Sundays are precious things, made sacred by time spent relaxed and recharging.
By invitation of Manley Communications I joined a group of lovely folk for Sunday lunch at Oldenburg Wine Estate, set in the Banghoek Valley between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Arriving for an optional walk through the vineyards up to Rondekop Hill to take in the uninterrupted perspective of the land.
This was followed by a delicious long lingering lunch at the beautiful Homestead, which is remarkable in its style, decor and finesse. Our Chef for the day was none other than award winning Bertus Basson of Overture fame, who with his very capable team prepared three courses between the dreamy home kitchen and the outdoor braai area.
Sitting outside at casually set tables, sipping on a selection of estate wines ranging from the Oldenburg Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay, to the delicious Cabernet Franc and my favourite, the Grenache Noir. We lunched on an offering of salads, mussels, succulent ribs, delicious water blommetjie and slow cooked lamb shoulder with a carrot and mash side dish and a beautiful vegetarian offering for me. To round off the meal, a selection of fine local cheeses, fruit and fig preserve. An absolute triumph!
About the Homestead.
Dating back over 200 years, the Homestead is the original family home of Oldenburg Vineyards and has been fully renovated and modernised into a true decor dream that preserves the history, architecture and charm of the Cape Dutch aesthetic, now filled with standout pieces, space, lightness and incredible art.
Add exceptionally friendly hospitality in a thoroughly private environment, and you have what feels like your own piece of exclusive Cape Winelands paradise. The large private garden and magnificent mountain views add to to the serenity.
The double-storey house can accommodate up to 12 people in 6 bedrooms, with the reception room, formal dining room, eat-in kitchen, entrance hall, guest cloakroom, living rooms opening out onto a large pool and personalised gym. Although you may prefer to just settle outside and immerse yourself in the magnificence.
About Bertus Basson
Bertus Basson is a highly acclaimed South African Chef best known for the phenomenal success of Overture, the restaurant he had an integral part in establishing as one of the finest in South Africa. With five Eat Out Top 10 listings to its name, Overture is currently ranked as fourth best restaurant in the country.
Beyond his extreme ability and talent, Bertus’ commitment is to great food made with fresh, local ingredients and his acute attention to detail is the key to his culinary success. As is his advocacy for believing in what you do, as well as having faith and confidence in your product. To have Bertus cook you a private Sunday lunch, is a culinary gift of excessive spoiling.
Remarkably, for a Chef of such position, Bertus is available for workshops, food demonstrations and private bookings, should you wish to get a group of gourmet enthusiasts together and arrange a dinner date, simply contact him.
Bertus below, with a couple of the guests post lunch service chats.
About Oldenburg
Oldenburg Vineyards is an independent family run boutique winery with about thirty hectares of vines that strives to produce some of the finest and most respected wines in the area. Best described for their overall philosophy, balance.
Working with an excellent terroir, they capture all that nature has to offer and strive to make wines with great complexity and elegance. One of their core beliefs is that wine is an expression of what nature does best and that by working closely with the land and with t heir adopted sustainable policies, they can ensure consistent high standard of quality. This all done with sustainability in mind.
Relaxed loveliness round a communal table.
A blissfully happy Sunday shared. My warmest thanks to Lise Manley, Bertus Basson as well as the Oldenburg owners Adrian and Vanessa Vanderspuy, for their warm and luxuriant hospitality.
Some take away details.
- Oldenburg is idyllically set in the heart of the Cape Winelands, only 10 minutes drive from Stellenbosch, 25 from Franschhoek and an hour to Cape Town.
- Numerous internationally recognised restaurants and wineries are within easy driving distance.
- That said, Oldenburg Vineyard’s tasting room is the best place to start.
- Enjoy one of the relaxing walks on offer.
Connect with Oldenburg Vineyards and follow them on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram. Contact details are – homestead@oldenburgvineyards.com.
Disclaimer. I was invited to lunch by Manley Communications and graciously hosted by Lise Manley alongside the Oldenburg owners Adrian and Vanessa Vanderspuy. Do connect with them should you have any press queries.
NOTE. Some pics supplied.
