Tag: helderberg

Activities, Restaurant, Services

Osteria Cheese Bar: A Cheese-Lover’s Paradise in the Heart of Somerset West

The Ultimate Cheese Experience

Welcome to Puglia Cheese’s Osteria Cheese Bar – a destination where cheese is more than just food. It’s paradise. It’s a way of life. Nestled on the scenic Waterkloof Wines road, this world-class eatery is the brainchild of Davide Ostuni. Here, long-standing traditions meet culinary innovation, resulting in an array of mouth-watering dishes featuring their legendary handmade creamy burrata, robiola, fior di latte, and other artisanal Italian cheeses.

Witness the Art of Cheese-Making

One of the unique features of Osteria Cheese Bar is the intimate view of the cheese factory. As you savour your meal, you can watch the team craft and mature the very cheeses and pastas that grace your plate. “The concept was born out of necessity,” Davide explains. “We have realized that most of our hand-made ingredients need not only an introduction but also an explanation of how to cook with them.”

Their Exciting Menu

Prepare your palate for a culinary tour of Italy! From gnocchi made with ricotta served in brown butter scented with truffles, homemade pappardelle with wild mushrooms, porcini and Puglia Cheese labneh, to uova al purgatorio (a Neapolitan way of cooking eggs in tomato). Every dish is a testament to the versatility of their cheeses. Their Cheese Bar platters are a winner. They all come with various choices of cheeses, a tomato and garlic or rosemary focaccia, preserves and seasonal fruit. Don’t miss their sourdough pizzas, where the cheeses truly steal the show.

Osteria Cheese Bar menu


Wine and Dine

What’s a cheese feast without the perfect wine to accompany it? At Osteria Cheese Bar, they offer a diverse selection of both local South African wines and various Italian wines thus ensuring there’s something to please every palate.

Unforgettable Ambiance

Breath-taking views of the Somerset West Winelands, a laid-back atmosphere, and some of the creamiest cheeses in South Africa – the Osteria Cheese Bar promises an experience that caters to all your senses.


Take a Piece of Italy Home

Before you leave, make sure to have a look at what’s for sale. Here, you can shop for your favourite cheeses, cold meats, and homemade pasta to recreate the Osteria experience at home.

What La Bonne Auberge has to say about it

“The Osteria Cheese Bar is a must-visit destination for all cheese and pasta lovers. Specializing in homemade Italian cheeses like Burrata and Ricotta. They also offer our sumptuous homemade pasta for purchase. Whether you’re seeking a spot for an aperitif or a hearty dinner, Osteria Cheese Bar is always the perfect choice. Their delectable homemade tiramisu is our favourite and keeps us coming back for more. We extend our heartfelt thanks for your hospitality Osteria. We look forward to always coming back. Grazie per tutto!

Tanja and Remco Overman. Owners of La Bonne Auberge

“Homemade pasta, freshly made, like at home in Italy! Excellent taste, fresh, al dente – just as it should be and how we know it from our home.”

La Bonne Auberge Guest. Napoli, Italy

Plan Your Visit

Osteria is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 9.30 am to 8 pm, and on Sundays from 9.30 am to 5 pm. For any queries or to make a reservation, get in touch with them at 078 543 0663 and 021 010 6065 or email [email protected]. We’re located on the Waterkloof Wines road, 24a Old Sir Lowry’s Pass Road, Somerset West.

Make sure to visit Osteria Cheese Bar and indulge in a cheese-filled extravaganza that’s sure to leave you wanting more. After all, sweet dreams are made of cheese, aren’t they?

Activities, Tour, Vacation

6 top golfing choices in the Helderberg area and its surrounds

Can you believe we have six great golf courses in less than a 10 km radius from La Bonne Auberge? We are ideally situated for keen golfers looking to tame some of the beautiful golf courses in the Western Cape! In this blog post, we’re going to cover these courses and their various offerings. Keep reading to get yourself in the swing of things…

Erinvale Golf Club – 2 kms from La Bonne Auberge

Erinvale Golf Course, divided into two unique halves, offers a flat residential terrain in the first nine and a challenging uphill journey with stunning sea and mountain vistas in the back nine. Designed by Gary Player, this 18-hole course is an ideal destination for golf enthusiasts.

