Top chef George Jardine takes heritage food and wine next level with his unique Pop-Up Lunches, focusing on Bottelary Hills wines and South African-themed dishes.
Mark these dates in your diary: 28 May, 27 August & 19 November and then hurry to book, because this guy can cook!
The lunches have become a feature on the Cape Winelands calender, with Bertus Basson featuring last year. Punters get the chance to explore different farms and wines of the Bottelary region in leisurely fashion, with winemakers and owners in attendance.
For the Bottelary Hills Pop Up Lunches 2017, Jardine will present his signature style at Hartenberg Wine Estate on 28 May; Kaapzicht Wine Estate on 27 August; and finally, Mooiplaas Wine Estate on 19 November.
The series will highlight the deep historical roots of the region and farms of Bottelary Hills with food and wine.
Known for producing champion wines, Bottelary Hills is one of five sub-routes in the Stellenbosch wine region and lies to the northwest of the town.
“Bottelary Hills is home to some of the oldest wine farms in the country and many of them have been nurtured over generations by the same families. These winemakers have an incomparable understanding of the terroir, which shows in the wines the region produces,” says Stellenbosch Wine Routes manager Elmarie Rabe.
The three estates participating are:
Hartenberg Estate (www.hartenbergestate.com) on 28 May
With a heritage stretching back to 1692, Hartenberg lies in a valley on the free-draining, north-eastern slopes of the Bottelary Hills. The vineyards were planted to take best advantage of either morning or afternoon sun. The estate is known especially for its outstanding Shiraz wine.
Kaapzicht Wines (www.kaapzicht.co.za) on 27 August
The name is of Dutch origin, referring to the sweeping views of hills and Table Mountain. The Steytler family has farmed the 190ha property since 1946 and specialises predominantly in red cultivars. Kaapzicht’s unirrigated vineyards thrive in ancient, weathered granite soils and are cooled by breezes from the Atlantic Ocean just 30km away – ideal conditions that produce full bodied, fruity, award-winning wines.
Mooiplaas (www.mooiplaas.co.za) on 19 November
The estate has a reputation for spectacular scenery almost equal to its elegant wines. Here too, is a farm built on heritage, care for the land and topographical contrast that results in diverse microclimates. Cape Granite is the foundation material of the soils on the estate, which comprises some 100ha of vineyard and 70ha reserved for its nature reserve.
Tickets to the Bottelary Hills Pop Up Lunches cost R550 per person and include a wine tasting prior to lunch and the ensuing three-course feast, served generously with glasses of estate wine paired with each course. Each guest also gets a bottle Bottelary Hills wine to enjoy at home.
Booking for every one of the popular events is required as the tickets are limited. To make a reservation or see a map of Bottelary Hills, visit the Stellenbosch Wine Routes website at www.wineroute.co.za. For more information phone (021) 886 8275.
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