In the heart of the Stellenbosch winelands, the recent debut of Stellenbosch Reserve Tasting Room & Restaurant promises a delightful fusion of Mediterranean sophistication and rustic charm. Nestled on the Helderberg slopes, adjacent to the esteemed Rust en Vrede, the new eatery is enriched with the warmth of home cooking and a commitment to sustainable, locally sourced ingredients.

Located midway between Stellenbosch town and Somerset West, Stellenbosch Reserve draws its essence from the former Haskell Vineyards, now transformed into a new culinary hot spot. The name is a homage to Stellenbosch’s viticultural legacy and its cultural heritage.

Marketing and hospitality manager for Rust en Vrede Ronda Daniel shares, “Stellenbosch Reserve, conceived in 2005 by Jean Engelbrecht, was envisioned as a tribute to his hometown. The wine range, evolving from a single Bordeaux-style blend to seven wines, captures the essence of Stellenbosch varieties, embodying a beautiful balance between accessibility and seriousness.”

The small à la carte menu, designed for seamless pairings with Stellenbosch Reserve wines, features an array of dishes. The wood-fired oven and rotisserie take centre stage, offering crispy, thin-based pizzas and perfectly roasted baby chicken. Other dishes include carpaccio, Hinterland lamb rib, pan-seared seabass, and heirloom tomato salad.

The winelist proudly showcases the full spectrum of Stellenbosch Reserve wines, while a wider selection from The Stellenbosch Collection, encompassing Donkiesbaai, Cirrus, and Afrikaans wines, is also available for tasting and purchase.

Historic images of Stellenbosch town adorn the walls, as well as vintage harvest baskets brimming with vines that bring elements of the farm into the dining area. Outside, the flagstone patio covered in dappled shade invites you to linger and enjoy a refreshing glass of wine while soaking up the iconic views.

Stellenbosch Reserve is open for wine tasting and sales from Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm, with lunch served between 12pm and 3pm. While not currently open for dinner, plans are underway to extend trading hours in the future. Reservations can be conveniently made online.