Durbanville Wine Valley’s newest member – Canto Wines which officially opened to the public in January this year – offers a unique and not-to-be-missed wine experience: an MCC bubbly and Macaron pairing.

The boutique winery came to fruition when owner Marinus Neethling bought a 48-hectare piece of land (18 hectares of which is planted under vineyards) that used to form part of neighbouring Meerendal Wine Estate. The range of elegant Canto wines includes an unwooded Chardonnay, a Merlot, a Sauvignon Blanc and four varietals of MCC bubbly - a Chardonnay, a Pinot Noir, a Shiraz and a Chardonnay/Pinot Noir blend.

Set in a gorgeous recently constructed building, the estate's tasting room is beautifully decorated yet has a relaxed feeling that makes visitors feel as if they are having wine in the comfort of their own home. The help-yourself style deli allows guests to choose from a variety of products and build a platter to suit their tastes, and features a variety of artisan cheeses, charcuterie, savoury biscuits and relishes.
   

One of the standout offers however is Canto's MCC and Macaron pairing. Try their Canto Chardonnay MCC Brut and nibble on a hazelnut macaron. The buttery and earthy flavours of the bubbly are highlighted by the rich nutty taste of the macaron. Or sample their Shiraz Rose MCC Brut with a red velvet macaron, where the fullness of raspberry and spicy flavours in the fizz is enhanced by the melt in your mouth texture of the biscuit. Another favourite is the Canto Chardonnay/Pinot Noir MCC Brut paired with a salted caramel macaron. The sweet and savoury combination is inspired by the combination of freshness from the Chardonnay and the cherry flavours of the Pinot Noir.
  

Top of the popularity list, though, has to be the Pinot Noir MCC Brut served with a Turkish Delight macaron. This macaron has a slight rosewater/muscat flavour which complements the delicate strawberry flavours of the Pinot Noir MCC.

Canto is not only about wine, food and macarons however, and the estate, with its large inviting lawn and beautiful mountain views, offers a monthly yoga class, presented by Roxy Louw and Greenleaf studios, followed by a refreshing glass of MCC and an accompanying macaron. Be sure to book in advance at info@cantowines.co.za. Classes costs R150 a person and are held on the first Saturday of every month.

A very convenient location just outside of the Durbanville residential area, Canto is open for tastings from Tuesday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturday from 10am to 3pm. Standard wine tastings are R55 a person with the MCC & Macaron Pairing at R95 a person which includes all four bubbles and macarons. Arrangements can also be made for private wine tastings for groups of between 10-30 people.

Come summer, Canto is planning to launch a cricket pitch for families to enjoy a game while lazing on the lawns with a pre-ordered picnic hamper.

For more information visit http://cantowines.co.za/ or telephone 021 492 2821