Tag: stellenbosch

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

Delaire Graff Estate: An Unforgettable Destination for Wine, Art, Cuisine, and Relaxation

Introduction

Welcome to Delaire Graff Estate. This premiere estate is located in South Africa’s Western Cape region and owned by the world-renowned diamond mogul Laurence Graff. Its the perfect blend of elegance, class, and luxury whilst offering a unique combination of fine wines, breath taking art, delicious cuisine. This jewel of the winelands is a serene environment to soothe the senses. If you are looking for a world-class destination for an unforgettable experience, Delaire Graff Estate is the place to be.

Wines

Delaire Graff Estate boasts a prestigious winery that capitalizes on the unique terroir and long, slow ripening season to produce award-winning wines. The estate has 17.5 hectares of vineyards. Bordeaux reds and Chardonnay grapes are grown on the Botmaskop Mountain. This winery is considered one of the top 50 wineries in the world as per the World’s Best Vineyards 2023 rankings, securing the 36th place on the list.

Wine Tasting

The estate also has an art-filled wine lounge that offers tutored wine tasting experiences daily, showcasing exclusive vintages only available at Delaire Graff. The tastings offer breathtaking views of the Simonsberg Mountain and the surrounding vineyards, creating a truly picturesque experience.

Dine

Delaire Graff Estate is home to two unique restaurants, both serving award-winning wines. One is the Delaire Graff Restaurant, offering modern bistro-chic meals from a seasonal menu. On the other hand, Indochine Restaurant serves an Afro-Asian cuisine. This variety is inspired by Chef Virgil Kahn’s Cape Malay heritage and his travels through Asia. They emphasize local cheeses and charcuterie in their sharing platters. Accompanied by non-alcoholic beverages and seasonal snacks, each meal is designed to harmonize with their extensive wine collection.

Explore Delaire Graff Estate

Apart from the award-winning wines, Delaire Graff Estate also features fragrant gardens, exclusive boutiques, breathtaking art, and a sustainability focus. The estate is home to Graff’s exclusive jewelry and watches, as well as the Italian brand 100% Capri’s linen clothing. This combination of luxury products and art collections provides guests with a unique experience that’s hard to come by.

The Art and Gardens

Delaire Graff Estate is a botanical paradise with tranquil gardens reflecting the changing seasons. The gardens showcase South Africa’s most exceptional contemporary artists. These are all part of Graff’s personal collection. This makes the estate so much more than just a winery – it’s an art gallery with over 400 works from various artists adorning the walls, ceilings, and gardens.

The owners of La Bonne Auberge, Remco and Tanja Overman, count Delair Graff among their top choices for wine and dine spots. Here’s their take on this stunning wine estate:

Our visits to Delaire Graff and its restaurant are always extraordinary. Aptly named the ‘jewel of wineries’, it offers more than just exquisite cuisine.

A visit to the Delaire Graff restaurant is characterized by warmth, cordiality, and impeccable attention to detail. From the moment we park our car, until the minute we bid goodbye, the experience is memorable. Whether we choose from the a la carte menu or indulge in the chef’s specially curated menu with paired wines – the food is consistently exceptional, epitomizing fine dining at its best.

Experience extraordinaire

Whether it’s for a romantic getaway, wine tasting, art appreciation, or exquisite cuisine – Delaire Graff Estate is an unforgettable destination for all travellers visiting Cape Town. This luxurious estate combines all the elements of fine living to create a memorable experience that you won’t forget any time soon. It’s incredible to see how Delaire Graff Estate has blended art, wine, cuisine and sustainability to create a tranquil retreat that soothes the senses. Visit Delaire Graff Estate and experience a world of luxury, art, and fine wine that is sure to make for an unforgettable experience.

Activities, Restaurant, Wine

Idiom Wines: A Celebration of Wine and Words

Idiom wines—nestled in the heart of the Helderberg range—is a celebration of terroir, unusual varietals, and masterful blends. This southernmost part of the Stellenbosch wine region provides the perfect backdrop and climatic conditions for an incredible range of wines.

