Experience the wines of Stellenbosch at Taj, Cape Town during the month of May

If you are a fan of the Stellenbosch wine region then you better pop around to Taj, Cape Town, during the month of May. 

Every month Taj Cape Town showcases the incredible diversity of the wine, food and people of the Cape winelands. During May visitors can experience the fine cuisine of Christiaan Campbell, the guest chef from Delaire-Graff along with some exquisite wines from the Greater Simonsberg, Stellenbosch Valley and Bottelary Hills wine regions.

Over 30 wines from the featured wine regions can be ordered by the glass or bottle from the winelists of Mint Restaurant and Bombay Brasserie and all wines are also available for purchase at the Taj Wine Kiosk during May.

To kick off the “Expressions of Greater Simonsberg, Stellenbosch Valley and Bottelary Hills series” all the participating wine farms showcased their wines in the lobby of the hotel, followed by a four course wine and dine dinner, prepared by guest chef Christiaan Campbell from Delaire-Graff .

The was a couple of wines that really impressed my palate during the evening. The Real Mc Coy Riesling from Jordan showed every character of a perfect Riesling and offers great aging potential. The Warwick First Lady Unwooded Chardonnay is the type of wine that will even impress the Chardonnay-haters and offers great value for money at R115. Another favourite under the white wines was the 2011 Delaire Chardonnay priced at R120 a bottle.

Red wine lovers should definitely try the 2009 Reserve Pinotage from Beyerskloof. Elegant and super soft on the palate, this wine offers exceptional value for money at R130 a bottle. The Hartenberg Stock Shiraz was a firm favourite of  the evening priced at R450 a bottle. Fans of Shiraz should also try the 2009 Thelema Shiraz retailing at R150 a bottle.  The Cabernet Franc from Oldenburg and Rainbows End both impressed but, the top scoring wine in my book was the 2009 Meinert Merlot. Even the price tag impressed my senses at R120 a bottle!

All of the wines showcased on the evening are available for purchase at the Taj Kiosk throughout the month of May. The Kiosk is open 7 days a week.

Food enthusiast must not miss the opportunity to indulge in Chef Christiaan Campbell decadent menu, available at Mint restaurant during May. Menu features include Confit duck leg napoleon, duck ham, port figs, pumpkin seeds and quince; Smoked and poached hake with a millet risotto, slow poached farmer Angus hen’s egg, pea and pancetta, and Greenfields beef, bone marrow and shin with cauliflower, beetroot and chocolate oil. Dessert lovers should not miss the Toffee ice-cream sandwich, banana bread, marcarpone and coconut marshmallow.

The ‘Expressions’ menu from Delaire-Graff  is available in Mint Restaurant for dinner daily – two courses at R175 and Three Courses at R210 per person excluding wines.

Click here for more information on May’s Expression Series at Taj, Cape Town.