IN the third instalment of My Most Recent Trip To Stellenbosch was a more or less first thing in the morning visit to Lourensford. That’s if you count after breakfast and after 11am checkout at the Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa next door as first thing. Which I do.
Lourensford is at the end of a cul-de-sac in the heart of the Helderberg so you won’t get lost on the way there. It’s an estate with much to offer, from a coffee roastery and coffee shop to a craft brewery, as well as an art gallery, garden tours, a restaurant and mountain biking. The lovely market returns on September 1 (no, it’s NOT spring) from 10am till 3pm with gourmet food stalls, a variety of new artisanal goods stalls and live entertainment. After that, the market – which is in a permanent structure – will be open Fridays from 5pm all 9pm, and Sundays 10am till 3pm.
Burying the lead somewhat, there are of course, lovely wines. The previous evening I’d been offered the Dome Pinot Noir at dinner, and for my second breakfast, four wines were paired with chocolate. From the left, the limited release Chardonnay was complemented with orange chocolate; the River Garden Classique Merlot teamed up with berries; the spiciness of the Shiraz seated it comfortably with a bit of chilli; and the Estate Honey Liqueur met its match with mint.
While these pairings have all been carefully considered for your tasting enjoyment, you are free to go wild and try different combinations. I did this, and can report that they way they give it to you is the best. The pairing costs R110, and is a pleasant way to ease into the day. For more information, click here.
PHOTO CREDIT: BIANCA COLEMAN ©