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Discover Kunjani Wines & A Great Giveaway!

If you read about some of my travel adventures in and around Cape Town and the Western Cape, you may notice a certain trend when it comes to my wining and dining habits. Visiting wine estates, sipping on fine wines and eating delectable dishes are high up on my list.

Image courtesy of Kunjani Wines

Oh, who am I kidding? I absolutely LOVE tasting, sipping and exploring my way through the beautiful wine estates that we are fortunate to have in our “backyard”. What’s not to love about being surrounded by magnificent views whilst tantalizing your tastebuds with delicious cuisine and superb wines?  I know that this may not be everyone’s idea of a good time (personally, I could not be friends with these people!); but what many people don’t know or realize is that the winelands are not just about drinking wine. This amazing and diverse region caters for those that are keen on history, gourmet cuisine, nature, photography, adventure activities and much more.

It is often tempting to return to your favourite spots time and again – I do this fairly often. But what if I told you there was a “new kid on the block” that will totally wow and surprise you? This place is a real gem and recently, my husband and I had the pleasure of staying in one of their luxurious private vineyard cottages for the weekend.

Stellenbosch, one of the most renowned wine regions, not only in South Africa but also around the world, continues to produce award-winning wines and amazing food within picturesque landscapes. Kap Vino Estate, located just outside of the university town of Stellenbosch, is where you will find Kunjani Wines.

As we drove up Blumberg Drive, the eye-catching and unique restaurant and wine tasting facility came into view. A modern and elegant building with splashes of signature red, we were keen to begin our tasting journey at Kunjani.

A chance meeting between German entrepreneur, Paul Barth, and dynamic South African businesswoman, Pia Watermeyer, has resulted in a marriage of two cultures with one passion – wine! With Paul’s precision and Pia’s generous zest for life combined with many years of hard work, the tasting room and restaurant opened in November 2017.

Warmly greeted by Grant Morkel, the Restaurant Manager, as well as Pia, Kunjani co-owner and Managing Director, we were seated beside the fire on what is probably the coolest couch I have ever seen.

The restaurant’s stunning interior is the epitome of style and innovation with a truly unique character and was created by Pia and the iconic designer Haldane Martin. I love the gorgeous custom fittings, luxurious finishes and custom-made furniture paired with selected artworks by local artists, Krisjan Rossouw and Peter Pharoah. The entire space is chic, vibrant and totally #Insta-worthy!

Image courtesy of Kunjani Wines

THE WINES

This was my first tasting of Kunjani Wines and I must stay that they all very good. We began with a 2017 Sauvignon Blanc (R95 per bottle) and 2017 Chenin Blanc (R100 per bottle). The Stolen Chicken Rose Pia Noir 2017 (R105 per bottle) delighted my tastebuds with flavours of ripe strawberries, raspberries and toffee apple syrup. Red wine lovers are in for a treat with their Shiraz 2014 (R165 per bottle) and their Red Blend (R185 per bottle), a blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec, a Gold medal winner at the 2018 Cab Franc Challenge. Kunjani Wines recently shared the fantastic news that their 2015 Shiraz won a Gold medal in the Michelangelo International Wine Awards. Winemaker Carmen Stevens is mentoring Pia in the art of wine-making. Clearly very exciting things are happening at Kunjani Wines!

Wine Tasting at R55 per person. The Tasting Fee is waived with wine purchases. Click here for more info.

THE RESTAURANT – PUTTING THE FUN BACK INTO FINE DINING

To say that avid foodies are in for a treat would be an understatement! Connoisseurs of good food will thoroughly enjoy the “East meets West” cross continental fusion menu created by Executive Head Chef Lamek Mnisi with Pia’s valuable input.

Image courtesy of Kunjani Wines

Chef Lamek is a calm and gentle soul (quite the opposite to many fiery and hot-tempered chefs), yet his passion for the culinary arts is evident in each of his flavourful, creative and beautifully plated dishes. At the helm of the Kunjani kitchen since it opened in November 2017, he uses only high quality seasonal ingredients along with the best fresh produce when creating each season’s innovative new menu.

Read Chef Lamek’s incredible story about how he came to be a master in the kitchen.

The menu reflects their passion for locally sourced, fresh, wholesome and healthier food options that are also sustainable. I admire their commitment to acting responsibly towards the planet and its natural resources thereby reducing their carbon footprint. They only source fish from the Green List of South Africa’s Sustainable Seafood Initiative (SASSI) as well as locally grown produce. The Kunjani team planted their own edible flower, vegetable and herb garden early in 2017 and do a daily harvest of ingredients for the menu. They also grow micro greens, spinach, a variety of herbs such as rosemary and rocket, as well as birds’ eye chillies and tomatoes, amongst others. It does not get any fresher than this!

So what can you look forward to on the new Spring menu? Prepare your tastebuds for a tantalizing foodie feast! The menu offers a variety of delicious starters, mains, pizzas and desserts, as well as artisanal cheese and charcuterie platters.  It was lovely getting to know Pia over lunch and hearing about her passion and enthusiasm for Kunjani Wines and the wine industry.

Image courtesy of Kunjani Wines

Since I’m a huge lover of all things salmon, I chose the Salmon Trout & Beetroot Gravlax infused with citrus gin. Not only was it pretty as a picture, it tasted heavenly too. Hubby ordered the Dukkah-crusted Tuna Niḉoise Salad with olive tapenade. I do not often have “order envy”, but when this delectable dish arrived at our table, I thought that perhaps I should have had the same. Fortunately for me, hubby is willing to share so I had a taste (or two!) and loved it! Both dishes were utterly delish with amazing attention to detail. The plateware is just as gorgeous.

