De Grendel

| “The story of De Grendel is also the story of Cape Town”

It was a celebration of the future at De Grendel last week with the launch of their improved website and online shop which heralds a new digital era for the wine estate.

De Grendel overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain, these impressive views and its award-winning wines make it a popular wine estate to visit. Yet for those who live further afield, or don’t have the time to pop into their favorite winery and stock up on their top wines, De Grendel’s new online shop and revamped website makes wine buying a breeze.

| “Not only is it responsive to whatever device is used to visit the site, it also allows visitors to make instantly-confirmed restaurant bookings, chat directly with tasting room staff and download detailed tasting notes on the last three vintages of De Grendel’s wines.”

It’s clean, effective, beautifully designed and runs like the rest of the estate.

Other exciting developments are coming and over lunch, Sir De Villiers Graaff, 4th Baronet of Cape Town and owner of De Grendel, shared with us some of the amazing history behind the estate and the motivations behind the website.

The food has always been exceptional with Chef Ian Bergh creating dishes that, whilst looking attractive, are unpretentious, generous and made from fresh and seasonal produce.

Pescetarians, Vegetarians and a Vegan were all present at the lunch and it was no sweat off Ian’s brow to create enchanting dishes to suit everyone’s dietary requirements. We were not made to feel bothersome nor by-products of planning; the menu and pairings were executed flawlessly.

The starter was cured salmon with radish, licorice, peppery rocket, surmac and fennel – an impeccable comrade for the De Grendel Koethuis Sauvignon Blanc; this wine is beautifully balanced with a lush fullness on the finish – I’m in love with it.

For mains, kingklip on a bed of smoked butternut risotto with a beetroot salad was paired with the De Grendel Pinot Noir though I far preferred the freshness of the Sauvignon Blanc; It was a beautiful, wholesome meal with perfectly balanced flavours and excellently cooked fish.

Doesn’t the idea of having a leisurely lunch overlooking Cape Town, the sea and Table Mountain sound tempting – if you needed extra convincing, their Sunday lunch menu offers 2 courses for R275 (3 for R300) with the above on the menu PLUS other tantalizing delights such as duck breast confit, organic braised lamb shoulder, baked plum, cinnamon and lemon curd cheesecake…just to name a few.

 I’d love to know what you think of the new website: degrendel.co.za

All photos are my own