Published on : Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Once again chef Reuben Riffel and his team at his restaurant at One&Only Cape Town have invited some of South Africa’s finest wine estates and winemakers to join them for a series of monthly gourmet extravaganzas throughout the year. A plethora of 5 Star-rated wine farms, including some of the best-known names in the business, will be joining sommelier Luvo Ntezo and Reuben as they taste, sip and savour the perfect food and wine-matches ready for their guests to enjoy. The results of their endeavours will then be served as a deluxe 5-course dinner to lucky diners at a regular event on the last Wednesday of the month. Hosted by charismatic MC and One&Only brand ambassador, Aubrey Ngcungama, guests can expect superb food, wine and entertainment throughout the evening.
The first dinner on 26th February will be hosted by Charmaine MacRobert of Iona Vineyards. Situated in cool-climate Elgin, Iona is a recognised specialist producer of some of the finest Sauvignon Blanc’s in the country, but Andrew Gunn, Iona’s winemaker, has recently added the popular ‘Mr P’ Pinot Noir to his stable, so expect some meaty partners for this wine which are sure to thrill. The following month, on 19th March, will be the turn of highly-acclaimed Solms-Delta. This trail-blazing initiative is the benchmark for good business-practice and staff-empowerment initiatives, but at the same time produces utterly delicious and food-friendly wines which are sure to complement Reuben’s food.
Hidden Valley Wines in Stellenbosch will be Reuben’s guests on 30th April when the winemaker will be talking about their exciting winemaking venture under the sea – yes, really! With unusual varieties, definitely different winemaking techniques and a varied range of vineyard areas, there will be plenty to learn at this dinner. The following month on the 28th May sees Chris Williams, winemaker of Meerlust Wine Estate take to the floor showing off some of South Africa’s greatest icon wines. The Rubicon has more than stood the test of time, but also look out for the delicious Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, both varieties well-suited to the breezy vineyards overlooking False Bay.
Warwick Wine Estate will be joining the Reuben’s team on 25th June bringing their internationally-acclaimed range wines to partner delicious dishes. Winemaker, Nic van Aarde will be presenting these iconic wines on this evening. The 30th July is the turn of Glen Carlou winemaker, Arco Laarman, joining the One&Only team for a winter food pairing feast guaranteed to enhance the robust, yet elegant flavours of his rich and hearty reds and full-bodied Chardonnays.
The following month, it’s the turn of the Graham Beck winemakers on the 27th August, when they will be showing off the prowess of bubbly maestro Pieter Ferreira, cellarmistress, Erika Obermeyer and winemaker Pierre de Klerk. The Graham Beck range of wines covers everyday quaffers up to special, commemorative wines of the very highest quality and the winemakers will be sharing their selection paired with some warming winter food.
The 24th September dinner is hosted by two of the Cape’s most enduring legends and endearing characters. Giorgio Dalla Cia is the man behind most of the Meerlust success of the 80’s and 90’s and, along with son, George, is happily replicating his triumphs with 5 Star wines under his own label as well. The word ‘raconteur’ could have been made for both father and son, so don’t expect an early night as you enjoy tales from more than forty years of wine. They’re a hard act to follow, but if anyone can manage it, it’s Thelema Mountain Vineyards, which, with pioneer Gyles Webb at the helm, has been at the forefront of Cape wine for the past 30 years. Son Thomas is often the public face of the company these days and both are full of tales, history and, of course, wonderful wines. The date for this special evening is 22nd October.
With the final dinner of this series, One&Only Cape Town could almost be accused of ‘saving the best till last’ as they welcome the multiple award-winning Boekenhoutskloof on the 26th November. Marc Kent is a giant in the wine industry, winning accolades and plaudits for his wines both locally and overseas. With wines consistently rating amongst the finest examples SA can produce, this is a superbly-fitting end to an exciting series of delicious dinners.
The Reuben’s Wine and Dine evenings are priced at R350 per person for a 5-course menu with wine-pairing. Interest in this series of exclusive events is expected to be high and guests are urged to make their bookings as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Tags: master chef Rueben riffel, one&only cape town, rueben riffel, winemakers
|
||
   
|
||
