July 2023
You’ll be delighted to learn that Dwarsrivier is home to several award-winning food and wine experiences. The culinary offering is as diverse as it is delicious and gives visitors plenty of opportunities to support local entrepreneurs and initiatives.
As you embark on a scenic drive over Helshoogte pass, you will be greeted by a mesmerizing landscape adorned with sprawling vineyards and embraced by the Simonsberg mountains’ majestic peaks. This idyllic setting sets the stage for an unforgettable exploration of some of the finest wines, coupled with an array of extraordinary restaurants that will leave your taste buds yearning for more.
WHERE TO WINE
Delaire Graff
The ultimate Cape Winelands experience, Delaire Graff is dedicated to beauty in its many forms. Much like polishing a diamond to reveal its brilliance, jeweller Laurence Graff has transformed an extraordinary natural setting into a world-class destination for wine, art, cuisine and escape from the everyday.
In the heart of South Africa’s Winelands, savour a wine tasting experience like no other at Delaire Graff Estate, where guests can sample some of South Africa’s finest vintages accompanied by spellbinding views across Simonsberg Mountain.
Specialties | Bordeaux Blends (Cabernet Sauvignon driven) and Chardonnay
Visit them | Monday to Saturday: 10h00 – 17h30, Sunday: 10h00 – 17h00
Get in touch | 021 885 8160 or send us an email info@delaire.co.za
Come for the wine, stay for the food
Pairing innovative cuisine with award-winning wines, dining at Delaire Graff is a sensational experience. Their two restaurants, namely Indochine and Delaire Graff Restaurant, transform the freshest seasonal ingredients into accomplished, artful dishes, backdropped by iconic Cape Winelands views.
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New to Delaire Graff
Indo Pop-Up has launched to critical acclaim with a sensational eight-course set menu crafted by Head Chef Virgil Kahn. Prepared in an open kitchen setting, be a part of this immersive experience and indulge in the epitome of fine dining.
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Thelema Mountain Vineyards
A family-owned and managed wine estate, part of the spectacular Simonsberg Mountain range in Stellenbosch. Home to Thelema and Sutherland wines.
Situated on the South Easterly side of the Simonsberg Mountain with elevations 530m above sea level with mainly south-facing slopes, possessing some of the highest elevations in Stellenbosch. The high altitude and the rich red soils are ideal for premium quality wine grape production.
Through the understanding of optimal climate and soil type, they have firmly entrenched themselves as one of the leaders in Cabernet Sauvignon, placing Stellenbosch Cabernets firmly on the global wine map.
They believe that grape quality is the single most important factor in serious winemaking, and therefore their policy is one of minimum interference, allowing the wines to be a true expression of each vineyard.
Specialities | Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon
Visit them | Monday to Friday: 09h00 – 17h00, Saturdays: 10h00 – 15h00, Sundays: Closed
Get in touch | 021 885 1924 or tastingroom@thelema.co.za
Clouds Estate
Situated on one of the world’s most beautiful mountain passes, Clouds Wine and Guest Estate is a boutique hotel and working wine farm. It offers premium accommodation, a range of wines under its own label and a contemporary restaurant. A stylish destination surrounded by incredible views, a visit to Clouds Estate is difficult to forget.
Specialties | The red blend, a field blend of Cabernet, Merlot & Petit Verdot
Visit them | Monday to Sunday: 12h00 – 17h00
Get in touch | 021 885 1819 or info@cloudsestate.co.za
Bartinney
Creating excellence in wine has not been a singular pursuit. The team at Bartinney‘s belief is that every aspect must work in harmony: agriculture with nature, people with animals, sustainability with excellence. The old vines are planted to a height of 550m above sea level and with slopes as steep as 45 degrees, creating wines that have exceptional expression and character.
Bartinney is a boutique wine cellar in the Banhoek Valley. Enjoy a wine tasting on the terrace, while enjoying unrivaled panoramic views over the valley and Simonsberg mountain. To accompany the wine they have a selection of locally sourced snacks, including cheese and charcuterie platters and delicious biltong. Their vision is to create excellent wines and reawaken the charm of the historic land whilst paying particular attention to their harmonious relationship with the environment of the Banhoek Valley.
Specialties | Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon
Visit them | Monday to Friday: 10h00 – 17h00, Saturdays & Sundays: 10h00 – 17h00
Get in touch | 021 885 1013 or tastingshed@bartinney.co.za
Rainbow’s End Wine Estate
Rainbow’s End is a family-owned boutique red wine farm. The first vineyards were planted in 2000/2001 with the maiden vintage Shiraz produced in 2002 of 18-month-old vines.
Having learnt how to make wine in the cellars of Olivier Laporte, of Chataeu Criox Beausejour, at Montagne St. Emillon, France, Anton has an unquenchable desire to produce the highest quality wines this pristine terroir can offer.
Rainbow’s End tasting room boasts floor-to-ceiling windows over-looking the spectacular Banghoek Valley.
Specialties | Rainbow’s End was one of the first producers of a single varietal Cab Franc in South Africa with the maiden vintage being 2005, and has three different styles of Cab Franc available for tasting.
