Graham Howe visits Cosecha, a colourful Tex-Mex inspired eatery in the Simondium area of the Cape winelands.

The food

The flavours are bold; the fare as colourful as a string of red peppers. Everything is freshly made and wholesome, from the homemade corn breads and tortillas from the bakery to olive oil infusions and homegrown herbs, peppers and vegetables.

The Mexican fare is influenced by Cosecha’s Californian owners, with a nod to the Tex-Mex cuisine of the US south west. Living up to the Spanish meaning of Cosecha (harvest), the country fare at this artisanal winery is earthy, natural and slow-cooked, made with freshly picked garden ingredients and piquant sauces.

Snack on warm, handmade tortilla chips with authentic guacamole prepared at the table while you peruse the menu. Drawing on traditional Mexican street food, the delicious bocaditos (tapas) tempt with piquant prawn ceviche, chipotle meatballs, crispy chicken taquitos and black bean empanadas.

Those with heartier appetites will enjoy the tortillas stuffed with shredded pork, Kingklip or slow-cooked lamb, with smoky, spicy jalapeno, chipotle and borracho beans on the side. And if you’re there for breakfast, tuck into the legendary huevos rancheros or breakfast burritos.

The food at Cosecha. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

The drinks

The estate’s own wines are available, with their Mourvèdre Rosé a great match for the Tex-Mex fare, but you can also order tequila, sangrita (a spicy accompaniment to tequila, usually served in a shot glass and consisting of orange, lime and tomato) and some unusual ales (ginger, red rice and white).

The service

Everything is made from scratch, so don’t expect fast food here. Friendly staff members provide informed recommendations on ingredients and styles of Mexican specialties, as well as tequila pairings.

The ambience

It’s a family venue in a serene garden courtyard setting with panoramic vineyard, mountain views from the deck and a chic lounge interior.

And…

The children’s menu and play area will keep the kids out of trouble while mum and dad enjoy a long, leisurely winelands lunch.

Have you been to Cosecha? Let others know what you thought by writing a quick review.