Meerlust, Simonsig, Klein Constantia, Warwick and Waterford estates will all be present on the opening evening - to present their wines, mingle and meet with diners. It's an opportunity not to be missed, to talk personally to Hannes Myburgh and cellar master Chris Williams from Meerlust, Johan Malan from Simonsig, Lowell Jooste from Klein Constantia, Kevin Arnold from Waterford, and Mike Ratcliffe from Warwick. The who's who from iconic South African wine estates will all be there.
Located at the Vineyard Hotel & Spa, the Square has partnered with these five famous Cape wine estates because, not only are they world renowned, but also they represent the same values as the hotel - all are well established and family run. Estate owners and winemakers personally selected wines from their estates and these have been carefully paired with four- and five-course dinners to complement them.
The Square's Gourmet Wine Evenings, now in their fourth year, commence with a welcome from the winemaker and chef. Then diners can enjoy a relaxed evening, savouring the different courses of cuisine and wines at their own pace. “There is no rush,” said Vineyard Hotel & Spa's food and beverage manager Gawie Marx, “and diners are encouraged to simply relax and enjoy the evening. It's informal, and winemakers and estate owners will mingle with guests throughout the evening. The chefs will also be around to talk to guests. The idea is just to have fun.”
Running from 23 April to 29 October 2010, there will be two Gourmet Wine Evenings every month on Friday nights. Only 110 to 120 guests can be accommodated, so early booking is essential. “It's excellent value for money,” added Gawie. “For R249 guests can enjoy a welcome drink, a four-course meal paired with wines, and be part of a lucky draw sponsored by the featured estates. The evenings are hugely popular, because I believe we have got the formula right - they're reasonably priced, informal and relaxed.”
The final offering on the calendar will feature the eight Constantia Valley estates: Klein Constantia, Groot Constantia, Steenberg, High Constantia, Buiteverwachting, Constantia Glen, Constantia Uitsig and Eagles Nest. “This evening will be a five-course meal, paired with 11 wines,” said Marx, “quite simply, nobody else does anything like this.”
Other highlights on the calendar include a Chenin Blanc Evening with Ken Forrester, and Paul Cluver hosting wines from the Elgin Valley.
In the spirit of its winemaking heritage, the Vineyard Hotel & Spa has its own small vineyard along the banks of the Liesbeeck River. Planted two years ago, the first harvest will be in 2012. This is a symbolic gesture to mark the evocative history of the property, when in the 1700s Lady Ann Barnard owned the Vineyard farm with its 20 000 grape vines.
For Square Restaurant & Sushi Bar Gourmet Wine Evening reservations: Tel +27 (0) 21 657 4500; email: ; go to www.vineyard.co.za.
23 April - the Vineyard Hotel & Spa's five wine partners: Klein Constantia, Meerlust, Simonsig, Warwick and Waterford.
14 May - Constantia Glen
28 May - Eagle's Nest
4 June - Chenin blanc with Ken Forrester
25 June - Elgin Valley wines with Paul Cluver
9 July - Thelema Mountain Vineyards
30 July - Springfield Estate
13 August - Groot Constantia Estate
27 August - Kleine Zalze Wines
10 September - Simonsig Estate
24 September - Creation Wines and Luddite Wines
1 October - Cape Chamonix Wines
29 October - Constantia Valley Wines
