In good taste: Where to find C

Chocolate and wine? Been there, done that. How about a macaron pairing instead? Image: Adobe Stock

In good taste: Where to find Cape’s best – and most unusual – wine pairings

From macarons to fynbos cupcakes, a whole new world of wine pairing awaits.

In good taste: Where to find C

Chocolate and wine? Been there, done that. How about a macaron pairing instead? Image: Adobe Stock

The Cape Winelands never fail to impress, whether you are wine tasting, picnicking or simply soaking up the spectacular scenery. Many of these estates are historical farms with breathtakingly beautiful Cape Dutch manor houses, gardens, accommodation establishments and fine-dining restaurants. 

You can taste wine at most of the farms in the region; however, some offer unique tastings that pair their wines with something special.

Some unusual pairings of fine wines with sweet delights: 

Macaron and wine tasting at Blaauwklippen

Blaauwklippen estate offers several interesting pairing experiences, from wine and chocolate, where you can enjoy a range of artisanal chocolates paired with white wine, red wine, an aperitif, noble late harvest and 10-year-old pot-stilled brandy.

Then there’s the red wine and fudge pairing featuring mouthwatering, handmade fudge.

The macaron and wine pairing is another favourite and involves six wines paired with a selection of delectable macarons. 

Where: Strand Road, R44 Stellenbosch
When: Monday to Saturday 10:00 to 18:00, Sunday 10:00 to17:00
Contact: 021-880-0133, www.blaauwklippen.com

Wine and fynbos cupcakes at Delheim

Delheim offers a decadent wine and cupcake pairing which includes four combinations of homemade cupcakes with their award-winning wines.

The signature foursome includes an exotic pomegranate cupcake; a Rooibos cupcake infused with lemon and topped with cream cheese and honey icing; a pumpkin and vanilla cupcake infused with star anise, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and topped with diced, pickled pumpkin; and a traditional African Makataan cupcake, festooned with makataan (wild melon) syrup icing. 

Where: Knorhoek Road, Stellenbosch
When: Monday to Sunday: 09:00 to 17:00
Contact: 021-888-4600, delheim.com

delheim
Image via Instagram @delheimwines

Wine and ice cream pairing at Clos Malverne

This is a perfect summer experience where you can sip some of the estate’s wines accompanied by homemade ice cream in unusual flavours.

Four scoops of gourmet ice cream are presented in ramekins facing its partner wine. Flavours might include parsnip, saffron, salted caramel and pumpkin seed.

The estate has a spa and luxury accommodation, so you could make a weekend out of it. 

Where: Devon Valley Road, Stellenbosch
When: Monday to Friday 10:00 to 16:30; Saturday 10:00 to 13:00
Contact: 021-865-2022, closmalverne.co.za

Artisanal salt and wine pairing at Fleur du Cap

Master chef and salt aficionado Chef Craig Cormack is the brain behind this most unusual pairing which features different salts alongside Fleur du Cap’s Unfiltered wine range.

The tasting offers five different types of savoury bites, like dolmades with sulphuric salt, and olive tapenade and black lava salt, matched to five wines.

Where: Corner R44 (Adam Tas Road) and George Blake, Stellenbosch
When: Monday to Friday 09:00 to18:00; Saturday 09:00–16:00
Contact: 021-809-8025, fleurducap.co.za

Nougat and Turkish delight with MCC at JC Le Roux

The House of JC Le Roux is the leading home of sparkling wine in South Africa and offers an exquisite setting in which to sample their wide range of sparkling and Méthode Cap Classique wines.

They have a nougat, Turkish delight and MCC tasting where you can sample some of their iconic bubblies.  

Where: Devon Valley Road, Stellenbosch
When: Monday to Friday 09:00 to 17:00; Saturday 10:00 to 15:00; Sunday 10:00 to 14:00
Contact: 021-865-8200, jcleroux.co.za

JC le Roux
Image via @ houseofjcleroux

Cheesecake and MCC at Laborie 

A decadent cheesecake pairs unexpectedly well with bubbly. This form of culinary heaven can be enjoyed at the KWV Wine Emporium in Paarl.

Three small rounds of cheesecake are paired with a different MCC, and include flavours like orange blossom, strawberry and hazelnut. 

Where: KWV Wine Emporium, Kohler Street, Southern Paarl

When: Monday to Saturday 09:00 to 15:45
Contact: 021-807-3911, laboriewines.co.za

Laborie
Image via Instagram @ laborie

Oysters three ways and MCC at Grande Provence

If you’re looking for a luxurious pairing experience, this one is for you. Relax in the Grande Provence’s elegant sculpture garden while sampling freshly shucked West Coast oysters topped with gourmet dressings, accompanied by some of the estate’s finest wines and MCCs. 

Where: Main Road, Franschhoek
When: Monday to Sunday 10:00 to 20:30
Contact: 021-876-8600, grandeprovence.co.za