Kleine Zalze is one of the oldest wine farms in Stellenbosch with records of planted vineyards going back to 1682. But the modern history of Kleine Zalze starts in 1996 when Kobus Basson purchased the property to realise his family’s dream of producing wines of outstanding quality in combination with a lifestyle estate that affords residents the experience of luxury country living. Under Kobus’s leadership, the winery grew the last 25 years to become a Stellenbosch benchmark of quality and accessibility.
Kleine Zalze wines continue to excel in competitions around the globe. Recent accolades include winning top honours at the Amorim Cap Classique for the best Cap Classique in South Africa. The winning wine was the Kleine Zalze Vintage Brut 2015. This amazing wine can be tasted at the estate as part of the fabulous new Cap Classique tasting paired with little delicious bites. The pairing includes the rare 2009 vintage of the same wine.
Two Kleine Zalze wines were chosen as part of the Top 12 best Shiraz wines in South Africa, two Chenin blanc wines were picked as part of the Top 10 Chenin blanc wines and one Sauvignon blanc wine was picked for the Top 10 Sauvignon blanc selection. On top of this Kleine Zalze won the Trophies for best Chenin blanc as well as best Sauvignon blanc at the Michelangelo International Wine Challenge and again the top trophy as Best Producer overall.
All these amazing wines can be tasted and purchased from the Cellar Door. Opening times are 9am until 6pm, Monday to Saturday, and from 11am until 6pm on Sundays. The last tasting commences at 5.30pm. Check the web-site www.kleinezalze.co.za for updated times.
The Kleine Zalze restaurant is perfect for a safe and relaxing dining experience. Seating is on the terrace with a beautiful view of the gardens and golf course or inside where the atmosphere is slightly more formal. Visit the Kleine Zalze Restaurant for a selection of seasonal tapas plates, perfectly pitched for a lighter meal with friends, or to complement a wine tasting. For a more complete dining experience, choose from the compact selection of plats du jour; a collection of delicious dishes inspired by classic cuisine. Delectable dessert and coffee are also on offer.
The Kleine Zalze Restaurant prepares a special Sunday menu with a fixed price for a two or three-course menu. The lunches are extremely popular so essential to book for lunch on Sundays.
The restaurant is open for lunch from Wednesday to Sunday and dinner Friday and Saturday evenings. Due to changing COVID restrictions, it is best to book and check opening times.
Pictures: Supplied