Cape Town - I wasn’t sure if my hosts were showing off, but they had attractions worth bragging about and it was great fun, and quite a show, in the restaurant that night.
I was the only English-speaking guest at Fraai Uitzicht, Klaas Voogds East, between Robertson and Montagu in the Western Cape Overberg. My charming hosts, Karl and Sandra Uwe – as well as the guests – were all German and this night disproved the reputation Germans have of being humourless.
Karl, with many chuckles, served up one of the most memorable meals I’ve had – all prepared by Sandra. The menu was a multi-course offering with specially selected wines, which included the handcrafted Fraai Uitzicht 1798 Merlot and a variety from their own estate and others in the Robertson valley.
So what’s on offer?
I looked at my notes and saw “OMG!” next to the humble cornmeal soup, paired with Viognier and with edible wild flowers, garlic and truffle oil. This was followed by: beetroot ravioli with cream cheese filling, rocket and toasted sunflower seeds; warthog carpaccio with truffle oil and blue cheese ice cream; pork belly marinated in Sichuan spice with hoisin sauce; beetroot and dark chocolate sorbet; sugared pasta parcels with goat’s cheese, and tomato and chocolate fondant with a gluhwein reduction
All this is such a far cry from the lives the Uwe’s left behind. These ex-Berlin bankers were determined to avoid the burnout they witnessed in their colleagues.
Having visited South Africa often, they bought Fraai Uitzicht in 2005 and, by the following year, were planting grape cultivars and learning the ropes of their new trade.
Karl had well-known winemaker Peter Ferreira and others to help him develop the wines further and Sandra let loose her cooking passion. I and others who have eaten at the famous Reuben’s nearby, agree that Fraai Uitzicht eclipses even that restaurant’s superb offering. And this from someone with no training.
Small wonder that Justin Bonello and the Cooked in Africa team filmed an episode here.
There is a variety of differently priced and styled accommodation. I was lucky enough to be in Shiraz, a luxury garden cottage.
It was stylish and spacious with a lounge and seating area, a huge bed with lovely linen and underfloor heating. The bathroom stole the show however. Clever lighting showcased the large oval bath, huge vanity tables and double basins. There was a shower room with toilet, as well as an outside twin shower.
The TV wasn’t required, thanks to the spectacular scenery.
As the name suggests, Fraai Uitzicht 1798 has been in existence for centuries in various incarnations. Its present one I recommend to anyone heading to the Western Cape.
Karl is carefully cultivating fine wines the old fashioned way when he is not a waiter proudly proffering Sandra’s culinary delights. The setting, service and whole experience is a delight.
Other delights abound. Robertson, Ashton, Montagu and Bonnievale are all a short, beautiful drive away. Mountains, fields, flowers, fruit and wine farms are everywhere.
Bon Courage has a huge range of wines, and Maude Coetzee’s restaurant is the perfect stop to sop up after sampling vintages around the valley.
Arabella, with a wide front stoep looking over Arabian horses grazing in the expansive pastures that hosted the riders and teams of the recent Cape Epic mountain bike challenge, also has a popular, easy drinking selection.
I had the great pleasure of a donkey cart ride from Klipdrift Farm just outside Robertson, clip-clopping through vineyards to the picturesque Springfield Estate.
Fourth generation co-owner (with brother Abrie) Jeanette Bruwer introduced me to their excellent wines. I particularly enjoyed their Chardonnays and red wines, and am keeping an ‘06 Methode Ancienne Cabernet Sauvignon for a special occasion.
Weltevrede, on the banks of the Breede River outside Bonnievale, is another family-owned and run estate, with generations of the Jonker family at the helm.
Steyn Fuller took me into the candlelit underground cellar, where I sampled, among others, the Oupa Se Wyn that I enjoyed so much at Fraai Uitzicht, the understandably popular Vanilla Chardonnay, the more exclusive Place of Rocks Chardonnay and some fine brut bubbly.
The four self-catering cottages on Weltevrede are charming, budget-friendly options for travellers or stay-over if you’ve tasted too much wine. Happily, I made it safely back for another glorious evening at Fraai Uitzicht. - Sunday Tribune
If You Go...
l Call 023 626 6156, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.fraaiuitzicht.com
Hertz is a car rental company like no other with strategically located branches at major hubs throughout South Africa and Namibia, where customers can be assured of a hassle-free and seamless experience. Contact www.hertz.co.za or 0861 600 136.
Visit robertsonwinevalley.com to find out about the wine estates, donkey cart rides and more.