At the foot of the Tygerberg Hill, the gateway to the Durbanville wine route, you’ll find De Grendel Wine Estate. De Grendel, meaning latch or lock in Dutch, is one of Cape Town’s oldest farms. With a rich history, exceptional wines and one of the best restaurants around, this stop should be on your winter bucket list.
The Farm
Book in advance and start the day with a 4×4 drive around the 880-hectare estate that was first bought by Sir David Graaff in 1890. The farm was originally used as a breeding and resting ground for the prized purebred Arab horses that he bought while travelling in Argentina. Now it is home to red hartebeest, gemsbok, cows and horses. Only 75 hectares are under vine, these being planted in 1999 by Sir David’s grandson. 
The Tasting Room
The views from the tasting room are a sight to behold. All the way across the bay to Robben Island, Table Mountain front and centre, and on a clear day, Cape point to the left. They are quite possibly the most spectacular views of any estate in the region.
The wines are just as marvellous as the views and with a special tutored tasting from Winemaker Charles Hopkins, all the more memorable. Durbanville is a cool climate region well suited to the cultivation of Sauvignon Blanc. The slopes of the Tygerberg Hill, as well as the soil type in the region, offers the perfect terrior for this popular varietal. De Grendel has two Sauvignon Blancs in their range, as well as a noble late harvest also made from this cultivar. The ‘Koetshuis’ Sauvignon Blanc 2017 is an exceptional example of a cool climate Sauvignon Blanc from the region.
With wine to suit every palate, De Grendel offer an extensive selection of red and white wines. The award-winning Shiraz deserves a special mention. This particular style works exceptionally well with food pairings without being overbearing. Some of the white wines on offer include a sublime Chardonnay, a Viognier, a Rosé and an MCC Brut. Each wine with unique characteristics found only in the Durbanville area. 
The Restaurant
Contemporary modern Cape cuisine designed to complement the De Grendel wine range is what makes this fine dining experience a cut above the rest. Chef Ian Bergh brings a real passion for farm produce to the table and gives local artisan ingredients an inventive twist. Having spent time at La Colombe, Five Flies and PURE in Hout Bay, he is no stranger to exceptional silver service and cuisine. Here is a glance at some of the dishes available on the Autumn menu.
Springbok loin, celeriac, radicchio, courgette, cherry, 5 spice jus paired with De Grendel Shiraz 2017
Linefish, barley, quinoa, pak choi, cauliflower, lime, truffle, lemongrass, almond paired
De Grendel Koetshuis Sauvignon Blanc 2018
Citrus cheesecake, strawberry, earl grey, white chocolate, raspberry-almond cake paired with
De Grendel Rose 2018
Valrhona aero, nutella mousse, lime, banana brûlée, hazelnut paired De Grendel Noble Late Harvest 2017
Farm tours
Farm tours are available every weekday at 11h00. Farm tours are available for a maximum of 10 people at a time. Bookings must be made one week in advance via email to tasting@degrendel.co.za
The De Grendel Farm Tour cost R200 per person which includes the farm tour as well as a flagship tasting in the Tasting Room. R120 for children under the age of 18.
5 Course Autumn Tasting Lunch Menu
Available from Tuesdays to Sundays for lunch service only. Enjoy 5 courses with wine pairing for R795 or 5 courses without wine pairing for R595
Mother’s Day Lunch 2019
Join us at De Grendel Restaurant this Mother’s Day, 12 May 2019, for the ultimate spoil! We’ll be serving a special food & wine pairing menu at R850 per person.
Contact
De Grendel Wines and Restaurant
Plattekloof Road, Panorama
Western Cape, 7500
www.degrendel.co.za
I would like to know if you hire out venue for weddings?