literally) and transform ‘socks-and-underpants day’ into a super-special celebration for the family.

We’re setting the tables, lighting the fires and greasing the griddle for an indoor braai fest especially for Dad.

Date: Sunday, 16 June
Time: Lunch is served from 13:00.

Cost: R200.00 (adults); R100.00 (children aged 4 – 12 years), includes lunch paired with wine (or grape juice), and a gift for dad.

Venue: Spier Hotel Conservatory
Bookings: 021 809 1100 or reservations@spier.co.za.

Make it a fun weekend for the family, stay over at the Spier Hotel and enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the morning. From R1150.00 per room. Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability.

Bookings: 021 809 1100 or reservations@spier.co.za.

96 WINERY ROAD WINTER SPECIALS

In June

- ½ price Signature Dishes- Duck & Cherry Pie , “Hollandse” Pepper Fillet
every Tuesday & Thursday
- Lunch Monday to Saturday our 100% pure beef gourmet burger ½ price & other
POP UP specials

WINTER SPECIALS

Starters

Soup of the Day
Homemade Bread Rolls
Broccoli sprouts, Ricotta & Peppadew salad
Three Bean Salad
Spicy Chicken & Mango Salad
Butternut, Beetroot, Rocket, Pumpkin Seed & Quail Egg Salad
Greek Salad
Tomato, Mozzarella & Pesto Platter
Roasted Aubergines with Baby Marrow cubes & Feta
Assorted Quiche
Rare Roast Beef garnished with Mustard and Rocket Leaves
Marinated Black Mussels

****

Main Course

Roasted Karoo Lamb with Rosemary & Garlic Gravy
Pork Loin with Crackling and Apple Sauce
Patrick’s famous Oxtail with Carrots & Garlic
Chicken Pie
Roast Potatoes
Savory Rice
Mixed Mediterranean Vegetables
Broccoli & Cauliflower with a Cheddar Cheese Sauce

****

Mini Desserts

Red Velvet Cake
Buttermilk Pudding
Dark Chocolate Mousse
Peppermint Crisp Tart
Fruit Salad
Cherry Chocolate Brownies
Banoffie Pie
Strawberry Fridge Cake
White Chocolate & Espresso Tiramisu
Vanilla Pod Ice Cream
Fruit Display
Cheese Platter
Freshly brewed coffee or a selection of herbal or infused teas

R160 pp

Click to enlarge

LANZERAC WINTER PROMOTIONS

Enjoy Sunday Lunch in the heart of Cape Winelands
Two Course plated lunch – R170pp
Three Course plated lunch – R200pp
Kids menu available

Special evening Gourmet Menu by Chef Stephen Fraser
Two Course plated dinner – R180pp
Three Course plated dinner – R225pp
Or ask for the new winter a la carte Menu

Bookings Essential Tel: 021 887 1132 or www.lanzerac.co.za

VILLIERA WINTER PROMOTIONS

Celebrating Bastile Day on Saturday, 13 July 2013

Come and enjoy a tasting of our Domaine Gier Range (Cotes du Roussillon – France) coupled with a range of mainly goats cheese, produced by French cheese maker who lives in the Roussillon region.
In addition there will be a selection of charcuterie and fresh bread.

The event will begin in the Cellar at 11:00 for a duration of 2 Hours. Cost are R150pp. To book contact Lucinda on 021 865 2002 or wine@villiera.com

Villiera Cap Classique & Sally Williams Nougat Pairing Experience

We have paired 4 of our MCC Sparkling Wines with the Sally Williams nougat range. The compatibility of these products are astonishing, hence the decision to make it a permanent feature in our tastingroom.

Tastings are offered from Monday – Friday between 09:00 – 17:00, Saturdays between 09:00 – 15:00. Costs are R50pp to book contact 021 865 2002.

