Cape Town’s ëlgr Restaurant emerged as a winner at this year’s Star Wine List of the Year awards, held in Stockholm.
The restaurant secured top honours in the category of the best sustainable wine list, sharing the achievement with Bangkok’s Michelin-starred establishment, Haoma, while Copenhagen’s Alchemist claimed the Grand Prix award for the best large wine list.
Upon learning about the accolade, sommelier Le Roi van de Vyver expressed elation and described the recognition as a great honour on a global scale.
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Inquiring about the factors contributing to this prestigious award, TimesLIVE sought to uncover the secrets behind ëlgr’s success. Van de Vyver shared his thoughts, explaining that sustainability is a term that holds different meanings for different individuals, all striving towards a common objective.
‘Sustainability is a buzzword these days, and I think everyone defines it differently with the same end goal,’ he said.
He emphasised that most sommeliers, winemakers and professionals in the wine industry aspire to work towards a better future. Van de Vyver defined a sustainable wine list as one that supports producers who prioritise the well-being of their land and communities, ensuring a brighter future for both vineyards and people.
He said that such a list showcases a dynamic selection of wines that support small-scale, organic and natural producers but do not exclusively rely on them for growth. It also highlights the practices of larger-scale wineries while maintaining quality as the foremost principle.
At ëlgr, the wine list predominantly features local wines, which will always constitute the majority. Van de Vyver expressed his appreciation for the quality of South African wines, noting that they are often undervalued. However, he plans to incorporate more international wines into the list after becoming aware of the sustainability efforts undertaken by global producers.
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The food and wine lists at ëlgr are subject to monthly changes, guided by the discernment of Van de Vyver and head chef Jesper Nilsson. They introduce new items that they believe customers should try or replace ingredients that are out of season and not at their best. To complement the evolving menu, the wine selection also undergoes adjustments to ensure a harmonious pairing.
This approach aims to provide returning patrons with a fresh experience on each visit, and as Van de Vyver humorously added, it may also be attributed to the team’s extra happiness on a given day.
‘Wines also need to change to match the food, so if someone revisits the restaurant after a month, they can have a fresher experience, even if it’s just because we’re feeling extra happy that day.’
After being asked for a wine recommendation for visitors, Van de Vyver emphasised that the choice ultimately depends on personal preferences and the accompanying dish.
However, he encourages patrons to be adventurous and explore wines from small producers, suggesting they embrace the opportunity to try something new.
Details for ëlgr Restaurant
- Location: 75 Kloof St, Gardens, Cape Town
- Times: Tuesday to Saturday, 6pm to 11pm
- Bookings: dineplan.com
- Contact:021 422 0384 | [email protected]
- Website: elgr.co.za
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Picture: ëlgr Restaurant / Facebook