Nestled amid the Erinvale Estate and encircled by the Helderberg and Hottentots Holland Mountains, the Clubhouse adds to the charm of this Par 72 course spanning 6506m


Helderberg Village Golf Club – 4,6 kms from La Bonne Auberge

The Helderberg Village Estate, formerly exclusive to residents, now welcomes non-owner members. This par 70 golf course offers varied tee boxes of off a course that was originally only nine holes. With demanding greens that require careful attention, it’s an ideal destination for a South African golf holiday.

The scenic mountain views are a bonus on the course and also from the terrace on the nineteenth hole.

Somerset West Golf Club – 4,6 kms from La Bonne Auberge

The recently revamped layout of Somerset West Golf Club offers an ideal blend of challenging play and accessibility for all skill levels. Our welcoming members, inviting 19th hole, and comprehensive facilities ensure a complete golfing experience that will make you feel right at home.

The club features an 18-hole, par 72 course stretching over a length of 5942 meters.

Strand Golf Club – 6 kms from La Bonne Auberge

At this location, you’ll discover immaculate fairways featuring unique holes that are truly one-of-a-kind. Notably, the 2nd, 4th, and 7th holes offer a distinctive golfing experience. The course as a whole presents a stimulating challenge, ensuring an enjoyable day out. In addition to the main course, there’s a driving range and two expansive putting/chipping greens for practice.

Strand Golf Course stands out as an intriguing place to play, boasting a community of genuine, down-to-earth patrons.

De Zalze Winelands Golf Estate – 7 kms from La Bonne Auberge

Tucked away in a picturesque valley on the fringes of Stellenbosch, discover a golfing treasure nestled among the vineyards. The course, designed by Peter Matkovich, optimizes the breathtaking mountain views and the charming Blaauwklippen River that meanders through the landscape.

Situated within the De Zalze Winelands Golf Estate, it provides an all-encompassing Winelands experience: a championship golf course, a magnificent clubhouse boasting spectacular views, delectable cuisine, and an array of top-tier wines.

De Zalze Estate is more than just a destination; it’s an experience. The 18-hole, Par 72 course stretches over a length of 5937 meters, providing a challenging yet rewarding golfing experience.

Stellenbosch Golf Club – 8 kms from La Bonne Auberge

Stellies Golf Club is a parklands course nestled in the Western Cape’s Winelands. It boasts a modern clubhouse entrance that leads to multiple floors with sweeping views of the finishing hole. The club offers stunning vistas of the surrounding Winelands, adding an element of challenge to the game.

While the course tends to be drier during the summer months, it remains highly playable with a satisfactory pace of play. Stellies Golf Club is also equipped with excellent practice facilities including a spacious driving range and a large chipping/putting area. As an 18-hole Par 72 course spanning 6284 meters, it provides a comprehensive golfing experience for all skill levels.

Activities, Restaurant, Tour

The Story of the Drunken Horse and the Timut Pepper


Discover award-winning gin from The Drunken Horse Bar – a distinctive spirit made by childhood friends in a horse trailer

Who would have thought that an old horse trailer could lead to the creation of an award-winning gin? Well, that’s exactly what happened when three childhood friends came together to launch The Drunken Horse Bar. The revolutionary yet ever-distinctive gin bar boasts a unique distillation process that utilises Nepalese Timut Pepper, resulting in a smooth gin with three flavour waves – citrus, earthy, and pepper notes. This is their story.

If you’re a traveller to Cape Town and a gin connoisseur, then you’ll definitely want to hear more about The Drunken Horse Bar. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the story behind this gin and what makes it so unique. So, let’s get started!

The Distinctive Flavour Profile

The Drunken Horse Gin is a truly distinctive spirit with a flavour profile like no other. It boasts three flavour waves that blend perfectly together – citrus, earthy, and spicy. The first wave is a fruity citrus taste from fresh lime, grapefruit, and lemongrass zest. The second wave is an earthy note from cardamom and coriander. Finally, the third wave finishes with a spicy note from three peppers, particularly the Timut pepper, which reconnects with the citric notes of the first wave.

The Nepalese Timut Pepper

One of the main ingredients that make The Drunken Horse Gin so unique is the Nepalese Timut Pepper. This pepper is handpicked by Nepalese farmers and has hints of grapefruit, lime, passionfruit, and jasmine. It grows on the Himalayan hillsides and is integral to the gin’s overall experience. The Timut Pepper perfectly complements the other botanicals and gives the gin its signature flavour.