WINTER LUNCH SPECIAL AT MORGENHOF

Starter
Soup of the day served with toasted ciabatta

****

Main Course
Beef and Venison duo served with pumpkin fritters and green beans, Morgenhof Cabernet Sauvignon and balsamic jus

****

* Including a glass of Fantail Sauvignon Blanc/Chenin Blanc 2012
or Fantail Pinotage 2011

****

R 110,00 per person

Please note:
Commencing on Tuesday 4 June 2013
Available Tuesdays – Sundays
Restaurant is closed on Mondays during May, June, July, Aug

Morgenhof Estate Klapmuts Road (R44) Stellenbosch
Email meryka@morgenhof.com Website www.morgenhof.com
For bookings, call Meryka tel: 021-8892040

SKILPADVLEI

WINTER SPECIALS FROM MONDAY – THURSDAY

Monday (17:00) – Buy one Pizza, get another free
Tuesday (17:00) – Kids eat for free with any main meal
Wednesday (All day) – Buy one Burger, get another free
Thursday (All day) – Buy any Stew and receive a free Malva pudding

Bookings Essential!
For enquiries contact: 021 881 3237 or dine@skilpadvlei.co.za

Click to enlarge

Café Blanc de Noir

Café Blanc de Noir is set in-and-amongst the plum orchards overlooking the vineyards, the full Brenaissance dams and the majestic Stellenbosch Mountains. With its beautiful scenery of the Devon Valley the Café is the perfect place to relax. The café has focused on providing a rustic and happy space; from the open plan chic interior filled with home touches, to the well-trained friendly staff.

The cafe has been designed and created by the dynamic newly-weds Tom and Hayley Breytenbach. The idea to open a café came when they wanted a place to share their award-winning Brenaissance wines. With Hayley’s love affair with quality coffee, Tom’s passion for wine and the couples love for fresh delicious food Café Blanc de Noir was born. The name, the branding and the interior of Café Blanc de Noir compliments the established black and white Brenaissance signature.

The menu centres on simple, fresh, and flavour-full food. With the Café’s philosophy being ‘grown in the valley, made in the valley, enjoyed in the valley’, there is a real emphasis on local produce. The café operates a full day offering a delicious breakfast, rustic wood-oven pizzas, scrumptious sarmies, fresh salads, "family secret" cakes, award winning Brenaissance wines and craft beer. Each dish is served with quality, passion and a smile.

Café Blanc de Noir is for an after-work wind- down, for a family outing, a birthday celebration or a cappuccino break while on a cycle through the Valley. Without a doubt Brenaissance Café Blanc de Noir is the new place to hang out, chill out and eat out.

Contact Sarah Keeble on Tel: 0764000175 or email slkeeble@hotmail.com. Tweet: @brenaissancesa or Like: facebook.com/brenaissance.

Jazz, Wine and Food Fridays at Eikendal

Join us at Eikendal beginning Friday 5th of October from 17h00 to 20h00 for award-winning wines, cool jazz and selection of food platters.

Relax and enjoy the magic sunset and ease into the weekend with your family and friends. All this in a relaxed and cool atmosphere at Eikendal Vineyards situated on the R44 Strand Road, between Stellenbosch and Somerset West.

Booking on 021-855 5033 or info@eikendal.co.za.

Or stay the night at the Eikendal Lodge, booking 021-855 3617.

Special Offer

Pay R80 and get a bottle of wine and one Eikendal glass or
Pay R100 and get a bottle of wine and two Eikendal glasses
(R20 refund on returning the glass)

Middelvlei Boerebraai

Join the Momberg family of Middelvlei every Friday, Saturday and Sunday lunch and be part of a very special, authentic South African outdoor cuisine experience.

An integrate part of South African culture is to cook outdoors. Having a braai or making potjie has evolved into an unique South African social event with family and friends gathering together to share good stories and a glass, or bottle, of wine depending on the required cooking time, creating a memorable experience.

Join in the fun at Middelvlei and braai your own meat and boerewors. Our resident braai expert will be available for advice or to do the braaiing on your behalf.

Enjoy a selection of traditional dishes with your meat such as pampoenkoekies, roosterkoek, braaibroodjies and pap and sous. A special treat from grandma’s pantry: milktart, koeksisters and malva pudding, to name but a few, will be the perfect finishing touch to your meal.

Delicious, slow-cooked potjiekos will be served on most days.

All of these wonderful dishes to be enjoyed with Middelvlei’s award-winning wines – a true wine lover’s delight!

While mom and dad are having a good time, the kids can also have fun, enjoying the spacious outdoors, feeding the farm animals or going on a donkey cart ride. They can also join in the food fun and enjoy the special kiddies’ snack box and even braai their own stokbrood.

The Momberg family looks forward to welcoming you at this special outdoor Boerebraai!

Reservation information: 021 883 2565 info@middelvlei.co.za.

Hartenberg offers unique artisanal charcuterie, olive & wine tasting

Artisanal charcuterie and olives meet classically crafted wines in a unique taste experience at Hartenberg Wine Estate, one of South Africa’s leading and oldest producers of Shiraz on Bottelary Road in the Stellenbosch Winelands.

