The Delightful Culinary Journey at Haute Cabrière in Franschhoek
Indulge in a sublime experience for your taste buds at Haute Cabrière, a renowned restaurant nestled in the heart of Franschhoek. Here, I invite you on a gastronomic adventure like no other, where flavors dance on your tongue and leave an everlasting impression.
As soon as you step foot into Haute Cabrière, you are greeted by an intimate and welcoming ambiance that sets the stage for an extraordinary dining experience. The restaurant’s charming interior, adorned with rustic-chic decor and warm lighting, creates a cozy atmosphere that instantly puts you at ease. The friendly staff, always ready with a smile, adds a personal touch to the impeccable service.
Now, let’s delve into the main star of the show – the delectable cuisine. Elegantly prepared using only the finest ingredients, each dish at Haute Cabrière is a masterpiece in its own right. From tantalizing starters that awaken your palate to main courses that leave you craving for more, every bite is a symphony of flavors carefully orchestrated by the talented chefs.
One of the highlights of the menu is the sensational selection of local and international wines. Haute Cabrière is renowned for its award-winning wines that perfectly complement the sublime culinary offerings. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or simply looking to discover new flavors, the expert sommeliers are always on hand to guide you through the extensive wine list and assist you in finding the perfect pairing for your meal.
But the exceptional dining experience doesn’t end with the food and wine. Haute Cabrière boasts breathtaking views of the Franschhoek Valley, providing a picturesque backdrop to your culinary journey. Whether you choose to dine on the scenic terrace overlooking the vineyards or inside the cozy dining room, the mesmerizing beauty of the surroundings adds an extra dimension to your senses.
So, if you’re ready to embark on a culinary adventure like no other, Haute Cabrière in Franschhoek awaits you. Allow yourself to be captivated by the enchanting ambiance, indulge in the exquisite flavors, and savor each moment of this unforgettable experience.
Have you ever been to the beautiful Franschhoek Valley? It’s a place where you can enjoy stunning views of the wine valley. The vineyards at Haute Cabrière have been making wines for more than 300 years. They continue the tradition started by Pierre Jourdan, one of the first French Huguenot wine makers in the area.
But let me tell you about something amazing: Haute Cabrière also produces its own wines. And visiting the place where these wines are made is a truly incredible experience. Picture this: it’s a sunny afternoon in Franschhoek, and you see three well-dressed businessmen landing in their private helicopter on the grass roof of the cellar. Quite a scene, wouldn’t you say?
As I walk towards the front of the cellar, I’m immediately struck by the breathtaking view of the valley. On a day like today, it’s hard to resist spending the entire afternoon here at the Cellar Restaurant, enjoying a delicious meal while taking in the scenic beauty. The outside tasting area is cleverly set up with large wine barrels serving as tables, providing a unique and rustic ambiance. And for those who prefer a more formal setting, the restaurant’s well-dressed tables offer the same stunning view, with just the right amount of shade.
However, Franschhoek can get quite chilly, especially during these months. But don’t worry, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find a warm and inviting atmosphere in the tasting room. Complete with a cozy fireplace and comfy couches, it’s the perfect spot to relax and savor your wine. And if you decide to dine at the restaurant, you’ll find a spacious indoor area with soft and warm lighting, creating a welcoming and intimate setting.
When you step inside the building, you’ll notice the unique construction. It’s made entirely of stone, and the curved ceiling flows seamlessly into the walls and pillars. This combination of rustic materials and elegant design sets the scene for a memorable dining experience. The tables are adorned with crisp white tablecloths, and the silver cutlery adds a touch of sophistication.
Now, let’s talk about the bathrooms. Even if you don’t need to use them, I highly recommend paying them a visit. The staircase leading down to the restroom takes you on a journey into what feels like a secret lair. The low roof and winding spiral make the descent intriguing, and when you reach the bottom, you’ll be greeted by an unexpected sight. Behind a sturdy gate, rows of barrels quietly hold the aging wines that complement the delicious meals you’re enjoying upstairs.
So, I thought, why not give the wines at the Cellar Restaurant a try? They actually serve some pretty amazing food there too. It turns out, the restaurant is a big deal – it made it onto Newsweek’s prestigious Top 100 list of the best restaurants in the world. And get this, there are only two South African restaurants that made the cut. That’s definitely a reason to check it out.
Now, let’s talk about the lunch they offer. It’s called Table d’Haute, and it’s only available in the afternoon. The chef puts together a four-course meal using the freshest ingredients of the day. And to make it even more exciting, they pair each course with three different wines from Haute Cabrière, plus a delicious dessert wine from the Pierre Jourdan collection. I mean, who wouldn’t want to give that a try?
When I visited, they had just released the 2012 Chardonnay Pinot Noir, and I was thrilled to try this fresh and light new wine. It paired beautifully with the parsnip and cumin soup I ordered. They also had an unusual offering – the Unwooded Pinot Noir, which is a light red wine. It surprised me how well it went with my smoked tomato and salmon pasta. The last wine I tried was the 2008 Pinot Noir, which had a more complex flavor that paired perfectly with the risotto and crispy pork. To end the meal, I enjoyed a walnut and prune pudding, accompanied by coffee and tea with cubed sugar. It was a fantastic dining experience overall.
Let me tell you about these wonderful Table d’Haute meals. They’re so special because the people at the farm wanted to make them available to everyone. They believe that lunch has been forgotten, and they think we should take more time to enjoy it. The best time to do that is when the sun is shining and we can admire the beautiful valley.
The Table d’Haute lunch costs R250 with wines, or R150 without. It’s such a good price! And it’s a great reason to try one of the best restaurants in the world.
Haute Cabrière and Pierre Jourdan have a special expertise in Pinot Noir. They offer a delightful Pinot Noir Tasting Menu in their Cellar Restaurant during the weekends. You’ll get to experience the different types of Pinot Noir, from wooded to MCC, while indulging in a five-course meal that perfectly complements the unique flavors of each wine. By the end of the experience, you’ll have a deep appreciation for the art of Pinot Noir. This incredible event takes place on Friday and Saturday evenings and also for Sunday lunch. The cost is R495 per person, with wine included.
Even in the midst of winter, Haute Cabrière is a popular destination on weekends. So, to avoid any disappointment, make sure to book your seat in advance. Simply email [email protected] to secure your place and be prepared for an unforgettable afternoon of fine wine, stunning views, and exceptional cuisine.
Haute Cabrière