Tucked away amidst the verdant slopes of Helderberg and adjacent to the esteemed Rust en Vrede, the newly opened Stellenbosch Reserve Tasting Room & Restaurant is a fusion of Mediterranean elegance and rustic charm. This oasis of culinary delight, nestled in the heart of the Stellenbosch winelands, offers an experience that celebrates local heritage and sustainable culinary practices.
Drawing its essence from the former Haskell Vineyards, now a buzzing culinary hotspot, Stellenbosch Reserve honours the region’s viticultural legacy and cultural heritage through its name. Ronda Daniel, the marketing and hospitality manager for Rust en Vrede, embodies this spirit. She remarks, ‘Conceived in 2005 by Jean Engelbrecht, Stellenbosch Reserve was envisioned as a tribute to his hometown, capturing the essence of Stellenbosch varieties of our diverse wine range.’
The concise menu is expertly designed to complement the Stellenbosch Reserve wines. Dishes range from crispy, thin-based pizzas from the wood-fired oven to succulent, perfectly roasted baby chicken. Each creation, including the carpaccio, Hinterland lamb rib, pan-seared seabass, and heirloom tomato salad, showcases a commitment to locally sourced, sustainable ingredients.
The wine list proudly displays the Stellenbosch Reserve’s collection, along with a wider selection from The Stellenbosch Collection, featuring labels like Donkiesbaai, Cirrus, and Afrikaans wines. The restaurant’s ambiance, a blend of history and nature, features historic images of Stellenbosch and vintage harvest baskets filled with vines. The flagstone patio, shaded and inviting, encourages guests to linger and enjoy the stunning views.
The Stellenbosch Reserve Tasting Room & Restaurant is more than a dining venue; it’s a celebration of heritage, a journey of flavours, and a tribute to the sustainable ethos of the Stellenbosch winelands.
