Here’s a universal philosophy that I have always subscribed to: Food is life. Good food is one of life’s greatest pleasures and when you add wine into the mix the feeling is indescribable. The 12 Apostles Hotel understands the importance of good food and wine –and while they serve both on a daily basis, once a month they do something a little more special; An exclusive food and wine pairing with a wine farm at Azure restaurant.

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I can honestly not think of a better way to spend a Friday night than in an exquisite restaurant with incredible views, drinking fine wine that compliments gourmet food. In May, 12 Apostles teamed up with the historic Vergelegen Estate and hosted one of the best dinners I have ever had. From the moment you walked into Azure, you were greeted with friendly smiles and a glass of wine. This set the tone of the night, and this got better as the night progressed.

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What’s great about the evening (besides the ever flowing wine) is that you get to engage with the people who made it possible. The restaurant manager, Brian Switala and sommelier Gregory Mutambe were on hand to answer any questions, and before the meal begins Excutive Chef, Christo Pretorius and winemaker Andre van Rensburg take you through the menu and wines. Andre, Gregory and Brian also spent the evening going from table to table talking to all the guests. This gives you a better sense of what you are experiencing.

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An experience it is! Course after course we were treated with mouthwatering food and incredible wines. There are four courses, each paired with a different Vergelegen wine. Dishes included Cape Atlantic Fruit De Mer paired with Chardonnay Reserve 2014, Slow Cooked Quail paired with Premium Shiraz 2012 and a beautiful yellow dessert paired with Semillon Straw Reserve 2013. It was difficult to choose a favourite dish or wine, but one thing everyone agreed on was the pairings. Each one was carefully crafted and the flavour combinations presented were incredible.

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One stand out for me was the Vergelegen G.V.B 2012 paired with Navarin of Grabouw Lamb. The G.V.B blew my mind. My friend was so taken with it, he tried to buy a case from Andre there and then. The awesomeness of the wine was elevated when the lamb came out. It had a sweet bread crust and was served with parsnip puree, baby autumn veggies and thyme jus. I’m salivating just thinking about it!

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The evening as a whole was so much fun, our table was full of friendly, fascinating people once again proving that good company coupled with good food and wine can make any night memorable. These wine evenings may just become a habit of mine…

The next wine evening at the 12 Apostles takes place on Friday 29 July 2016, They will be teaming up with Hartenberg Wine Estate. For more information on this and other events, check the 12 Apostles Calendar.  

OF NOTE
When Monthly
Where Azure Restaurant, 12 Apostles Hotel ,Victoria Road, Camps Bay
Cost R565 pp
Contact +27 21 437 9029, [email protected]

Photography courtesy

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