The I-Still Distillation Process

The I-Still method is used to distil all 12 botanicals simultaneously, creating a constant reflux with over 1000 springs, resulting in a smooth and round flavour. The final product is collected after a cold front stage. This process allows the gin to retain its unique flavour and aroma, making it a favourite among gin lovers.

Sustainability Efforts

At The Drunken Horse Bar, sustainability is a top priority. They choose to distil in Belgium and South Africa, which lowers bulk transportation and contributes to a greener planet. They also strive to reduce their carbon footprint in other ways such as using recyclable packaging and reducing waste.

Remco and Tanja, owners of La Bonne Auberge, often head over to The Drunken Horse Gin bar for a quick refreshment and the great food served at the Avontuur Restaurant, La Colombe. Check out what they think about this quirky little distillery:

“We enjoyed the Set Menu in combination with the Gin Pairing together with friends.  Hearing the origin story from the co-founder of Drunken Horse over a gin was fantastic and funny. The beautiful art that decorates the venue is also for sale.  And of course, we learned how the gin is produced. The dinner was very, very tasty and the different gin variations went perfectly with the food. We really enjoyed the evening, the location, the company and the food and are happy to recommend the Drunken Horse Gin, as well as the option for a set menu, together with the owner.”

Visit The Drunken Horse Bar

If you’re visiting Cape Town and want to discover this award-winning gin, make sure to visit The Drunken Horse Bar at Avontuur Wine Estate. You can learn about the gin’s creation, explore the art gallery, and taste the gin’s three flavour waves. Signature cocktails are available at their cocktail bar, and they also host Friday “gin-downers”  from 4-9 pm. On Sunday there are delightful picnics to be had.

Award-winning gin

The Drunken Horse Bar is a unique, award-winning gin that’s made by childhood friends who turned an old horse trailer into a mobile bar. Their innovative I-Still distillation process and use of Nepalese Timut Pepper make this gin truly distinctive. The three flavour waves – citrus, earthy, and pepper notes – blend perfectly together, creating a smooth and round flavour that gin lovers adore. But that’s not all; The Drunken Horse Bar also prioritises sustainability, making it a brand that’s easy to support. So, if you’re travelling to Cape Town, make sure to visit The Drunken Horse Bar and experience this award-winning gin for yourself!

Photo Credits: The Drunken Horse Gin website and Instagram

Activities, relax, Restaurant, Wine

The Lourensford Market: Helderberg’s Ultimate Weekend Destination

Weekends at Lourensford

Are you searching for the ultimate weekend destination in Helderberg? Look no further than The Lourensford Market, hosted by The Aleit Group on the picturesque Lourensford Wine Estate. This market ticks all the boxes with award-winning wines, scrumptious food, and 60 permanent stalls featuring handmade crafts, artwork, and artisanal products. So, grab your family, friends, or significant other, and join in on a day of fun!

What to expect

Nestled amidst verdant lawns, gardens, and oak trees, the market is a feast for the senses. You’ll also find pop-up stores, a rustic venue, and an interactive fountain for children to enjoy. The market has weekend live music too, with DJs every Friday and acoustic acts every Saturday and Sunday. Plus, car enthusiasts can indulge in vintage cars at the MOTOR Studio.

Twilight Market

One of the most popular events is the Friday Night Twilight Market, where visitors unwind at Oak Tree Lane, shop from vendors, and soak in the night market. The market is wheelchair accessible, pram-friendly, and allows leashed pets. There’s no entry fee, and a R10 parking fee (waived with Estate Wine purchases).

Winter Months

If you’re visiting during the winter, then the Lourensford Market team has a unique food and beverage experience at the Laurent Venue. This event runs for three months, where you can warm up with the seasonal menu of comfort foods, winter favourites, speciality coffees, hot chocolates, and a variety of wines.

Operating Hours

Plan your visit for Fridays (5 pm-9 pm), Saturdays (11 am-4 pm), or Sundays (10 am-3 pm). Don’t forget to bring your appetite because there’s something for everyone at the Lourensford Market! From egg-and-bacon rolls, biltong, artisanal cheeses to decadent desserts, you’re in for a treat.

What we have to say about it

The Lourensford Market is undoubtedly Helderberg’s ultimate weekend destination. Whether you’re sipping on the award-winning wines, indulging in delicious food, discovering handmade crafts, or enjoying live music, this market has it all. It’s a family-friendly, couple-friendly, and single-friendly hub of excitement that serves up unforgettable experiences.

