The construction taking place at the front of the winery is that of a Melissa’s delicatessen, restaurant and coffee-shop which will be completed in May, adding another dimension to Du Toitskloof Wines’ cellar.
According to Marius Louw, CEO of Du Toitskloof Wines,the winery’s visibility from the road and its popularity among visitors to the Breedekloof Valley as well as those people simply driving through led to the plans to expand the hospitality attractions.
“Up until now we had been offering wine-tastings and light meals, but with wine tourism becoming such a major attraction and economical force in the winelands we felt it time to complement the high profile our wine brand enjoys in the South African market place with a substantial hospitality offering,” he said.
“The general standard of wineland hospitality has increased substantially over the past few years and Du Toitskloof and the Breedekloof region needs better tourism amenities.”
Louw says the Melissa’s concept of quality foods and dishes, fine coffee and excellent service will complement the Du Toitskloof experience.
“Melissa’s is a national hospitality brand with a loyal customer base and a reputation for excellence,” he said. “The Melissa’s at Du Toitskloof winery will be run under the auspices of the Melissa’s franchise offering coffee, meals, cakes and pastries as well as their line of specialist delicatessen products. Du Toitskloof wines will be available at cellar-door prices, and craft beer will be there for those preferring a cold one – especially the droves of cyclists who stop off over week-ends!”
Louw says the Melissa’s element will herald a new era for wine tourism at Du Toitskloof winery.
“The modern trend is for wineries to present all-round hospitality offerings which the whole family can enjoy – wine-tasting alone is not enough in today’s tourism milieu. Melissa’s will allow the whole family to enjoy their visit to Du Toitskloof in a child-friendly environment.
“Not only will we be able to offer more visitors a quality wineland experience, but our wine brand will be associated with the homely values of quality for which Melissa’s is known.”
The Melissa’s Country Kitchen at Du Toitskloof Wines will open mid-May.