Idiom Wine’s Unique Location

This elite winery is situated at the foot of majestic granite mountains. Idiom’s slopes vary in height from 200 to 350 meters above sea level. The 150-hectare property is easily recognizable due to the distinctive mountain shape known as the Idiom Conical Peak. Their soils contain decomposed granite which is relatively shallow and stony in patches with a clay base. These unique northern, western, and southern aspects create several micro-terroirs that add character and complexity to the wines.

A Family Wine Farm with Italian Heritage

The family wine farm has seen many great achievements. This includes the massive project to build a signature tasting centre and restaurant in 2016 undertaken by Alberto and Roberto. Their decision to plant Italian varietals as part of their diversified portfolio of grapes and actively promote these grape varietals in South Africa is a celebration of their heritage.

Idiom Wines: A Taste of Europe in the Cape

The vineyards bearing the Idiom fruit are called “Da Capo,” meaning “from the beginning” or “from the Cape” in Italian. This name refers to the fact that the vineyards were carefully planted for the first time in 1999. The range consists of 19 different varietals with each providing a unique and direct comparison between famous French wines of Bordeaux and Rhone and Italian wines of Tuscany and Piedmont. All are expressed in the Cape terroir.

Idiom Wine Tasting Centre: A World-Class Experience

The Idiom Wine Tasting Centre offers world-class and informative tasting experiences. It showcase Idiom’s flagship blends, signature Italian varietal wines, including the rare limited-release 900 Series wines. Guests can explore the ‘Cape Idiom’ of the great wine regions of the world while taking in architecture, views, and Italian-South African wines.

Vinotria Italian Wine Library: A Journey Through Italy

Guests are also able to embark on a virtual journey through the main wine regions of Italy at the Vinotria Italian Wine Library where a display of 250 wines from all over Italy distributed by Bottega Family Wines in South Africa.

Idiom Sensory Walks: Exploring Wine Through Nature

You can enjoy a unique experience only to be found in the Varietal Sensory Garden and the Fynbos Garden. Walk from varietal to varietal to explore the scents that are the constituent elements found in white and red wines of the Idiom Collection and whats more is that each bed offers descriptors of the different aromas and flavours, including its herb and floral characteristics. In addition this is also used as a culinary garden for Idiom’s restaurant.

Fynbos & Wine Walks: Celebrating Indigenous Flora

Idiom’s Da Capo Vineyards is situated within the Cape’s biosphere, and the garden celebrates some of the beautiful indigenous flora of the area. Guests can explore the scents of indigenous fynbos on a Fynbos Walk followed by the Cape Blend Tasting.

Idiom Wine’s Restaurant: Contemporary Dining with Breathtaking Views

The Idiom Restaurant opened in June 2016 and offers contemporary dining in the restaurant and a wine-tasting centre. It showcases Idiom’s flagship blends too, signature Italian varietal wines, including the rare limited-edition 900 Series wines. The 100-seater main dining area in the restaurant offers a fusion of Italian and South African cuisine in a modern vernacular.

The restaurant includes a unique, panoramic views of the majestic Helderberg basin. You can see the full expanse of the Cape Peninsula. You can see Table Mountain to Cape Point in addition to False Bay glistening in the foreground. Enjoy the Idiom Signature experience – a 3-course set menu paired with recommended wines from the Idiom Collection. There is also an à la carte and pizza menu available. Please keep in mind that the restaurant closes at 5 pm for day visitors but is available for booking as a venue for private parties.

Remco and Tanja, owners of La Bonne Auberge, often head over to Idiom Wines as it’s one of their favourite spots. Check out what they think about this elite wine estate:

“We are always truly delighted in visiting the Idiom Wine Centre. Nestled away from the hustle and bustle. Furthermore, it offers a stunning view of the surrounding landscape. Wine tasting at Idiom is more than just sampling and purchasing our favourite wines. We love Idiom mostly because we get the opportunity to taste and savour top-quality wines, guided by professional experts who provide insightful explanations. This unforgettable experience keeps us coming back to Idiom time and time again.”

Photo Credits: Idiom website and Instagram

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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