There’s more to his esteemed estate than stunning views and delicious bubbly.
A visit to Franschhoek would not be complete without a visit to Haute Cabrière. This beautiful farm on the slopes of the Franschhoek mountains has been in the von Arnim family (who’ve cared for it passionately and proudly) for generations, and boasts the most exceptional views of the Franschhoek Valley beyond.
In addition to an underground cellar, there is a slew of other delicious food and wine experiences which make this a wonderful outing for the whole family. Here are seven reasons to visit this illustrious estate.
1. Wine-tasting in the cavernous cellar
Housed in a stone cellar that’s built into the side of a mountain, the beautiful tasting room was conceived by legendary Cellar Master and winemaker Achim von Arnim. With views into the underground barrel maturation room, guests are invited to embark on an informative – and dare we say, delicious – journey of tastings and explore the winery’s history wall, glass in hand. Light snacks are available, but if you’re looking to end the experience in true Haute Cabrière fashion, head to the restaurant for a delectable oysters-and-wine pairing. And don’t forget to stock up on some quality bottles before you head home!
Opening times Monday – Friday, 10am – 5pm
Saturday, 10am – 6.30pm
Sunday, 10am – 3pm
2. Lunch with a view at the restaurant
The terrace seating at Haute Cabrière’s restaurant is a drawcard – not only because it has a large outdoor area (a safer bet during Covid-19), but also for the unbridled valley views. The menu, created by chef Nic van Wyk and his team, is a selection of à la carte dishes and shareable tapas. On the à la carte side, guests can expect the likes of chargrilled sirloin; sweetcorn and spring onion risotto; pan-fried linefish; and venison loin for mains, with a chocolate mousse mille-feuille; and ratafia-soaked fruit sponge cake for dessert. The tapas selection features sundried tomato cured tuna loin; grilled Wagyu beef brisket; Asian pork neck patties; and rainbow tomato salad, to list a few. We recommend a stroll around the grounds before settling down on the sunkissed deck with a pre-lunch glass of Franschhoek’s finest Cap Classique.
Opening times Thursday – Sunday, 11.30am – 3pm3. A bubbly-soaked Sunday brunch
Pierre Jourdan Cap Classique is naturally on the Sunday brunch menu on Haute Cabrière’s terrace restaurant, along with a host of delicious food items, such as French toast (made with croissants); toasted ciabatta with mushroom, smoked mozzarella, chorizo and fried egg; toasted sourdough with avocado and smoked salmon, poached egg hollandaise; and a savoury croissant with crispy bacon and scrambled egg. Chin chin!
Opening times Sunday, 9am – 11am
4. Stock up at the bakery and deli
The jam-packed (pun intended) bakery and deli is a must-visit for those seeking a grab-and-go treat as well as a host of heavenly delights to take home. In addition to freshly baked croissants, sourdough bread and pastéis de natas, the bakery and deli also serves freshly brewed coffee and stocks pantry staples such as spices, sauces and preserves, as well as wine accessories and gifts.
Opening times Thursday – Saturday, 9am – 5pm
Sunday, 9am – 3pm
5. Festive First Fridays
On the first Friday of every month, starting in March 2021, chef Nic will be cooking up something unique and delicious, paired with one of Haute Cabrière’s wines. From local favourites to guest requests and personal bests, he’ll showcase something different each month. This is a must-do for eager epicures!
Opening times First Friday of the month, 6pm – 7.30pm
8pm – 10pm
Cost R185 (includes a glass of Haute Cabrière wine)
6. Do a culinary masterclass
During chef Nic van Wyk’s informative session that take place on select Thursdays, he’ll share what goes into pairing food and wine perfectly. You’ll be welcomed with a sabrage demonstration and a glass of Cap Classique, followed by the cooking class and a three-course lunch on the terrace.
Dates 20 May + 24 June 2021
Time 11.30am
Cost R350 per person
Booking 064 928 1044 (WhatsApp), reservations@cabriere.co.za
7. Live music in the bakery
This Autumn, Haute Cabrière invites revellers to enjoy dinner accompanied by live music in the bakery. The meal includes a baked breads to start, a choice of mains (such as chargrilled sirloin steak with béarnaise sauce, crispy pommes Anna and fine beans; or venison loin, honey and spice jus with pampoen koekies and tenderstem broccoli), with macarons and coffee for dessert.
Dates 29 May + 12 June 2021
Time 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Cost R350 per person
Booking 064 928 1044 (WhatsApp), reservations@cabriere.co.za
8. Macaron + Cap Classique pairings
Cap Classique in South Africa turns 50 this year! To celebrate, Haute Cabrière is inviting visitors to enjoy a Pierre Jourdan Cap Classique Discovery tasting, where you’ll enjoy a series of hand-crafted macarons paired with a Cap Classique.
On the menu:
- a honey, lemon and thyme macaron with Pierre Jourdan Brut
- strawberry macaron with Pierre Jourdan Belle Rosé
- raspberry macaron with Pierre Jourdan Belle Nectar
Opening times Friday – Sunday, from 10am (booking ahead is advised)
Cost R90 per person
9. Book a cellar tour
Get an inside look at Haute Cabrière’s winemaking process during an informative tour of the underground cellar, including a brief history of the winery, and a crash-course in the art of removing a Cap Classique cork with a sabre (made famous in South Africa by founder and original cellar master Achim von Arnim), as well as a wine tasting.
Times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 1pm
Cost R95 per person (includes a wine-tasting)
If you’re looking for a food-and-wine-drenched outing in Franschhoek, put Haute Cabrière on your itinerary.
Contact 021 876 8500, reservations@cabriere.co.za
WhatsApp: 064 928 1044
Where to find it Lambrechts Road, Franschhoek, Western Cape