La Bonne Auberge’s owners, Remco and Tanja, visit Lourensford Winery and Night Market regularly as its literally on the doorstep of the guesthouse. This is what they have to say about the Lourensford Market:

“Our visits to Lourensford Wine Estate are always a joy. Its proximity is like having a treasure next door. The estate boasts of an artistic garden, a wine-tasting cellar, and the delightful Millhouse Kitchen restaurant – all promising relaxing moments either for solitary enjoyment or with companions. However, our top favourite remains the Lourensford Market. It’s a hub for mingling with friends and indulging in scrumptious food.”

So, set your navigation and head over to Lourensford Market for a relaxing and enjoyable time out!

Activities, relax, Rest, Tour

Oh, what a view from the Helderberg Nature Reserve!

Can you feel the stress of the day just melt away?!

The Helderberg Nature Reserve is a protected area of natural beauty in the Western Cape, South Africa. It is located just outside of the city of Stellenbosch, it is home to a unique and diverse range of plant and animal life. The Reserve has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is one of the most important areas of conservation in the country.

Location

Situated on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain, the Reserve covers an area of over 3,000 hectares. The reserve includes a range of habitats – grasslands, fynbos, wetlands, and forests. It is home to a wide variety of plants and animals, including rare and endangered species.

There are various hiking trails, catering for all fitness levels. After walking you could enjoy a picnic in the gardens while watching tortoises stroll across the lawn. Birdwatchers and animal lovers, take your binoculars and cameras – you won’t be left empty-handed.

Wildlife

The reserve is home to a variety of animals including Bontebok, Cape Hare, Common Duiker, Porcupine, Genet and Small Grey Mongoose! It supports a substantial population of antelope, including Eland, Grey Rhebuck, and Bontebok. It is also home to predators such as the Leopard, Caracal, and Black-backed Jackal.

Bird lovers

The Helderview Nature Reserve is truly a paradise for birdwatchers and a great place to observe a wide variety of bird life. There are over 400 species of birds, including the endangered Cape Vulture and the critically endangered Black Harrier Hawk.

The reserve is a great destination for bird lovers to observe a wide variety of birds in their natural habitat. The nature reserve is home to a variety of bird species including the African Fish Eagle, the Black Kite, and the Black-bellied Bustard. Each of these species can be seen soaring through the clear skies of Helderview Nature Reserve, while some can be heard singing from the forest below.

It also provides a safe nesting ground for many of these birds, allowing them to breed and thrive in this protected environment. Visitors to the nature reserve can also expect to see plenty of waterfowl, waders, and smaller birds, such as the Cape Robbin Chat, the White-throated Swallow, and the Black-headed Weaver.

Flora

If flora appeals to you, Helderberg Nature Reserve is representative of Mesic Mountain Fynbos on the upper reaches and the Renosterveld on the lower reaches. And as you probably know, Fynbos is indigenous to the Western Cape.

Conservation and research

The Helderberg Nature Reserve was established in 1997 to protect the unique biodiversity of the Helderberg region. It is also an important site for conservation and research. It is home to a number of research projects, which focus on the conservation and management of the local biodiversity. This includes projects to protect rare species, manage fire, and study the impact of climate change. The Reserve is also a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore the area on foot, by bike, or by car.

Hiking and activities

La Bonne Auberge’s owners, Remco and Tanja, visit the reserve regularly as one of their favourite activities. This is what they have to say about Helderberg Nature Reserve:

“We adore being in the Helderberg Nature Reserve. Several hiking trails also provide a variety of activities for our guests staying at La Bonne Auberge Guest House. We’re just a stone’s throw away in the Helderberg Nature Reserve. It’s perfect for an early morning hike or a late afternoon picnic.  We personally enjoy the peace and quiet of the reserve, as well as the beautiful flora and fauna. The the view of the sea from a little higher up is magnificent!  It is ideal for short or long hikes on a daily basis.  A visit to the Helderberg Nature Reserve is always worthwhile.”

There are several trails and boardwalks that lead visitors through the reserve, allowing them to experience the unique beauty of the area. It provides a safe and healthy environment for wildlife and visitors alike and is a great opportunity to learn more about nature and the environment. The Reserve is also an important part of the local economy, providing jobs for local people and helping to protect the local environment. It is an essential part of the Western Cape’s heritage and an important part of South Africa’s natural beauty.

