The 'A Taste of Stellenbosch' festival is transforming the Wine Lands into an attractive culinary venue over seven weeks, offering visitors diverse gastronomic events, starting with lunch at Cavalli Estate.
This festival runs from August 1st to September 20th and brings together renowned chefs, wineries, and producers from Stellenbosch in one location. During the event, guests are offered seasonal menus from chefs, vineyard banquets, tasting sets, wine pairings, traditional dinners, and leisurely brunches.
Visitors note that these unique experiences are created specifically for 'Taste Stellenbosch' and are not available at other times of the year, making a visit to the region particularly appealing.
Stellenbosch is known as a hub of world-class restaurants, talented chefs, artists, producers, and high-quality wine, and 'Taste Stellenbosch' provides an excellent opportunity to experience all of this.
Starting the Gastronomic Journey at Cavalli Estate
The adventure began with a fixed-menu lunch with wine pairing at Cavalli Estate. Located near Stellenbosch, on the R44 road towards Somerset West, this estate presents itself as a place designed for a special occasion, even if it is just lunch.
Spanning 100 hectares in the prestigious Helderberg region, the estate is a harmonious blend of vineyards, local gardens, manicured horse pastures, works of art, architecture, as well as food and wine.
The driveway sets the tone for the entire stay: a long, winding avenue framed by perfectly maintained horse pastures opens up views of the Helderberg valley and mountains. The restaurant overlooks a tranquil body of water, and sculptures and works of art are placed throughout the grounds, creating a sense of exclusivity.
The Cavalli concept is the result of a collaboration between three creative forces: owner Lauren Smith, winemaker award winner Rianne Stride, and culinary master Chef Lucas Karstens. Together, they have created a space where food, wine, art, and nature organically intertwine.
Upon arriving at the restaurant, visitors noticed a lively atmosphere, which is always a good sign. After tasting the three-course set, it became clear why this place is so appealing. In addition to à la carte dishes, fixed menus and a Chef's Menu are available, offering two and three-course options.
The chosen three-course set cost 795 Rand per person. Guests were greeted with a light carrot salad and cheese ball, a pleasant start. This was followed by sourdough bread with whipped butter. The appetizer was raw yellowtail with Adro Blanco, salted grapes, and cucumber—a perfect balance of freshness and texture. Air-fried cucumber added unexpected crunch, while the salted grapes provided bursts of flavor against the delicate yellowtail.
The main course consisted of young lamb with fried cabbage in miso and pear furikake. The young lamb was cooked impeccably—tender and delicate, with a soft, earthy sweetness characteristic of game. The fried cabbage gave the dish a completely different character, being caramelized at high heat with smoky, slightly bitter notes, while the miso added depth of umami, saltiness, and richness. The pear furikake finished the dish with a note of sweetness and freshness, being simultaneously earthy, tangy, smoky, and surprisingly light.
Dessert featured Hawaiian bariti, shortcake, and guava sorbet, concluding the meal with an explosion of freshness, delicacy, and fruity sweetness.
Art and Wine at Cavalli
At Cavalli, food is truly part of art. A gallery featuring works by local artists in sculpture, painting, and mixed media is located downstairs. Visitors are advised to take time for this, as the gallery adds another layer to the overall Cavalli experience.
If wine is preferred, visitors can visit the wine tasting room—an intimate space for exploring Cavalli's wines. Depending on the season, it is an ideal place to escape the Stellenbosch heat or gather by the fire on a cool winter day. Furthermore, Cavalli offers oyster and wine tastings for 320 Rand per person.
Menus change according to the seasons, so visitors should check the Cavalli website before visiting. Available dishes include Wagyu brisket and verde risotto, which might make choosing a single dish the most difficult part of the visit.
If visitors are undecided, they can opt for the Chef's Menu for 995 Rand per person, with the option to add wine pairing for an extra 440 Rand and a vegetarian option available. And one must try the Cavalli Chardonnay, especially for lovers of South African wine.
The beauty of 'Taste Stellenbosch' lies in its encouragement to slow down and view the Wine Lands differently. Instead of just coming for lunch and leaving in a hurry, one should stroll through the gardens, admire the art, taste the wine, and choose a scenic route. One can book dinner elsewhere, stay overnight, and have breakfast the next day.
Many events take place in Stellenbosch during these seven weeks, so one day is not enough. 'Taste Stellenbosch' is a must-attend event on this year's gastronomic calendar. It is recommended to gather friends, book a table, find beautiful accommodation, and arrive hungry.
For information on participating venues, menus, experiences, and accommodation options, please visit the Taste Stellenbosch website. Current menus, wine experiences, and bookings at Cavalli Estate are available on the Cavalli Estate website. Prices and menus are subject to change, so advance booking is recommended, especially during the Taste Stellenbosch campaign.