Vineyards and birthdays are some of my favourite past times and it seemed more than fitting to welcome a new year at a scenic wine estate during my Cape Town getaway with close friends. The stunning Cavalli Wine Estate located in the Helderberg region of Stellenbosch provides a beautiful backdrop for an intimate lunch with friends. Indulging in deliciously prepared and fresh cuisine at one of South Africa’s first green star rated restaurants over looking the serene dam. For a lifestyle lover, it is breathtaking and all things spectacular and intimate. My birthday lunch looked a little like…

From the arrival, the gates lead you to the sprawling lawns and vineyards, which also include  beautifully scented  indigenous fresh herbs and flowers.  Cavalli Estate in South Africa  has become renowned for its premier location , architecture , wine and cuisine. The impressive landscaping and architecture immediately stands out for the first time guest. The contemporary and modern theme are evident in the design and facilities. The estate features not just vineyards but indigenous gardens, a luxury retail art gallery , an indoor equestrian arena and impressive restaurant.

Every birthday treat for me,  includes a culinary experience with new flavours to stimulate and pamper my taste buds. Cavalli’s restaurant is certainly  treat worthy for a birthday. The kitchen is run by Chef Michael Deg whose focus  is on quality rather than quantity which is apparent in his à la carte menu with 6 starters, 6 mains and 6 desserts, for lunch and dinner. Michael likes to change 1 or 2 dishes on the menu every week to ensure the menu keeps evolving with the seasons which is exciting for the returning visitor . Our lunch included beautiful beef fillet, mushroom raviolli and some lovely fresh Heirlom Beets from the Cavalli garden accompanied with Orange crème fraîche. We ended the birthday meal on a sweet note as should all birthday lunches. We were presented with a beautiful dessert plate and a highly recommended Baked Custared served with  summer apricots, macadamia nut streusel and apricot sorbet!  Divine!

The impressive menu , stunning backdrop of the Helderbeg mountains make Cavalli Estate a truly exquisite experience for the tourist seeking a fusion of beauty , art , food and nature! It is very rare to find a place that offers all those at a world class level.  What a way to enter 27! Thankful for all the adventures and looking forward to many more with you all. Lets keep kicking it …

Birthday Video