Bellevue is one of South Africa’s historic and most romantic wine estates, a Cape Dutch homestead originally built in 1803 that today is surrounded by meticulously maintained gardens. It’s a fairytale setting for a story about how General Manager and viticulturist Dirkie Morkel has established more than 150 ha of fourteen different wine grape varieties, of which their 40 ha of Pinotage is the trump card.
The estate located in Bottelary Hills has gone through a transformation to take advantage of its surroundings and make the space more comfortable for a new generation of wine drinkers. The tasting room area underwent major upgrades to better align with the revamped brand identity Bellevue unveiled when they introduced new bottle labels and the recently released “1953” Pinotage 2016.
The Bellevue “1953” Pinotage 2016 is available directly from the Tasting Room at R545 per bottle.
The wine derives its name from the fact that this particular vineyard was planted in 1953. This Pinotage block has been cultivated as a dry land vineyard for the past 64 years, with drip irrigation only installed in May 2017 to help the vines in dry spells as experienced in recent years.
The restaurant and tasting room is situated inside one of the historical wings of the cellar. It still has an industrial character but it’s also contemporary and stylish. The colour palette and the materials used are elegant and simple and this makes the atmosphere inviting, with an oversized terrace looking onto a lush green lawn, perfect for wine-drenced lunches.
Diners are truly spoiled for choice with dishes to suit any mood and taste, from appetizing salads to delectable starters and hearty mains. The signature wood-fired pizzas and tasty platters are guaranteed to be a hit. Those looking for a quick snack can tuck into the sizzling new pizza and wine pairing experience, bound to excite the senses.
Whether you’re a large group or just popping in for a long-overdue catch up with a friend, this winelands gem is the perfect spot to enjoy a fabulous meal. This child-friendly restaurant will have you coming back for more!
The restaurant is open from Tuesdays to Sundays from 09:00 to 17:00, Fridays from 09:00 to 19:00.
