FOUNDED in 1963, Nuy Winery’s first wine were released in 1978 – 12 bottle case cost R9. Across three ranges, the wines today are still reasonably priced, and its Barbieri Idro Rooi Muskadel 2015, a fortified Muscat de Frontignan matured for five years in oak barrels, recently (in May 2023) won a platinum award at the Muskadel SA Awards.
About 14km from Worcester on the way to Robertson, Nuy On The Hill restaurant and deli, and Nuy Winery tasting room enjoy an elevated location with beautiful views. We were spending the weekend nearby at Penhill Farm, so we decided to visit for lunch.
From the website: “Wood and stone elements were used in keeping with the natural surroundings complemented by a breath-taking view across the Nuy Valley vineyards. The venue features an ultra-modern designed wine tasting room, a top restaurant and deli run by owners Danette Thompson and Wilna van der Westhuizen (chef). A spacious patio surrounded by lush green lawn provides ample indoor and outdoor seating for patrons to treat themselves to a wide choice of restaurant dishes ranging from tapas, wood-fired pizzas, hamburgers and steaks, to a selection of Banting dishes.”
There’s a play area for children, and pets (on a leash) are welcome outside too.
Breakfast is served from 9am to 11am, and a Breakfast Burger – Nuy-style beef patty topped with a fried egg, tomato, cheese, bacon and fries – sounds like a great way to start the day. Or toasted roosterkoek with chive cream cheese, smoked salmon trout, red onion slivers, cucumber ribbons, poached egg and rocket. Heck, I wouldn’t say no to a Cowboy – cheesy hash browns topped with scrambled egg, bacon, avocado (seasonal) and spring onions.
But we had had breakfast at Penhill already so it was time for lunch, served from 11am to 4pm, unless there’s a private function in which case the kitchen closes earlier than the normal 3.30pm. Best to check beforehand so you’re not disappointed, like everyone rolling up the hill too late that day. Tapas, like butter chicken spring rolls, bitterballen, bowls and platters; and a huge range of light and heavier I suppose meals are on the menu, from steaks to fish and chips.
Louise had chicken schnitzel, served with choice of sauce (green peppercorn / Muscadel mushroom / cheese) and a choice of starch or side salad, and Yolandi and I went for pizza. She had the bacon, feta and avocado slices, and added red onion which is something I will be doing as well going forward. So good. I had roast lamb, baby tomato, smoked paprika, mozzarella with horseradish and Dijon mustard. Also good but I did have a bit of order envy. Nuy On The Hill is not normally open at night but on the first Wednesday of every month, from 6pm to 9pm, you can eat as much as you want/can for R110 (Ts&Cs apply).
There is a children’s menu only for children up to the age of 12.
We made short work of a bottle of Celine Cap Classique. South African bottle-fermented wines have been repositioned as CC, no longer MCC, and it’s taking me a while to get used to it. Whatever we call it (and I’m pretty sure “champagne” is bandied about when the French aren’t listening), it’s still the same good stuff. Celine is named for Esaline Cloete, much-loved in the Nuy Valley, who actively farmed until she was 97 years old. Made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Celine is the first release of this wine, and there were only 1000 bottles.
After lunch, AC Goodger from Nuy Winery guided Louise through a wine and nougat pairing. Sauvignon Blanc with macadamia, mango and passion fruit; Shiraz with smokey fudge and dark chocolate; sparkling Muscat with macadamia, raspberry and rose; red Muscadel with macadamia, cranberry and spice; and Nuy’s copper pot-stilled brandy with pecan, orange and spice.
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PHOTO CREDIT: Bianca Coleman ©
