Wine and Dine Series at the Mount Nelson Hotel

Fight winter weather with Planet Restaurant’s indulgent terroir experiences

To many, winter is synonymous with dreary days and early evenings; to the Mount Nelson Hotel, though, the arrival of the colder months is an opportunity to relish two of life’s greatest indulgences: food and drink.

For yet another season, the lauded five-star accommodation’s renowned Planet Restaurant launches its series of once-monthly wine and dine evenings, events that are as famous for their exquisite fare as they are for their sense of frivolity and fun.

“Because of the amount of wine poured [guests get nearly seven glasses each] it gets pretty jovial,” explains the fine dining eatery’s very tactful sommelier, Carl Heinz Haben. “Foodies, wine farm owners... everyone at the tables ends up getting VERY chatty by the end of the night.”

And with a new concept on the cards in 2013, guests can rest assured that there will be plenty to talk about over the duration of the evening.  This year, Executive Chef Rudi Liebenberg is introducing a more holistic terroir experience, rather than just featuring a sampling of a single wine estate’s reds and whites. Thus, with only a few exceptions, at least two or three farms from each Western Cape region will be on-hand at every wine and dine occasion to showcase not only their respective vintages, but also the fact that specific areas are linked to specific types of wine.  To take the idea one step farther, Rudi has gone to great effort to source the produce used for each event from the appointed locale as well.

“We want to educate everyone involved,” Carl lets on when quizzed about the motivation behind the fresh approach. “We also want to give more general insight into the mystery that often shrouds a food and wine pairing.”

It goes without saying then that alongside a thrilling seven-course gastronomic journey, guests will be treated to in-depth explanations by both the chef and winemaker. After a round of welcome drinks and canapés, visitors will be seated, and after every two courses, Rudi and the respective winery representative will speak about the thinking and process behind each marriage.

And as all the wine estates involved – most are family or boutique farms – have been hand picked by Carl for their exceptional portfolios, even the staunchest of connoisseurs can breathe easy and look forward to a first-class experience.

All in all, the evenings are a rare opportunity for both fine dining fundis and those who don’t usually indulge in such decadent ventures to experience the Planet Restaurant at a reasonable price.

BOOKING AND PRICING INFO FOR THE MOUNT NELSON WINE & DINE EVENINGS

The cost of a wine and dine evening is R460p/p; this includes seven courses and a glass of wine with each course. Lucky draws are also usually on the bill.

Generally, the events take place on the last Thursday of each month, and it’s recommended that interested parties book well in advance. To do so, phone +27 (0) 21 483 1948 or email restaurantreservations@mountnelson.co.za.

Each soiree starts at 7pm.  

SCHEDULE FOR THE MOUNT NELSON’S 2013 WINTER WINE & DINE SERIES

28 March – Charles Back Experience 

• Fairview Estate and Spice Route Winery – Charles Back 
• Menu features items from the estate’s cheesery and a 'bean to bar' chocolate experience

25 April – Biodynamic Dinner 

• Avondale Estate with winemaker Corné Marais
• Hosted by Avondale proprietor Johnathan Grieve

22 May – Terroir – Robertson 

• Springfield Estate with winemaker Abrie Bruwer 
• De Wetshof Estate with winemakers Danie and Peter de Wet 

27 June – Terroir – Tulbagh  

• Rijk's Private Cellar with winemaker Pierre Wahl
• Saronsberg Estate with winemaker Dewaldt Heyn

25 July – Terroir – Helderberg 

• Morgenster Estate with winemaker Henry Kotzé 
• Waterkloof with winemaker Werner Engelbrecht

29 August – Winemakers Dinner 

• Niel Groenewald – The Bernard Series 
• Chris Williams – The Foundry 

27 September (Friday) – Darling Celebration of Wine and Beer 

• Groote Post with winemaker Lukas Wentzel 
• Darling Brew with brewers Kevin and Philippa Wood 

31 October – Bubbly Dinner  

• House of Krone with winemaker Nicky Krone 
• Graham Beck Wines with winemaker Pieter Ferreira

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Want to make a night of it? Book a room at the legendary Mount Nelson Hotel. 

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