South African Winelands
We traveled to South Africa and Zimbabwe in December 2010.
Our first stop was the Cape Winelands for 3 glorious days of food and wine.
Highlights
- Lodging
- Allegria
- Restaurants
- Jordan Restaurant
- Tokara
- Rust En Vrede
- Wineries
- Alto
- Delaire Graff Estate
We positioned ourselves at Allegria, a charming guesthouse about 10 minutes outside of Stellenbosch:
And then ate and drank and ate some more.
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Jordan Restaurant
The ambiance was peaceful, yet trendy.
And the food was brilliant, exactly what you’d expect from Eat Out’s #3 restaurant in South Africa.
Salt & Sugar Cured Trout with a smoked garlic dressing, onion rings, and onion flower:
Steamed Saldanha Bay Mussels with coconut milk, ginger, and lemongrass:
Wood-fired Crispy Pork Belly:
And last but not least, a trip to the cheese room for dessert:
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Tokara
Our meal was exceptional and deserved every oooo and ahhhh after each bite.
We both started with creations from the Chef’s specials.
King Klip:
Ostrich Filet.
The food was creative and the view of the Simonsberg Mountains, False Bay, Table Mountain and the lush Idas Valley was the icing on the cake.
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Rust En Vrede
Rust En Vrede opened in 2008, and has consistently been on Eat Out Magazine Top 10 Restaurants in South Africa.
When we visited, David Higgs was Eatout Magazine’s Chef of The Year.
That was one hell of a meal!
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Alto
I really like wineries that only make red wine, don’t you?
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Delaire Graff Estate
Graff, as in Graff Diamonds.
Hands down, Delaire wins for best view.
The estate is situated on the highest crest of the Helshoogte Mountain Pass.
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South African food and wine was even better than I anticipated.
There is no doubt in my mind that I will return one day for more.
Next stop, Cape Town.
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South Africa is one of my favorite places in the world! See more trips and photos HERE.