Photo Credits: Tanja Overman and Friends of Helderberg Nature Reserve | Facebook and Instagram Pages

Activities, relax, Restaurant, Wine

Tickled pink with our outing to Pink Valley Wines

Pink Valley’s wine making is committed to uniqueness, purpose, and passion for making and expressing a single specialist rosé wine. In addition it is the first of its kind in South Africa.

Located near Stellenbosch on the elevated slopes of the picturesque and majestic Helderberg Mountain, Pink Valley is a wine venture by the Oddo Family of France, marking their debut in South Africa.

The Oddo Family

The vineyard is owned by Oddo Vins & Domaines. A French wine company belonging to the father-daughter duo Pascal and Lorraine Oddo. Furthermore, the Oddo family has existing wine endeavours as far as France, Spain, and lastly Sicily. The property comprises nine hectares of vines, the Pink Valley Restaurant. It is also the only winery in South Africa exclusively used for the making of rosé wines.

Their Wine

Most importantly the objective for Pink Valley is to offer a rosé wine of classic style and top-end elegance while maintaining rosé as a fashionable lifestyle wine. The international sales of rosé wines are on the rise, and this stunning cape vineyard meets the need for premium-priced quality rosé wines.

Pink Valley’s blush-coloured rosé wine is a triumph of onion-skin colouring, with copper-pink highlights. It is made from a blend of grenache, shiraz, Sangiovese, and cinsault. It offers a luscious mouthfeel, and flavours of watermelon, cherry, strawberry, and citrus, thanks to extended lees contact. The winery has a 200-ton capacity for harvested grapes. This rosé wine shows extraordinarily bright fruit, with ripe notes of melon and tropical fruit, followed by a round, beautifully balanced palate that lingers long after the initial sip.

Their Inspiration

Pink Valley’s unique philosophy towards winemaking is further enriched by their love for art. South African painter Walter Battiss (1906 to 1982), known for his contribution to the ‘Fook Island’ concept. He is one of South Africa’s foremost abstract painters and inspires Pink Valley’s colourful artistry. His abstract and witty cartoons encapsulate much of his work that serves as inspiration for their wines.

Pink Valley’s bottles come with four different Battiss-inspired labels that each depicting its unique personality.

Their Restaurant

La Bonne Auberge’s owners, Remco and Tanja, visit Pink Valley Wines as one of their favourite outings. Not just for the rosé wine, but also for the fantastic menu all presented in a beautiful setting with world-class décor. This is what they have to say about Pink Valley:

The Pink Valley holds a special place in our hearts. Nestled in the vines, it’s familiar, cosy and quiet. The taste of the fresh and fruity rosé is the cherry on top. The tapas are always freshly made and extremely delicious, with our favourites being the Harissa Cauliflower, Humus, and Pork Belly. It’s the perfect escape during our day. It’s just a few minutes’ drive from La Bonne Auberge. A visit to Pink Valley Wines is a must for anyone looking to unwind amidst picturesque surroundings.

Their rosé wine pairs perfectly with their tapas
Their rosé pairs perfectly
Humus and seeded dukkah
Humus and seeded dukkuh
Harissa Cauliflower paired with Pink Valley Rosé
Harissa Cauliflower


The Pink Valley’s restaurant offers patrons a unique, modern, and relaxed atmosphere. Here you can share and enjoy contemporary tapas dishes, either with friends, family, or colleagues. One can simply pause and admire the pristine surroundings of the Helderberg with a glass of the exquisite Pink Valley Rosé in hand.

Harvest Table recipe book from Pink Valley Wines restaurant

They even have their very own award-winning culinary book, ‘Harvest Table’. It all started from a simple conversation about good food and wine which quickly turned into a full-fledged passion project. Exploring the stories behind the ingredients, communities, and local producers that make the Oddo Vins et Domaines wines so delicious is the main drive.

The book is full of mouth-watering recipes that range from traditional to conceptualized ones. But be warned, these recipes are not just food furthermore they’re are also an experience! And if you’re smart enough, you will get a case or two of their speciality rosé to pair with the dishes. So, head down to Pink Valley, grab a copy of the book, and take home your very own piece of this culinary heaven!

Photo Credits: Tanya Overman and Pink Valley Wine Estate | Instagram

Contacts

  • 21 van Zyl Street, Somerset West 7130, Western Cape, South Africa
  • +27 (0)78 203 7120
  • [email protected]

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