Steenberg Wine Estate

Steenberg's new Bistro 1682, named after the year the wine estate was first established, is a fantastic brunch and lunch venue. And the best part is the complimentary wine tasting in the Wine Tasting Bar (notice the glass chandelier mimicking red and green grapes) and Tasting Lounge before the meal, just so you can be sure of what bottle you'll order. I had the rose which was very dry and very good R34/ carafe (about $5).
I ordered the very good smoked trout sandwich and my lunch mate tried the more complicated steak, grilled to perfection. The only complaint: If you're offered a dessert wine by the owner, ask the price before accepting. Ours was R125/ glass (about $17).

After your meal, step outside to marvel at the foothills of the Steenberg Mountain (Stone Mountain) and the spectacular views across the vineyards.

+27 21 713-2211
www.steenberg-vineyards.co.za

Forget Your New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc....

Word on the beach in Waiwera, New Zealand is that Sauvignon Blanc is old news. Instead, Kiwis recommend their Pinot Noir. Try Mt. Difficulty or Saddleback, both from Central Otago in the South Island, or the delicious Cloudy Bay.

Art in the Winelands

Six years ago Laurence Graff (of diamond jewelry fame) bought a wine estate called Delaire under the shadow of Botmanskop atop the Helshoogte Pass in Stellenbosch, Cape Town. He commissioned the experts -- British interiors guru David Collins, local landscape genius Keith Kirsten -- to create a wonderfully modern restaurant with clever nods to Africa that's packed to the rafters with a magnificent art collection including works by William Kentridge, Deborah Bell and Dylan Lewis. Chef Christiaan Campbell is responsible for a solid menu and winemaker Morne Vrey has every new toy at his fingertips to make sure that the Delaire Graff Estate wines are eventually able to compete with its neighbors -- Meerlust, Ernie Els, Rust en Vrede.