The Grape Escape

Clos Malverne is an award winning winery situated in Devon Valley, Stellenbosch in the heart of South Africa's wine industry.  It is a place of great beauty.  Food and wine are perfect partners and pairing them is even greater fun.

The restaurant is one that ticks all the boxes.  Sit back, relax and enjoy the jaw-dropping view - the vineyards begin only a couple of metres from your table.  Of course, you may be distracted by what's on your plate.

The view is truly panoramic, encompassing the vineyards and mountains.  Unfortunately, on the day we visited the clouds that menaced in the morning did so all day.

We elected to dine from the Food and Pairing Menu R298 per person including the wine and a glass of bubbles on arrival.  Have I got the decimal place in the wrong place or is that £15 per person!!!!!

For the 1st course we chose Chilli and Lime Seafood with prawn, mussels and calamari in a creamy chilli, garlic and lime sauce topped with salmon caviar served with Clos Malverne Sauvignon Blanc.

The chilli and lime seafood was a taste sensation.

The second course:-  Mini Springbok Pie served with pickled red cabbage and a red wine and juniper jus. Served with Clos Malverne Pinotage reserve.

Main course:-  Pan Fried Line Fish served with a lemon-white wine veloute, pea and mint mash, crispy potato straws and roasted tomatoes drizzled with lemon oil.  Served with Clos Malverne Sauvignon Blanc.  Cooked to perfection.

Dessert:-  Citrus Experience.  Lemon curd mousse, lime zest meringues, orange shortbread crumbs and a naartjie syrup.  Served with Clos Malverne Honey dew.

Fantastic food, service, ambience and setting.  Thank you Brandon for excellent service, you certainly went that extra mile for us to maximise our experience for which we are very grateful.

Who needs Michelin Stars when you can dine at places like Clos Malverne.  The food was absolutely superb and some Michelin Star chefs could learn how to provide great food and wine pairing without thinking they can charge a fortune.

WHAT A PLACE.  Would we go back - YES every week if we lived in Cape Town. Its now our favourite restaurant in the world .  Thanks for a wonderful meal.  South Africa is very lucky.

                                           The Restaurant at Clos Malverne Wine Estate,
                                            Devon Valley Road, Stellenbosch
                                            021 865 2022
                                            www.closmalverne.co.za