King of Couture Brings Designer Flair to Kunjani Wine Dinner

SOUTH AFRICA’s “King of Couture” Jacques LaGrange will swop high fashion for a chef’s apron when he presents his designer gourmet dining experience at the stylish Kunjani Wines restaurant in Stellenbosch on Friday 23 August.

The warm ambience of the characterful, contemporary Kunjani restaurant and tasting room with its distinctive red accents will provide the backdrop to a winter’s menu personally designed and prepared by LaGrange to complement a selection of Kunjani wines.

A sought-after designer to A-list clients worldwide, LaGrange was announced as the Kunjani Wines brand ambassador at the recent launch of the winery’s new labels that reflect its modern, sophisticated style and warm South African hospitality.

“Jacques, with his elegant signature style and appreciation for life’s luxuries, was a natural choice to represent our brand and our lifestyle approach. He works all over the world, and so has a global sensibility and a European flair, combined with his roots growing up in the winelands of the Boland.

“He understands our approach of bringing a contemporary global-meets-local design aesthetic to an authentically South African wine experience with soul,” says Kunjani co-owner Pia Watermeyer, whose wedding dress was designed by the couturier.

LaGrange, who has dressed local and international celebrities for occasions from Royal Ascot to the Primetime Emmy Awards, describes himself as a lover of the finer things in life “but a farm boy at heart” – qualities that reflect in the menu he developed in collaboration with Kunjani’s executive chef Lamek Mnisi.

Kunjani co-owner Pia Watermeyer with husband Paul Bath

The August dinner will be an intimate experience with Watermeyer and her husband and co-owner Paul Barth joining guests as LaGrange presents his food and choices of matching Kunjani wines, serving guests himself, and interacting and mingling throughout the evening.

“I often say that couture is a lifestyle, not a party dress, and presenting this dinner paired with Kunjani wines is a natural extension of the couture lifestyle for me – delighting and engaging all the senses with delicious, beautiful food complemented by wines of taste and elegance, served in exquisite surroundings,” LaGrange said.

His menu for the dinner starts off in style with bubbly, oysters and seafood pâté crostini. Guests can then explore three canapé and wine pairings of LaGrange’s bite-sized flavour delights with Kunjani Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and quirky Stolen Chicken Rosé while enjoying the sweeping views from atop the Bottelary Hills.

Kunjani Merlot and the Michelangelo Gold-awarded Shiraz will accompany a duo of main courses marrying LaGrange’s contemporary style with his country roots, and a decadent chocolate dessert, reflecting the luxury of Kunjani Cabernet Sauvignon will round off the experience.

The cost for the event is R695, including all wines, and bookings will be confirmed on receipt of payment. For bookings, contact Kunjani at restaurant@kunjaniwines.co.za or call Anita Conway at Kunjani on +27 87 630 0409.

More About Jacques LaGrange

Jacques LaGrange has been dubbed South Africa’s “King of Couture” by Glamour magazine. He has shown collections at New York Fashion Week, Collection Premier Moscow and International Fashion Week Amsterdam, and his designs have featured in local and international fashion magazines.

After graduating from the SA Academy of Clothing Technology, he worked with renowned South African couturier Errol Arendz before establishing his own label in 1999. He has collaborated and been associated with leading luxury brands including Cartier, Mercedes Benz, Lamborghini and Veuve Clicquot.

His attention to detail, from the quality of fabric to the final custom-made fitting, and his flair for elegant glamour have made him a sought-after designer who regularly dresses local and international celebrities for television appearances and red-carpet events. He is booked up months in advance for his private clients from South Africa to Dubai, Europe and the USA.

Jacques LaGrange is proud to be the brand ambassador for Kunjani Wines, an establishment that aligns with his design ethos and produces wines for lovers of the finer things in life.