Visit them | Tuesday to Saturday: 09h30 – 17h00
Get in touch | 021 885 1719 or tasting@rainbowsend.co.za
Oldenburg
Situated in an elevated valley of outstanding beauty, Oldenburg Vineyards is surrounded by a spectacular mountain amphitheater. At the heart of the farm lies Rondekop – their iconic, round hill which influences the vineyards planted on and around it, creating their extraordinary terroir.
8 Kilometres from Stellenbosch, on the road to Franschhoek, you will find them off the beaten track, at the end of a gravel road that leads deep into the Banghoek Valley. The unique location benefits from the confluence of 8 Natural Elements, creating distinctive terroir and allowing them to make wines that truly reflect their origins.
Inspired by the natural beauty of their surroundings, The Tasting Room is a tranquil space where visitors can relax and explore all that Oldenburg Vineyards has to offer. Expect a warm welcome, picturesque vistas, and a taste of their finest wines. Get to know their wines, story and share their connection to this special place.
Specialties | Bespoke tasting room experiences with certified and qualified staff.
Visit them | Monday to Saturday: 10h00 – 17h00
Get in touch | 021 885 1618 or thetastingroom@oldenburgvineyards.com
Le Pommier Wine Estate
Le Pommier with its distinctive French name, is a reminder that the part of the farm on which it stands was once a flourishing apple orchard. Nestled amongst the vineyards at the foot of the Simonsberg, the setting offers a Banhoek country cuisine Restaurant with glorious mountain views.
Pop into the winetasting room to taste Le Pommier’s award-winning wines. You will find all the wines are made from grapes grown on Le Pommier’s farm.
Specialties | Stunning, serene getaway place. Mountain and valley views. A hidden gem surrounded by Paarl, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch.
Visit them | Wine pairings are available Monday to Sunday from 12h00 – 17h00
Get in touch | 021 885 1269 or gm@lepommier.co.za
Come for the wine, stay for the food
Le Pommier Restaurant is a cozy dining establishment specializing in traditional Cape cuisine. The a la carte menu has something for everyone with delicious dishes at affordable prices. Delight in a lingering breakfast or enjoy a leisurely lunch on the terrace. For something a bit special why not take in the rustic ambiance over dinner in one of the restaurant’s intimate nooks?
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Zorgvliet Wines
Combining over 300 years of hard work and shared family knowledge.
Seven kilometers outside Stellenbosch in the heart of the winelands you will find a place of serenity and ultimate beauty.
The original Manor House underwent a complete transformation when the farm was bought in 2002. Today the building, which dates back to 1692, is home to Zorgvliet Wines Tasting room and it once again boasts a thatch roof to recapture the romantic facade of years gone by.
Specialties | Bordeaux Style Wines
Visit them | Monday to Saturday: 10h00 – 18h00, Sunday: 11h00 – 17h00
Get in touch | 021 885 1399 or info@zorgvliet.com
Come for the wine, stay for the food
The Zorgvliet picnic area and restaurant are situated in the most picturesque setting. Pick a basket from the picnic basket menu or sit down and choose a dish from our gourmet lunch menu and experience a culinary journey that will excite your taste buds.
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WHERE TO DINE
Banhoek Chilli Oil Company
Visit Banhoek Chilli Oil Company’s family-friendly taste kitchen and savor the perfect bite of flavor. Their menu showcases the versatility of their chilli oil while providing a welcoming environment for families. With ample space for kids to run around freely, gourmet treats, and local wines, it’s an experience that will please every member of the family.
The family-friendly BCO Taste Kitchen offers a range of classic, mouthwatering breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes. The menu has been designed to showcase the versatility of Banhoek Chilli Oil, giving you both a delicious meal and ideas on how to use it.
Experience not to miss
Tantalise your palate with an incredible chilli oil tasting (the only one in the world!) and tour the production line on their Experience Walkway to watch the exciting process that brings their original chilli oil to life.
Specialty | Their house-made chilli oil ofcourse.
Visit them | Monday to Wednesday & Sundays: 09h00 – 17h00, Thursday to Saturday: 09h00 – 20h30
Get in touch | 021 300 0795 or tastekitchen@banhoekchillioil.com
Boschendal Deli
The Deli is an ideal spot for casual dining with family and friends. Enjoy hearty farm meals ranging from their farm-style breakfasts to popular wood-fired pizzas for dinner. Their selection also features the best of what the seasons have to offer on the farm.
Specialty | Farm-to-table dining
Visit them | Monday to Sunday: 08h00 – 21h00
Get in touch | 021 870 4273 or reservations@boschendal.co.za
Alenor’s Catering
Enjoy a bountiful three-course meal at the home of Alenor Pietersen in the quaint village of Pniël, situated at the foot of the Simonsberg. Diners are treated like family and can immerse themselves in the stories, culture and cuisine of this historically significant community.
Specialty | Traditional Pniël dining experience
Visit them | Wednesdays to Saturdays: 12h00 and 18h00. Duration: 3,5 hours
Get in touch | 083 289 0818 or reservations@townshipandvillage.co.za