If you're looking for something different and extra romantic to do for your loved one this Valentine's Day, then look no further than the Durbanville Wine Valley, where many of the wine farms have organised something special.

One of the oldest wineries in the area – Altydgedacht – is offering a romantic 45-60 minute couple's horse ride through the vineyard, ending with a sumptuous picnic in a specially prepared and secluded spot. A branded picnic box includes a cheese platter for two, assorted cold meats, baguette and crackers, olives and olive tapenade, biltong and a pomegranate and pear salad, or for non-red meat eaters a beetroot and butternut salad, chicken liver pate and a prawn or chicken wrap. A bottle of Altydgedacht MCC and an Altydgedacht wine of choice will also be included. (R1 600 per couple and must be booked 48 hours in advance by calling 021 9761295 or email info@altydgedacht.co.za) 

The award-winning De Grendel is offering a Rose Cocktail on arrival (rose, sparkling water, watermelon syrup and a few secret ingredients), followed by an amuse-bouche and a five-course tasting menu in their fine dining restaurant with a choice of main dishes from Chef Ian Berg that includes the likes of quail breast, a seafood risotto, (with crayfish, squid, mussel, pancetta and scallops) and veal fillet with sides. Dessert couldn't be more romantically apt with ingredients such as Valrhona chocolate, raspberry, champagne, rose, berries, cremeaux, crumble, hazelnut and tuile. All dishes are, of course, served with specially chosen De Grendel wines, from their Koetshuis Sauvignon Blanc 2018 to their Rubaiyat 2015 and ending off with a glass of their De Grendel MCC Brut 2016 with pudding. Coffee and petit fours round off what promises to be fine dining at its best with beautiful views across the valley to Table Mountain. Price is R1 450 per person and booking can be made at email renate@degrendel.co.za.

For something a little less formal, De Grendel is also offering Valentine’s Day sundowners that will take place on Friday, February 15, from 18:30 to 21:30. R600 per couple gets you a welcome Rose Cocktail, two gourmet pizzas of choice (from Café Chameleon) two sweet treats and a special gift. There will also be live music from Wilco van Wyk. Only 40 seats are available. Bookings can be made via melissa@degrendel.co.za. 

The incredible views from the Durbanville Hills restaurant is the perfect setting for a romantic dinner while the chef has created a special menu for the occasion. Kicking off with a glass of sparkling Sauvignon Blanc, the wine pairing dinner includes such delectable starters as duck spring rolls served with Durbanville Hills Merlot Rosé 2018 and the venison tataki accompanied by Collectors Reserve Promenade Pinotage 2016. For mains, there’s a choice of seared salmon or chicken with Moroccan spices or pork belly, each option served with its own selected wine. And for dessert, the likes of a walnut crumble with candied carrot and spiced apricot ice cream, or dark chocolate pudding with a marshmallow fluff centre and honeycomb ice cream or pecan pie cheesecake soufflé. These too will be served with a carefully chosen dessert wine. The cost is R1 500 per couple. Book by calling 021 558 1337.

The popular Nitida has a few different offerings - two from its Cassia restaurant and one from the more family-themed Tables at Nitida eatery. The Valentine's Day menu at Cassia includes a glass of their Matriarch MCC and oysters on arrival, followed by dishes such as pulled lamb tortellini, grilled line fish with a plum salsa, and fillet of beef with a peppercorn crème fraîche. There is also a vegetarian menu option that features homemade vegetarian tortellini with mushroom cream and - for mains - a black mushroom, spinach and ricotta stack with roasted shallots, baby carrots and herbed mash potato. Dessert for both options is a shared platter of passion fruit and coconut parfait with white chocolate dacquoise and homemade hazelnut nougat. Price for either menu is R575 per person. 

The menu at Tables at Nitida is R480 per person with the emphasis on fun. Truffle infused popcorn is served with bubbles on arrival, followed by a smoked trout mousse amuse-bouche, a beef carpaccio starter and a platter style main course to share with pan-seared pecorino and herb crusted line fish, coffee-rubbed slow roasted beef fillet, potato rosti, buttered lemon and herb rice and seasonal veggies. Dessert is a delicious white chocolate and chai-infused crème brûlée served with a homemade chocolate spiced biscotti. Booking essential. Phone 021 975 9357 or email tables.nitida@gmail.com.

So treat that special person in your life this Valentine's Day to great food and spectacular wines in a wonderful location in the Durbanville Wine Valley.


Issued by: JAG COMMUNICATIONS
Pictures: SUPPLIED & WINETOURISMZA



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