On to the mains! The menu is concise but offers such mouthwatering options that it is quite tough to choose just one dish. The African-inspired Springbok Loin in Shiraz Jus got top marks from me, while hubby opted for the Chakalaka Rack of Lamb with rosemary and rock salt roasted potatoes.

Both dishes were prepared and cooked really well and were lip-smackingly divine. The flavour combinations and vibrant colours are incredibly enticing. After all, it has been said that one eats with their eyes as well.

Image courtesy of Kunjani Wines

Dessert fans will be delighted with Chef Lamek’s take on the popular sweet treat Eton Mess. It is an interesting and visually appealing version of this classic and is made with passion fruit meringue, ginger crumble and sorbet. Two words – MUST HAVE! 😉

Image courtesy of Kunjani Wines

Vegetarians are also catered for with Butternut & Boland Cheese Arancini and a Camembert & Fig Stack, as well as an appetizing new Vegan option of Ratatouille & Swiss Chard Parcel. The German charcuterie and locally sourced artisanal cheese platters are perfect for sharing. The state-of-the-art glass walk-in fridge is a charcuterie and cheese lover’s dream!

Image courtesy of Kunjani Wines

If reading about their fabulous food and seeing the images is not enough to persuade you that Kunjani MUST be on your foodie list, you need to hop in your car pronto (or fly in from wherever you are reading this) and pay them a visit. Bookings are essential especially on weekends. The outdoor deck with breathtaking valley views is the place to be while sipping and nibbling and the lovely interior is perfect for cooler days. Either way, you are guaranteed to enjoy each mouthwatering morsel in a beautiful setting!

THE VINEYARD COTTAGES

Visiting a wine estate for a few hours is wonderful, but when you stay over in a private vineyard cottage for the weekend, you truly experience the estate and all it has to offer.

 

Whether you are looking for a weekend escape to the country with friends or are a couple that want to spend some time together away from busy city life, then the luxurious private vineyard cottages are the perfect choice. Conveniently close to the city, but surrounded by vineyards and breathtaking views, you will feel as if you are deep in the heart of the countryside.

The fully equipped, beautifully appointed cottages have everything you need for a peaceful and relaxing weekend (or longer) stay. Amenities include a washer and dryer, wall panel heating and air-conditioned bedrooms, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi.

Image courtesy of Kunjani Wines

Each cottage has patio doors that lead onto your own private deck overlooking the vineyards, complete with outdoor furniture and a braai (barbeque). Sitting out there with a glass of wine was simply divine. Taking some time out to just sit, breathe and listen to the soothing sounds of nature was pure food for the body, mind and soul.

Image courtesy of Kunjani Wines

Choose from 4 different cottages – Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet and Stolen Chicken – and say Kunjani to glorious vineyard living.

Breakfast is available upon request from 9am-11am. A hearty, wholesome breakfast with a cup of coffee on the outdoor deck is the perfect way to start your day at Kunjani.

We spent a blissful two days at Kunjani Wines. We enjoyed every moment and loved the warm welcome we received from each staff member. Their service and professionalism is impeccable and their hospitality genuine. As you can probably tell, I am a big fan of Chef Lamek’s exquisite cuisine and highly impressed with their range of wines. Our cottage was the ideal place to just relax and enjoy some time away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Now, I need to plan my return as soon as possible!

COMPETITION ALERT! WANT TO WIN WITH KUNJANI WINES?

Thanks to the lovely people at Kunjani Wines and Liquid Pulse Marketing, I have a delicious prize to give away to one lucky winner! Win a Wine Tasting for 2, a German Charcuterie and Artisanal Cheese Platter for 2 and a bottle of Kunjani Wine valued at R500!

Image courtesy of Kunjani Wines

Entering is super easy 🙂

  1. Like the Living It Up CT and Kunjani Wines Facebook pages. Sharing is caring so feel free to tag and share the competition with your friends using the hashtag #SayKunjani
  2. Subscribe to my blog www.livingitupct.com to receive notifications of new articles and exciting competitions. This will be verified, so please make sure you are a subscriber or you won’t be in the running to win.

 T&C’s

  • The competition opens on Friday, 5 October 2018 and closes on Friday, 12 October 2018. The lucky winner will be announced on Monday, 15 October 2018.
  • Competition is open to all South African residents over the age of 18 years.
  • The voucher is valid for 3 months from date of announcing the winner.
  • The voucher can be used 7 days a week between 11h00 and 16h30, subject to availability.
  • The voucher is for 1 German Charcuterie and Cheese Platter for two people sharing, 2 Kunjani wine tastings and 1 bottle of Kunjani Wine of the guest’s choice, valued at R500.
  • The prize cannot be exchanged for cash or any other items.
  • Transport to and from Kunjani Wines is not included and all other food and drinks to be to be settled by the guest directly.
  • Bookings are essential.
  • Judges decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

Happy entering and good luck!

Please note – I was kindly hosted by Kunjani Wines. All views are my own and based on personal experiences. Images are my own unless otherwise indicated. All prices are subject to change and were correct at the time of publishing.

Yours in Travel, Food and Wine
xoxo

 

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