IT’S hard to resist when a log fire beckons, signalling all the warmth of welcoming country hospitality. That’s why, come cold winter days, the hearth is always glowing in the Nederburg manor house (aka The Manor).
Walk into the gracious homestead, smell the earthy notes of the thatched roof, the spice of the wood as it crackles, and then pick up the wafts of honest home-cooked food, nurturing, hearty, and nutritious.
This winter, the cellar team is showcasing a selection of sumptuous reds, seductive rosés and crisp, refreshing whites paired with lip-smacking, tasty favourites all made from sustainably sourced ingredients. The most popular dish is the fall-off-the-bone lamb shank but competing for second place are juicy beefsteaks, mouth-filling burgers, squid, prawns, line fish and seasonal vegetarian dishes. And, of course, a tantalising array of desserts. Pampoenkoekies anyone?
“We keep the menu deliberately small,” explains Jerry Kennedy, of Nederburg’s destination marketing team. “Everything’s prepared from scratch. The accent is on what’s growing in vegetable gardens at the moment. These are the ingredients featured in our salads, sides, and salsas, all the way through to our mains and even dessert. And look out for daily blackboard specials.
“We want everyone to feel they matter, so we accommodate carnivores, shellfish- and fish-fanciers and vegetarians. We offer a variety of smaller-sized dishes too, because we know not everyone has a huge appetite. From melt-in-your-mouth toasties to cheese, nut, biltong and paté platters.
“As with our wines, flavour takes the centre stage. Our dishes are well-loved classics but lifted with a surprising twist. Our relishes, flavoured oils, aioli and infusions attest to this. At Nederburg, we believe there must always be an element of intrigue on your plate.”
As The Manor is open during daylight hours, the kitchen also offers breakfast and brunch options, including Middle Eastern egg specialty Shakshuka. Psst: ask for it as a lunch option too.
“We want guests to feel comfortable and relaxed and know they can bring their families. Children’s needs are just as important to us. We even offer them their own lunch boxes and give them the choice of a super-fun milk tasting. And when they get restless, they can try the lawn games, jungle gym, tree house, swings and even a zip line. All supervised of course.”
But as the Cape is blessed with glorious winter days, visitors can also plan to picnic in fine weather on the generous lawns and take pleasure in the roses and the poplar trees, along with the spectacular mountainscapes.
Kennedy does stress, however, that for everyone’s convenience and comfort, picnics (including children’s lunch boxes) must be pre-booked. “The same goes for wine tasting options. Covid hasn’t left us, and the safety of our guests is paramount. Booking is essential to avoid disappointment.”
The manor house opens at 8.30am to 11.30am for breakfast. Lunch is served from 12.30pm till 4pm. For more information on trading hours and special wine tastings, wines paired with bite-sized morsels and this winter’s menu, click here.
Nederburg Wines, Sonstraal Road, Dal Josafat, Paarl. Call +27 21 862 3104 or +27 21 877 5155. Email [email protected]
