Grilled, charred, smoked and scorched....The Bottelary Hills Wine Route is all fired up for its sizzling series of Pop Up Lunches, when renowned celebrity chef, Bertus Basson, will fan the flames for a superb Sunday lunch prepared on an open fire on 17 April, 14 August and 4 December.
Igniting the gourmet side of the grill with talent and bravado, this highly acclaimed chef has teamed up with the wine folk of this prime winegrowing area northwest of Stellenbosch, to celebrate the flavours of fire, with a contemporary twist.
“Burnt, charred and blistered food is a huge trend this year and who better to set fire to it than Bertus Basson, famed for the phenomenal success of one of our finest Winelands restaurants, Overture, and judge on the Ultimate Braai Master TV show. Over the years he has certainly earned his ‘Licence to Grill’ and will intrigue all the senses with the smell, taste and sound of his sizzle,” explains Elmarie Rabe, Manager of the Stellenbosch Wine Routes.
Each of the three fire-inspired Pop Up Lunches will be hosted at a different wine estate along this sub-route of the Stellenbosch Wine Routes and will feature a different meat hero on the heat. April celebrates lamb in all its tender glory, August welcomes pork to the party and December gets fresh with fish on the coals.
Those hungry for layered flavours, expert cookery, sublime wines and experiential dining will be drawn like moths to a flame when Bertus bring out the tongs at the first Bottelary Hills Pop Up Lunch, which will go down a treat at Hartenberg Estate.
Bertus is lauded for his bold, innovative dishes that put flavour first and he will entice guests with on trend meat and side dishes cooked from the ultimate wood-fuelled fire and complemented by a fine selection of wines from the area.
These laidback lunches will take on the style of a three-course, truly South African feast with guests helping themselves from delicious platters of heritage fare on the table.
Prior to lunch, enthusiasts will be able to savour some of the Bottelary Hills wines in the warm, unpretentious company of their makers and guests can order and purchase wine on the day.
Nestled along the R304 and M23, the Bottelary Hills Wine Route reveals an untapped world of quality wine to both discerning wine drinkers and those who appreciate Cape heritage. It is home to some of the oldest wine farms in the country including the likes of Beyerskloof, Goede Hoop, Groenland, Hartenberg, Mooiplaas and Villiera.
The great charm of this sub wine route comes from the fact that most of the farms have been family-owned for many generations. This rich sense of history, commitment and family radiates in both the wines and the welcoming atmosphere of this area.
The first Bottelary Hills Pop Up Lunch for 2016 at Hartenberg will start at 12h30 and costs R350 per person, which includes the wine tasting, the three course meal, and a glass of wine per course. Pre-bookings are essential as seating is limited. Book your seats on www.wineroute.co.za or Tel: +27.218868275 or marketing@wineroute.co.za.
Hartenberg Estate is situated on the M23 Bottelary Road off the R304 to Stellenbosch. For more information on this Bottelary Hills stalwart visit www.hartenbergestate.com.