Gabriëlskloof, wine and olive jewel of the Overberg, dons a festive halo for this season.
Inspired by their wildly successful Heritage Braai Day, Gabriëlskloof are hosting a Celebration Braai on Sunday, 17 December. Yep, it’s the Braai to end all braais. And it’s a must-book affair, so get on it! (Booking details further down below.)
This fabulous family braai feast is an ace excuse to avoid crazy shopping malls and that end-of-year mayhem, spoiling yourself instead with a carefree day of bliss ‘n’ braaiing in the countryside.
The scenic setting, atop a hillside near Bot River, promises to pull out all the stops on the day. Meaty mains from the braai, sides to swoon for, impeccable wines to sip and savour and those endless, lush green lawns to ease back and relax on.
Wine lovers, take note: 17 December will also be the first chance to taste the all-new Gabriëlskloof Chenin Blanc. The latest addition to the estate’s range, it’ll be unveiled at the event. Your top choice of tipple to toast sunny days and happier times ahead, so take a case or two home for the holidays.
‘Our Celebration Braai, or as we like to call it, Chenin-bration Braai, is a day for making merry with friends old and new. We’re super chuffed with our new Chenin blanc, so come, let me pour you some!’ laughs winemaker Donovan Ackermann. Along with cellarmaster Peter-Allan Finlayson, he’ll be rolling out some barrels for a bit of farm-style fun.
‘This day really is a golden opportunity to stock up on our award-winning wines for the December holidays. Trust me, your Christmas guests will thank you.’
The two wine maestros will be lending a helping braai tong or two, while chef Frans Groenewald flexes his braai-ceps for a fire-‘n-smoke inspired buffet lunch to celebrate the communal spirit of the season.
Frans delights in serving up fresh takes on family favourites such as Sunday roast, snoek, mussels, spicy chicken, roosterkoek and pap-en-sous.
The grand finale? A dessert table groaning underneath a lavish array of South-African all-stars like melktert spring rolls, malva pud and munch munch more.
‘Based on the success of our recent Heritage Braai Day feast, our patrons basically begged us to light another fire. No-one wants to be stuck indoors in the middle of summer anyway, so come and join us for a lekker kuier-on-the-koppie,’ says Frans.
Add a jumping castle, some face painting, plenty of space for little ones to frolic about and a live show by local muso Gian Groen on the day – what more could you possibly ask for?
But wait! There’s more!
Wine Tasting Platters at Gabriëlskloof
During the month of December, casual passers-by can pull in for a trio of winning Wine Tasting Platters. Lekker nibbles for those not-so-hungry, but feeling-rather-peckish summer days.
The platters are served in the estate’s Tasting Lounge, and include samples of five Estate Range wines.
Mzanzi Platter: pickled fish taco, bobotie jalapeno poppers, snoek-and-patat croquettes, red wine biltong, biltong dukkah, vetkoek and roosterkoek a light lunch for two at R250.
Meat & Cheese Platters are R200 per platter.
The Deli Platter costs R400 and is a shared meal on its own. Loaded with all kinds of deliciousness from Gabriëlskloof’s Deli, like rillettes (patè), focaccia, marinated olives, labneh, pickled mushrooms, frikkadelle plus fig-and-cheese crackers.
During the month of December, Gabriëlskloof’s Tasting Lounge and country-style Restaurant serve breakfast and lunch daily, 7 days a week. Closed on 24 and 25 December. Restaurant bookings are essential to avoid disappointment.
The details:
- The Gabrielskloof Celebration Braai: The cost is R350 per adult and R100 per child. Book your spot via the website www.gabrielskloof.co.za or call 028 284 9865.
- Wine Tasting Platters: To book, call 028 284 9865 or email info@gabrielskloof.co.za.
Gabriëlskloof Estate – a mere 80-minute drive from Cape Town – is situated just outside Bot River, on the Swartrivier Road, off the N2.
