I haven’t been to heaven, but I’ve been to Anthonij Rupert Wine Estate – and it’s the same thing to me, really. It’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been and the mere thought of it is enough to put me in a good mood instantly.
This sprawling estate just outside Franschhoek offers food and wine lovers a wealth of indulgent experiences from wine tasting, Italian cheese and wine pairing, afternoon tea and bubbly to delicious hot and cold antipasti. The latter is served in the Terra del Capo Antipasto Bar, made fresh daily by chef HW Pieterse and his crew. Afternoon tea with dainty cakes and pastries are served up at the manor house, where wines can also be bought and tasted. The Italian cheese pairing serves 5 cheeses with 4 wines and is served upstairs at the Terra del Capo Tasting Room. To cap it all, you can have a tasting of the estate’s three glorious L’Ormarins Cap Classiques in the rose garden behind the manor house. Days of wine and roses? It doesn’t get better than this, my friend.
Apart from these sublime culinary treats, there is also the magnificent Franschhoek Motor Museum, where a rotating selection of vintage and modern classic cars are displayed in immaculate condition. A tram takes one on an ambling ride around the estate; a fabulous way to drink in the spectacular views of the valley and towering mountains all around.
Anthonij Rupert Wyne was founded on the farm L’Ormarins in Franschhoek. Originally owned by the late Anthonij Rupert, the farm was taken over by his brother Johann Rupert in 2003 and the company renamed after him. Johann Rupert constructed a state-of-the-art winemaking facility, catapulting the farm into a prestigious wine estate and sprawling enterprise.
Wines are produced under 5 brands: Protea wines, Terra del Capo Italian varietal wines, Cape of Good Hope site specific wines and the Anthonij Rupert flagship range. I have so many favourites among these wines, I’m spoilt for choice. The Terra del Capo Sangiovese stole my heart years ago, and recently I discovered the sublime Optima red blend, the one-off Arne red blend, as well as the stunning Cape of Good Hope Terroir Specific range – notably the Riebeeksrivier Southern Slopes 2013 red. The port Cape LBV 2013 vintage is sheer liquid velvet, and the Litchi Eau de Vie a masterly distillation at only R300. The easy-drinking Protea range rosé, chenin blanc and pinot grigio are ideal for blistering Cape summers. Like all the wines from the Rupert family, they are incredibly good value for money, and joining the Anthonij Rupert Wine Club gets you an additional 20% off purchases. Yes, really!
Just look at the benefits of joining the wine club:
Discounts on purchases, exclusive member offers, free tastings, free entry to the motor museum and a whole lot more.
You will be issued with a unique wine club number, which on presentation at the estate will entitle you to:
- Regular special offers on wine.
- Up to 20% discount on Cellar Door prices for all wines, excluding special offers.
- Advanced notification of new vintages, new releases, participating wine shows, special events and news from the cellar.
- Free wine tasting on presentation of membership number for a member and guest.
- Free entry to the Franschhoek Motor Museum on presentation of membership number for a member and guest.
- Invitations to exclusive wine club dinners, an intimate wine tasting and dining experience with an opportunity to meet the winemaker.
- Receive recipes designed by the winery chef, to be paired with our wines.
I was recently a guest of the estate to experience the luscious array of treats, kicking off with the cheese and wine pairing upstairs in the Terra del Capo Tasting Room. A day filed firmly under “Lifetime Highlights”, for sure! Here’s what to expect:
Indulge the senses with a delectable Italian Cheese and Wine Tasting at the Terra del Capo Tasting Room. This interactive, fun and educational tasting is presented by one of the Tasting Room assistants, who will take you through the cheese tasting, sharing information about how the cheeses have been made and their places of origin.
The fine cheese selection comprises both local and imported artisanal cheese, made in true Italian style. They range from mild to strong and creamy to grainy, and include well-known cheeses such as Smoked Mozzarella, aged Fontina, and Gorgonzola.
Wine from the food-friendly Terra del Capo range accompanies the cheese tasting to create an authentic Italian taste experience.
Cold antipasti include burrata with grilled asparagus and gremolata butter, and a summery peach & plum caprese salad. Cured estate-raised Angus beef is smoked to order, and Franschhoek salmon trout showcases the quality of local valley ingredients.
Hungry yet? I am!
Sit inside in the intimate, plush bar with a view of the modern bottling line, or relax outside underneath the olive trees for an alfresco dining experience. The views of the landscaped gardens are guaranteed to revive and recharge your spirits.
Follow this up with a tutored wine tasting upstairs and stock up on wine supplies before heading home!
The Terra del Capo Tasting Room and Antipasto Bar are open from Tuesday to Sunday 10h00 – 16h30. For more information, contact the farm on 021 874 9041.
After my Italian cheese and wine tasting experience, I hitched a trip in the estate tram to the manor house for a bubbly tasting in the rose garden, followed by a tea tasting, more bubbly and cake. Feast!
Newly released, the L’Ormarins Blanc de Blancs 2012 joins the classy team of Brut Rosé and Brut Classique. You can set about the incredibly challenging task of deciding which one you prefer, while seated in the pergola surrounded by the perfumed roses.
Anthonij Rupert Wyne’s chefs and confectioners are renowned for their High Tea. Freshly-baked scones, pastries, delicate sandwiches as well as delectable Franschhoek smoked salmon blinis are served at the exquisitely set tea tables in the manor house drawing room. Only the finest teas from around the globe are served. Sample menus are available but are subject to change at any time. Because of the exclusivity of this event, bookings are essential.
Anthonij Rupert Tasting Room
Opening hours: Mondays to Saturdays, 10h00-17h00.
Closed: Sundays, Good Friday and Christmas Day.
Email: tasting@rupertwines.com
Sample menus: Breakfast High Tea
Yoghurt cups, Estate honey & berries
Mini Banana & Walnut muffins
Seasonal Fruit skewers
Scones with Cream & Strawberry Jam
Ham and Egg Cups
Smoked Salmon & Dill Blinis with Horseradish Cream Mini croissants with Parma ham & rocket
R140 per person, min. 6 guests please . Reservations are essential
High Tea Menu
Passion fruit & Pistachio mousse ‘cigars’
Lemon polenta cake with orange cream cheese & caramelized citrus
Red Berry & Lemon curd Tartlets
Valrhona Chocolate brownie
Strawberry macaroons
Mini nutty wheat rolls filled with coronation chicken
Buttermilk pancake rolls, salmon trout & dill crème fraiche
Phyllo tartlets spinach tomato & pine nuts
R140 per person, min. 2 guests please
Reservations are essential
Tea enthusiasts can look forward to an elegant Tea Tasting at the Anthonij Rupert Tasting Room amidst exquisite mid-nineteenth century art and décor. The Premier Grand Cru or Specialty Rooibos Tea tastings are recommended to be enjoyed in conjunction with the estate’s High Tea offering, or before or after a wine tasting.
Included in the tasting is a selection of four teas, presented by the Tasting Room assistants in a fun and educational fashion. Choose from either the Rooibos Tea Tasting, which includes traditional Rooibos as well as delicious flavoured versions. Alternatively there is the opportunity to sample Grand Cru Prestige Teas from the TWG Luxury Tea Company.
One of the best gifts you can give yourself is a visit to this marvellous estate, for any of the food and wine experiences. Remember to sign up for their newsletter, to stay informed of the wonderful parties, picnics and events held throughout the year. Tip: Book now for the Valentine’s Day picnic or brunch!
Contact: Anthonij Rupert Wyne
Thank you to Anthonij Rupert Estate for inviting and hosting me for one of the most magical, memorable experiences of my life in food and wine!
