Swartland wines are characterised by their fruit-forward and full-bodied flavours, as well as an elegance that makes them perfect to pair with food.
In the Swartland, by Swartlanders, is a wine-and-food series being hosted at The Barn in Riebeek Kasteel once a month until 2 December. Featuring six wonderful wineries, each paired with their own menu of enticing cuisine; this series of dinners promises insight into one of South Africa’s most alluring regions.
The Barn founder and chef, Thomas Jamneck, is a consistent supporter of local producers with the bulk of his wine list comprising wines from the region. The Barn restaurant is popular for its delicious culinary offerings and elevated views of the village and valley beyond. Its cosy interiors and comfy outdoor seating makes it perfect for hosting In the Swartland, as each dinner is an intimate affair with only 20 tickets available for purchase.
This wine-and-food series aims to showcase some incredible food friendly wines, through discussions and pairing ideas that will help you better enjoy your wine and food experience.
So, whether you’re a serious foodie or weekend wine lover, this wine-and-food series at The Barn looks like one for the books!
Below is the line up, followed by the ticket prices and booking info.
1 July – Intellego Wines:
This first dinner featured Intellego Wines and maker, Jurgen Gouws.
The menu saw his wines paired with cuisine such as Patagonian calamari in home-made butter, (dusted with garlic and pink peppercorns), a ceviche, spicy pork belly served with litchi mousse on sweet potato mash, and Karoo lamb cutlets.
Jurgen believes understanding is important for knowing a wine and its story; interestingly Intellego is Latin for “understanding”.
5 August – Mullineux Wines:
Dinner on 5 August featured 4-time South African Winery of the Year, Mullineux Wines, and included their popular Old Vines White, Single Terroir Syrahs, and Straw Wine.
As the co-founders of Mullineux Wines in South Africa’s beloved Swartland region, Chris and Andrea Mullineux have established themselves as an internationally acclaimed winemaking team who turned their passion for wine into a successful business.
Their award winning wines are an expression of the terroir of the Swartland itself, where old vines cling onto ancient soils.
2 September – Knolfontein:
Pieter du Toit, from the Riebeek Valley, is a fourth generation farmer who has always been passionate about growing grapes. However, after years of selling off his harvest he decided to use wines made from his top-performing vineyard to start his own niche brand. Hence, from the vineyards of Du Toit Family Wines comes Knolfontein; a boutique range that reflects heritage, excellence, and unique expression.
7 October – The Blacksmith Wines
Luckily for wine lovers, Tremayne Smith diverted his interests from becoming a chef to becoming a winemaker. In 2014, he launched The Blacksmith, which produces wines such as Barebones Pet-Nat, Hell Yeah Pinotage, and The Horseman Pale Rider. The Blacksmith is a wine project dedicated to natural wines fermented with native yeast and little exposure to sulphur.
4 November – Vine Venom
Vine Venom has gained success with its focus not only on Méthode Champenoise but also Chenin Blanc skin contact, Flor, Rosé and Syrah.
The range includes Silence Chenin Blanc and Satellites Red, but let’s not forget that Samantha Suddons’ Swartland-based winery also won a WineMag Top 10 Cap Classique for its first release, Serenade 2015.
2 December – (ℓ) Equinox Wines
Beginning his career is 2006, Namibian-born winemaker and viticulturist, MC Stander, worked for a variety of producers before founding (ℓ) Equinox Wines in 2018.
Working with grape growers from Swartland, MC creates natural wines inspired by the Beaujolais tradition. These wines include the Wish You Were Here red blend, Keep It Loose white blend and Find Your Happy Place red blend.
Book your spot
- Ticket prices range between R600 and R850pp.
- To book, contact The Barn on 071 844 2726.
- For those who can’t get their hands on tickets, don’t fret! The good news is that wines from the featured wineries will be available at The Barn, by glass or bottle – while stocks last.
The Barn is located at 34 Church Street, Riebeek Kasteel. The venue is open from Wednesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner, as well as for breakfast on Saturday and Sunday.
—
Words by Peaches
Images and info provided by: Roux Reklame
