Leopard's Leap
I first did this tasting early last year and whilst the menu hasn't changed, the flavour combinations are so good that it doesn't need to. Their Culinaria Range is matched up perfectly with 6 dishes and you will not need to eat anything afterwards because it's wonderfully filling.
All the wines in the Culinaria Collection are based on traditional French blends and are made with the specific focus of being exceptional partners to food.The pairing only happens on a Friday and costs R120pp. It's incredibly informative and the atmosphere is relaxed and jovial - if you want an extra glass of wine then they are more than happy to top you up. All questions are welcome and it makes for an afternoon well spent.
Villiera
Villiera's tasting room is nestled under big oaks and whilst small, is tastefully decorated and their tasting room assistants are superstars - they have impeccable knowledge and the friendliest of attitudes.
The pairing is done with Sally Williams nougat and a piece of Turkish delight and the MCCs are delicious. I like that their MCC is not sweet and therefore the flavours in the nougat are truly accentuated because of the dryness of the bubbles. It's a common misconception that sweet must always go with sweet but this pairing allows for the fruitier components in the bubbly to shine.
It costs R80 pp and it's really a lovely experience to do in a group.
La Motte
Presented from a private room in the elegant La Motte Tasting Room, the Food and Wine Tasting pair 5 La Motte wines with 5 tastings of Pierneef à La Motte’s cuisine created by Chef Michelle Theron. The tasters are beautifully presented and they represent flavours and tastes we experience every day. The aim of the pairing is to guide guests towards more reliable future food and wine selections, with reference to weight and intensity, as well as the influence of the primary taste sensations.
It costs R130pp and like Leopard's Leap, can only be done on a Friday.
Fairview
Cheese & wine used to be regarded as something old people consumed after dinner; we all have that family member who brings out a board piled with the smelliest, bluest cheeses known to man and offers round an over-flowing glass of port.
Whilst there are rules when it comes to pairing wine with cheese, this doesn't mean that you have to stick to the boring and expected cheeses and with Fairview's extensive offerings, they really expand the opportunity for fantastic pairings.
The Beryl Back tasting is R75 and consists of 8 of their more premium wines served with a selection of their cheeses and olive oils. It's in a seated tasting room separate from the tasting bars and the tasting happens at your own pace. Then, when you've finished, you can buy all the yummy cheeses and wines that you just tried and carry on the pairing at home.
Creation
There are 6 options available at Creation, the stunning winery high up on the scenic Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. Creation have won Best Food & Wine Pairing at the Cellar Door via the Klink Awards three times - this is a competition judged by the consumer - so you know you're in good hands when having a pairing here.
The options are:
Tapas Pairing
Wine & Chocolate Pairing
Secret Wine & Food Pairing - Four scrumptious entrée-sized dishes paired with four superb Creation wines. And that's as much as they will say.
10am Brunch Pairing - 8 breakfast-themed tapas perfectly paired to premium wines from the Creation Range.
Non-alcoholic Pairing - Creation has partnered with the luxury TWG Tea brand to develop a TEA AND CANAPÉ PAIRING - so great for the designated driver or mama-to-be
Three Course Pairing Menu
For prices and details, click here