PRIDE AND PATRIOTISM…ON A PLATE

I was honoured to be invited to judge the restaurant category in the Western Cape for the Great Wine Capitals ‘Best of Wine Tourism Awards’ in October. We have so much to be proud of in the Western Cape, and it gave me immense joy to rise to the responsibility of evaluating several wine tourism restaurants. Wesgro organized that Rushdi Harper of Wow Cape Town Tours would arrive to collect me, and his spacious car became my working office during October. Roving judges enjoyed the same pleasure.

CONGRATS TO THE WORTHY WINNERS

Delaire Graff Estate, the jewel of the winelands, is the worthy winner of the Wine Tourism Restaurant category. It is the platform for two very talented chefs to showcase the best of the terroir to locals and visitors. At three-plated Indochine, worthy of a flight from anywhere in the world, Virgil Kahn punctuates the flavours of the Cape with Asia – true destination dining. This fine-dining establishment is one of only five three-plated restaurants in South Africa, a prestigious accolade. His Cape heritage is always the foundation of his delectable dishes. Lunch at Delaire Graff restaurant this week reminded me of how innovative and refined chef Kayla-Ann Osborn is. A recent acquisition, hailing from one-plated Chef’s Table in Durban, she has already immersed herself in local ingredients. Her pumpkin dessert may not sound like a triumph, but trust me it is – the many layers of nostalgic flavours combine to end off a memorable meal – always accompanied by the superlative Delaire Graff wines. This duo has perfected the art of seeing what is growing on the estate and surrounds, picking them at their prime and marrying these fresh ingredients with those from local suppliers, to plate the perfect dish. A great consideration in the criteria was being able to truly feel Africa and the Cape winelands, another was attention to detail. Service is seamless, and the little touches make a big impression – like being given a bag in which you can put your mask while dining…

IT’S NOT JUST CULINARY ART

The setting is extraordinary, a heady combination of breathtaking art, stunning architecture and an enviable landscape, so it is no surprise that Delaire Graff Estate also won the Architecture and Landscape Award.

THE OTHER CATEGORY WINNERS FOR 2021 ARE:

Accommodation: Lanzerac Wine Estate                       

Sustainable Wine Tourism Practice: La Motte Wine Estate

Art & Culture: La Motte Wine Estate                                              

Innovative Wine Tourism Experiences: Creation Wines                                                  

Wine Tourism Services: La Motte Wine Estate

Click the link and be taken on a journey through the Western Cape’s winelands, and their worthy winners.