You may have noticed that recently I have been spending quite a bit of time in Stellenbosch, whether it’s a quick day trip or staying over for a night or two. And you are right. I consider this wonderful wine region to be on my “doorstep” as it is only about a twenty minute drive (depending on traffic) to the nearest wine estate. Happiness!
Turn onto Baden Powell Drive from the N2 highway and you’ll find an array of wine estates and farms ready to welcome wine enthusiasts, foodies, history buffs, photographers and nature lovers. No two wine estates are the same and each one offers the visitor a unique experience. I should know. I have been doing my best to visit every winery in each region for the past 13 years, but somehow I haven’t quite managed to do that. But that’s ok. It just means I get to continue exploring while indulging my endless love affair with food and wine. And I love to share it all with you!
It was an Indian summer kind of day that we typically experience in South Africa during autumn when I met up with Mackenzie Bensch, owner of gorgeous On the Bay Retreat in Gordon’s Bay. We were eager to sip and savour our way through a one-of-a-kind Wine & Food Experience at Swirl. Their previous restaurant, Bistro 13, had a fabulous revamp and re-opened as Swirl in September 2017. The elegant and modern yet relaxed eatery entices you to join them on a sensory journey and was created as a wine and food pairing venue to accompany their Tasting Room. Here they showcase their wines with a wide range of food styles and flavours.
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The elegant, modern interior at Swirl. I love the relaxed, unpretentious vibe.*
Warmly greeted by Chantelle Boucher, Communications Officer at Stellenbosch Vineyards, we took a few moments to wander around the Tasting Room which boasts an inviting fireplace, comfy couches and a flat-screen TV, along with tables and chairs where you can enjoy an informative wine tasting. I was already planning a return visit with hubby and son in tow. The plan is this – I get to sip on delectable wines beside the fireplace while they watch some or other sport on the big screen – everyone is happy! The wine estate caters for everyone, as kids can run around on the rolling lawns and play on the popular Dreamweaver jungle gyms, while parents can enjoy delicious food and drinks on the wooden deck (weather permitting). They also offer a special kids menu and activity kits that add to a fun-filled day.
Our Wine & Food Experience began with a five-course pairing menu that is specifically designed by talented Chef Livinia Plaatjies and the Stellenbosch Vineyards winemakers to highlight the marriage of their wine with local-inspired dishes. You can also opt to create your own experience with their vast selection of “To Share” dishes, each with its own wine recommendation. Or simply relax on the wooden deck with a bottle of wine and nibble on one of their delicious platters. There are three Wine & Food Pairing menus and they range in price from R155 per person to R350 per person (prices correct at time of publishing).
Tuck into a delectable platter whilst sipping fine wines on the outdoor deck.*
We began with a crisp glass of Brut sparkling wine from their Welmoed range. This was followed by our first dish – tasty grilled Fish Cakes that were lightly smoked, topped with micro greens and a fresh, tangy tartare sauce on the side. Paired with Stellenbosch Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2017, we were off to a very delish start. If you love a Sauvignon Blanc with flavours of gooseberries, lemongrass and asparagus, this is the wine for you. It was such a pleasure to take our time and not have to rush through each course, which is the way I like to enjoy a dining experience. #SlowFood
Next up was a slightly spicy and flavourful Seafood Paella paired with Stellenbosch Vineyards Bushvine Chenin Blanc 2017. Barrel aged for five months, this wine features prominent notes of honey with spicy vanilla undertones. While being the ideal match for spicy curries, it also pairs really well with chicken and fish dishes.
Sorry! No pic of the Seafood Paella as it was THAT good! I devoured it before I could take a photo.
Here’s a pic of the divine Bushvine Chenin Blanc instead 😉
Our next course was meant to be a meat dish, but as I don’t eat beef or lamb, we enjoyed a meaty-style dish of Stuffed Mushrooms topped with smoked mozzarella. It was a tasty combination and paired well with the Stellenbosch Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2016. Produced from fifteen year old vines, this Cab Sav has blackcurrant and cherry flavours with a floral palate reminiscent of jasmine.
The fourth course was by far our favourite! I am a BIG fan of Pinotage and venison meat, ostrich meat in particular. The Ostrich Steak was perfectly seared and served with a heavenly berry coulis and braised cabbage. The Stellenbosch Vineyards Bushvine Pinotage 2016, with its rich, aromatic nose, and complimented by lush, juicy fruit made this pairing an ideal match. We enjoyed every moreish morsel of this combination, and even more so when Ruan Willers, their Brand Home Manager brought some Credo Pinotage Reserve 2014 for us to taste. This excellent flagship wine (R250 per bottle) was simply sublime with hints of dark spice and chocolate and completely bowled us over.
Our sensory adventure was nearly over (sob!), but the sweet ending more than made up for our imminent departure. A delightful Lemon Crème Brûlée paired with the Infiniti Noble Late Harvest 2016 went down a treat. I was pleasantly surprised by this dessert wine; rich with honey flavours yet not overly-sweet.
Again, no pic of the dessert. It’s really tough to take photos when ALL the dishes are so incredibly yummy!
Chef Livinia and the winemakers deserve high praise for their delectable pairings. We stopped to say goodbye and thank her for a truly delicious lunch. We were thrilled to be invited into the kitchen to see her in action.
All smiles in Livinia’s kitchen.
Our Swirl Experience was spectacular. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and I’m impressed with the friendly and attentive service by all the staff, as well as their exquisite wine and food pairing menu. The fine wines we tasted are available on their Flagship and Premium Tastings.
Stellenbosch Vineyards, with it’s rich heritage and over 300 years of wine-making history, is a foodie and wine lover’s playground. Be sure to discover this hidden gem’s many delights as soon as you can. I know I cannot wait to return to taste their winter pairing menu. Have you had the pleasure of experiencing the Wine & Food pairing at Swirl? I’d love to know what you enjoyed most, so let me know in the comments below.
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Yours in Food & Wine xoxo
Please note – I was kindly hosted by Stellenbosch Vineyards. All views and images are my own unless otherwise indicated. Highlight image courtesy of Stellenbosch Vineyards, as well as those marked with an * .
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