Explore South Africa's Most Unique Wine Pairings - Tasting Adventures Await

Join us on a specially crafted “Wine Pairing” adventure through six remarkable wineries and cellars. For this “unpleasant” task, we eagerly left our desks behind – today, we share our experiences with you.

Wine pairings have quickly developed into a significant trend in South African winery tasting rooms. But what lies behind this phenomenon?

Wine Pairings harmonize wine and food into a carefully curated tasting experience. These thoughtfully designed combinations enhance the flavors of both elements, creating a sensory exploration through a winery's offerings.

Experiencing six pairings in one day proved unfeasible. Thus, we took two delightful days as “desk amateur sommeliers” discovering the landscape.

Idiom Wines – Macaron & Wine Pairing

After an unusually wet winter, we set out in splendid weather to Idiom Wines in Somerset West. The estate captivates with breathtaking views of the Helderberg region and the entire Cape Peninsula.

Following a hearty breakfast, our Macaron & Wine Pairing commenced. Prosecco and Merlot were expertly paired with artisanal macarons.

One Prosecco paired beautifully with a caramel macaron featuring peach buttercream – the elegant stone fruit aromas complemented perfectly. A lemon macaron amplified the citrus notes of the second Prosecco.

Particularly impressive was the coffee macaron intertwined with dark chocolate paired with the Idiom Hailstorm Merlot. The wine, crafted from resinated grapes, exhibited intense mocha and espresso aromas. A fantastic start.

Vergenoegd Löw The Wine Estate – Indigenous Food & Wine Pairing

The next stop took us to Stellenbosch at Vergenoegd Löw The Wine Estate. The “Indigenous Food & Wine Pairing” focuses on traditional, local ingredients from South Africa.

We enjoyed offerings such as bokkoms (dried fish), spekboom, buchu, vye konfyt, sour figs, makataan konfyt, and freshly baked roosterbrood.

The wines were open to myriad combinations. This pairing was less about classic harmony and more an invitation to explore – a culinary journey through the Cape.

Saxenburg Wine Estate – Biltong and Chocolate

Our first day concluded at Saxenburg Wine Estate in Stellenbosch. Here, you may choose between savory biltong or sweet chocolate pairings.

Pralines infused with vanilla, coconut, cashew, and honey artfully blend with the estate's wine selections. Alternatively, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Guinea Fowl Red, and Chenin Blanc are paired alongside beef and game biltong.

A highlight of the tour is the Outdoor Wildlife Tasting Experience: a wine tasting framed by zebras, springboks, and gnus – a delightful experience (reservation required).

Glen Carlou – Liquorice & Wine Pairing

Licorice with wine? At Glen Carlou, this combination transforms into a gourmet affair featuring Lakrids by Bülow.

The tasting team amazed us with professional preparation. Chardonnay was harmoniously paired with passion fruit licorice – an unexpectedly intense and well-balanced flavor explosion.

More highlights included Semillon with mango-vanilla licorice, Cabernet Sauvignon with chocolate-sea salt licorice, and the Grand Classique Cuvée with salted caramel licorice. A pairing that genuinely impresses.

Eikendal Vineyards – Cheesecake & Wine

Eikendal Vineyards unites cheesecake with wine. Sauvignon Blanc found harmony with lemon cheesecake, Rosé paired with the strawberry variant, and the unoaked Chardonnay “Janina” complemented caramel-sea salt cake.

All three pairings dazzled with freshness, balance, and subtle sweetness – perfect for summer enjoyment.

Delheim – Fynbos Cupcake & Wine Pairing

In conclusion, we visited Delheim. The Fynbos cupcake pairing links wines with flavors derived from local plants such as buchu, honeybush, and rooibos.

Gewürztraminer, Pinotage, Chenin Blanc, and Merlot were complemented with respective cupcakes. Our personal favorite was the Pinotage paired with the rooibos-cinnamon cupcake – a harmonious and aromatic end to the voyage.

The selection of wine pairings on the Cape is diverse and seasonally influenced. Everything from soups & wine in winter to lighter spring variations is represented.

In conclusion: Take your time. Wines continue to evolve in the glass. A second or third tasting often unveils new dimensions, enriching the charm of a successful wine pairing.

We hope our insights inspire you for your next visit to the Cape.

The entire SA team sends warm greetings from the Cape, wishing you a delightful week. Cheers!