Vrymansfontein: A Trendy New Spot for Food and Wine in Paarl

Get ready to taste mouthwatering Mediterranean dishes while enjoying stunning views and exquisite wines.

Located on the Suid-Agter Paarl road, Vrymansfontein is not just a working almond farm anymore. It has been transformed into a fantastic destination for families and food enthusiasts. Max Ward, the owner and part of the renowned Vondeling wines family, has given the old wine cellars a stunning makeover, creating versatile and beautifully designed spaces. Whether you prefer a leisurely lunch in the peaceful restaurant, a laid-back tapas experience on the shaded terrace, or simply relaxing on the lawn, Vrymansfontein has something for everyone. And to top it off, you can sample the full range of Vondeling wines as you take in the breathtaking views.

Delicious Farm-Inspired Eats

When I think of Chef Kevin Grobler’s role at this restaurant, I can’t help but feel amazed at how he has transitioned from his previous experiences in fine dining establishments like JAN Nice, Delaire Graff, and Grande Roche to embrace a simpler farm-to-table philosophy. It’s a complete shift in perspective, but one that aligns perfectly with Max’s vision.

“Our menu draws inspiration from the Mediterranean region, where you can find dishes that are beautifully simple,” Max explains. “We focus on highlighting the natural flavors and textures of the ingredients we use. For example, we offer flawlessly roasted fish, a four-ingredient steak tartare made with the best fillet available, and our all-time favorite – veld-reared rotisserie chicken.”

The secret to our success lies in our commitment to sourcing the finest local and seasonal produce. By doing so, we honor our guiding principles of prioritizing quality ingredients and flavors above all else. It’s our way of celebrating the rich diversity of flavors that nature has to offer.

When you step into SCAPE, you’ll find the signature restaurant a delightful and inviting space. The ambiance is elegant yet understated, with pale wood tables, indoor trees, comfortable chairs, and beautiful landscape oil paintings by local artist Rose Williams. The focus here is on uncomplicated and sophisticated flavors, presented in dishes that are meant to be shared with your loved ones. I was truly amazed by the first bites I had here, and I guarantee that you’ll be too.

Imagine starting your meal with a strawberry and goat’s cheese salad topped with crispy pancetta. The combination of sweet and tangy, with a hint of saltiness, is simply divine. Or perhaps you’d prefer a refreshing beetroot carpaccio adorned with zesty grapefruit and almond gremolata. The burst of flavors in each bite is truly captivating. And let’s not forget about the succulent roasted chicken that has been brined to perfection. The simplicity of this dish allows the natural flavors of the chicken to shine through, resulting in a truly satisfying culinary experience.

As if that weren’t enough, SCAPE also offers a sensational basil ice cream adorned with crunchy honeycomb. The freshness of the basil combined with the sweetness of the ice cream and the texture of the honeycomb creates a delightful explosion of flavors and textures in your mouth. It’s the perfect ending to a remarkable meal.

Enjoy the Outdoors

Hey there! I’m really excited to tell you about The Tree Bar, a fantastic spot located outside on the terrace. It’s the perfect place to enjoy some small plates and snacks from their Levantine-inspired menu. Imagine indulging in falafel, gazpacho, tabouleh, hummus, roast chicken, and more, all accompanied by delicious pita and naan bread.

But that’s not all! The terrace also features an amazing custom-built timber jungle gym for the little ones to have a great time. And if you’re in the mood to relax, you can head down to the green lawns below and spread out a blanket for a peaceful and laid-back experience.

Now, let’s talk about their wine tasting experience.

Prepare to be impressed by the incredible selection of Vondeling wines at the tasting bar. They offer a diverse range of wines, each with its own unique charm. From the refreshing and vibrant Vondeling Rosé, perfect for those hot summer days, to the Babiana white blend, a flagship wine with a sophisticated and elegant character that pairs beautifully with their food.

Not only that, but the knowledgeable sommelier, George Young, has carefully curated a selection of local South African wines for the SCAPE winelist. This gives him the freedom to create delightful food and wine pairings that will elevate your dining experience.

Welcoming, beautifully designed, and absolutely delicious, Vrymansfontein is a must-visit destination in the Paarl Winelands. Make sure to mark your calendar for its grand opening on November 10, 2023. The restaurants are open from Wednesday to Sunday, serving from 12pm to 10pm. The wine-tasting experience is available from 10am to 6pm.

If you have any questions or want to make a reservation, you can contact them at 082 617 4903 or info@vrymansfontein.co.za. You’ll find the gem that is Vrymansfontein on Suid-Agter Paarl Road in Paarl.