Known for their warm hospitality, the Hartenberg tasting room team are the first to collaborate with the very best makers of bespoke charcuterie and olives to offer visitors a singular wine tasting experience at their homely tasting room.

Priced at R60 or R100 depending on the choice of wines, these bespoke pairings bring together the expertise of Hartenberg Cellarmaster Carl Schultz, charcuterie artisan Steve Jeffrey and Chrisna Pepler who works her magic with locally grown olives. Both are regulars at Cape Town’s famous Biscuit Mill Market.

Charcuterie refers to the age old French craft of sausage making and curing, seasoning and smoking meat which is served traditionally with wine or aperitifs. Steve’s charcuterie, a selection of superbly cured Spanish, Italian and French style sausages and cured meats, can be found exclusively at Hartenberg and select farmer’s markets and delicatessens. Chrisna has been making delicious herbed, smoked, roasted and citrus infused olives and tapenades near Stellenbosch since 1993.

"We are very fortunate to be able to offer visitors these wonderful artisanal products with our wines and have discovered some exceptional and sometimes rather unexpected pairings," says Heleen Rabe, director in charge of marketing at Hartenberg.

Hartenberg Sauvignon Blanc is a wonderful companion to Chrisna’s green olives infused with citrus and lemon grass and just loves the milder Alsace air dried sausage, which enhance the gooseberry flavour and richness of the wine. Hartenberg Chardonnay with its zesty lemon and honey flavours seems to prefer its sausages a littler hotter such a soujouk and chorizo, whilst the smoked olive tapenade is a definite hit. Hartenberg’s Riesling and Pinotage on the other hand really love spicy foods and are among the few wines that can stand up to Steve’s extra hot Italian sausage. Roasted rosemary olives and the Moroccan sumac spiced sausage best bring out the berries of the Hartenberg Merlot. The Hartenberg Estate Shiraz loves all things smoked and goes down sublimely with smoked olives and pancetta.

The charcuterie and olives are presented lovingly on wooden boards made from used oak wine barrels and can be bought at the tasting room to be enjoyed at home with Hartenberg wines of course!

Whether you opt for the R60 tasting or for the more substantial R100 indulgence, ideal as a late afternoon, after work sojourn on the estate, this is a winelands taste experience not to be missed.

The charcuterie and olive wine tastings are available Mondays to Saturdays and seven days a week from December. For bookings, call Tel: (+27) 21-8652541, Email info@hartenbergestate.com or visit www.hartenbergestate.com. Hartenberg Estate is situated on the Bottelary Road off the R304 to Stellenbosch.

The Schapenberg Sir Lowry’s Conservancy WALKS FOR WINE

Come and hike the Schapenberg hills, enjoy the views and taste the wine!

Weather permitting, our guided wine walks will take place on the second and the last Saturday of every month.

A meander through the Schapenberg vineyards will take you to Journey’s End Winery, where the first tasting of the day will be held, as well as affording you the opportunity to purchase wine.

Thereafter you will ascend the Schapenberg, via the vineyards of Highberry, to Waterkloof, where another tasting will be held, as well as the opportunity to purchase their wines. CLICK HERE

A comfortable walk takes you back to Onderkloof, where the last tasting of the day will take place. Cost R150

A vintner’s lunch will be available at an additional cost of R70 per person. The bookings for the lunch close on the Wednesday prior to the walk.

For you convenience, your wine purchases from Journey’s End and Waterkloof will be delivered to Onderkloof, at no additional cost, ready for collection on your arrival.

To participate in these walks, please contact Di Marais at: 021-8581532 or 0824623624 or info@walksforwine.co.za.

For additional information about the walks you can also browse our website: www.walksforwine.co.za.

Friday evening sundowners at Uva Mira Our Famous "Friday Night" Sundowners have started at Uva Mira.

Every Friday night, join us as we savor on good wine and delectable cheese platters while indulging in an unforgettable altitude experience.

Bookings are essential, so call now and avoid disappointment!

Audrey Olckers
021 880-1683
info@uvamira.co.za
www.uvamira.co.za

Muratie Cheese Planks

Enjoy a cheese plank for two in the garden of the historical Muratie wine farm.

A variety of three cheeses, Ham & Salami, Muratie whole green fig preserve, Summer melon, Ciabatta, Koeksisters. Contents might vary to ensure highest of quality.

The cost is R150.00 and booking advisable.