In Cape Town there is always a vineyard to be explored. Cape Town really is blessed with some of the most amazing wine farms in the country, not to mention the award-wining wines. Some rich in history, whilst others have spectacular views where you can wine and dine to your heart’s content.
Many people would ask for suggestions where they can go for superb wines, scrumptious meals with panoramic views of rolling green mountains and lush green vineyards. Louisvale is the full package when it comes to dining in the winelands, offering beautiful views, manicured gardens with a modern design building that is as pretty as a picture. Oh, and if you love Chardonnay then this ticks an extra box as Louisvale is one of the pioneers of Chardonnay in South Africa.
Louisvale is situated at the foot of the majestic Stellenbosch mountains in the picturesque Devon Valley. The entire design of the newly refurbished tasting room was based on the heritage of the area and is adjacent to a hundred year old Cape Dutch homestead.
The architect went down as far to trace down the exact tribe that was in the area. They were a tribe called the Khoekhoens. The Khoekhoens were a part of the ‘Strandlopers’. They were technically based coastal, Gordon’s Bay side. Winter times would come, the Cape would flood and they had to move inland to temporary shelters. The shelters looked like tortoise shells.
In theory it’s not a new building attached to an old building, it’s an old building design with a contemporary style of metal beams, modern design windows and wooden structures. Abalone shells are mixed in with the cement floor representing the food that was in eaten in those days. The whole design of the building is based on the lifestyle of the Khoekhoens.
As you walk in the door, you are greeted with a white, airy space with beautiful panoramic views of the valley. For those wanting an el fresco experience, this definitely ticks the box on a hot summer’s day. There is a wooden deck overlooking the manicured garden and the surrounding Devon Valley.
Comfy couches set an atmosphere of relaxation. This is also the perfect space for ladies getting together for a breakfast that can be arranged beforehand as they mainly do light meals and lunches. The area isn’t separated so you can do wine tasting and a bite to eat without having to move around from one space to the other.
THE WINES
LOUISVALE BRUT CHARDONNAY MCC
This elegant and delicious bubbly combines expressive aromas of fruit and brioche on the nose. On the palate the bubbles are fine and the mousse lingering and you can expect fragrances of zesty lemon and green apple flavours. The Louisvale MCC Brut is lively, crisp and harmonious.
LOUISVALE CHARDONNAY PINOT NOIR ROSÉ MCC
This vibrant pink Rose delivers aromas of freshly crushed strawberries and cherries on the nose. On the palate the bubbles are fine and the foam persistent with flavours that are reminiscent of fresh, crisp red berries.
LOUISVALE STONE ROAD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2019
Fresh apple and fig on the palate create balance and structure. A fresh, crisp, well-structured wine, this Sauvignon has well integrated acidity on the palate and a smooth, lingering after taste.
LOUISVALE UNWOODED CHARDONNAY 2019
Unoaked, its citrus tones and savoury nutty nuances produce a crisp flavour with a hint of tropical fruits that taste of the succulence and freshness of the grape. Clone selection imparts these intense flavours. A delightful bouquet with a long lingering finish.
LOUISVALE CHAVANT LIGHTLY OAKED CHARDONNAY 2019
A fine balance of fresh citrus, vanilla and white peach flavours, this Chardonnay offers hints of butterscotch and citrus on the nose.
LOUISVALE CHARDONNAY 2019
A premium styled Chardonnay produced in the finest French oak available. The nose is intensely complex with aromas of lemon, melon, freshly baked bread and hazelnuts. The palate is smooth, buttery and very long on the finish.
LOUISVALE STONE ROAD CINSAULT ROSÉ 2018
This wine has a light blush pink colour. This is a dry Rosé with vibrant red berry and watermelon flavours.
LOUISVALE STONE ROAD MERLOT 2018
The deep ruby colour with glorious plum aromas leads onto succulence in the mouth and a delicious after taste.
LOUISVALE STONE ROAD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2016
A well-matured wine for easy drinking. Full-bodied with delicious fruit aromas of black currant and plum, it is ready for enjoyment.
LOUISVALE STONE ROAD SHIRAZ 2018
A well integrated wine with elegant spicy richness. Soft and friendly palate. Stone Road Shiraz is an excellent wine to ponder over with friends and good times.
LOUISVALE DOMINIQUE 2016
It is a harmonious, elegant Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Maturation took place over one year is French oak barrels. It has intense fruit aromas of blackcurrant and plum, supported by toasted oak. It is medium to full bodied and very smooth.
LOUISVALE FIVE BARRELS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2017
This is their flagship wine from 5 specifically selected barrels. Powerful, concentrated, rich, multi-layered wine with aromas and flavours of black currant, dark chocolate and hints of cedar and cigar box.
THE MENU
The menu focuses on fresh, rustic, real food. The recipes are traditional South African inspired but with a twist. As the seasons change, so does things at Louisvale Restaurant. In order to keep things always fresh and new, they change the menu on a regular basis. The menu will tantalise your tastebuds with Light Meals, Mains and Something Sweet. They are open from Mondays to Saturdays, 10am to 4pm.
We opted for the following meals:
LIGHT MEAL – PRAWN COCKTAIL
Everybody loves a prawn cocktail. Remember the fancy looking glasses with little forks? This clean modern version is beautifully plated with fresh ingredients of tomato, cucumber, greens, avocado mousse with succulent prawns and a delicious sauce to marry all those delicious flavours together. It’s a classic that is perfect as it is.
LIGHT MEAL – STICKY CHICKEN WINGS
These sticky chicken wings are addictive pieces of heaven with carrots, cabbage, dill, red onion, celery, served with a warm blue cheese sauce. They are delicious and finger-licking-good.
MAIN – CONFIT DUCK LEG
The duck was succulent and perfectly cooked served on a bed of butternut puree, lentils, peppers, carrots, mushrooms and dressed with a citrus glaze. This is pure comfort food and a delightful meal till the last bite.
MAIN – SOY & MAPLE GLAZED PORK BELLY
This dish is full of flavour with delicious sweet potato and mushrooms, served with two pieces mouthwatering pork belly, feta cheese and a jus to elevate this dish. Nothing like pork crackers to add a bit of crunch!
SOMETHING SWEET – GRILLED PINEAPPLE
Pineapple is delicious on its own but once it’s grilled, it’s tranformed into a delicious, juicy perfection served with vanilla ice cream. This vibrantly sweet, tropical fruit is the quintessential summer’s dessert and the perfect dessert to end off a great meal, with delicious wine and amazing views!
If you want an experience in the winelands that is unique, memorable and in a postcard-pretty setting, then Louisvale is the place to be!
CONTACT:
Email: mouton@louisvale.com
Tel: +27 21 865 2422
Categories: Louisvale
