Top 6 Long Weekend Wines
As curated by top SA Foodies
We can’t think of anything that pairs better with a long weekend than a wine-fuelled, al fresco feast – which is why we asked some of our favourite foodies to give us the inside scoop into what they’re rustling up, and of course the wines to match.
Izak + Wessel
Winners, My Kitchen Rules SA Season 3
“This Human Rights Day we’ll be enjoying the last bit of Summer lounging next to the pool, and that means a braai of course! We’ll be cooking pork belly on the braai, with chilli, lime and mayo corn-on-the-cob (or “Badass Corn” as it’s more affectionately known in our circles). And to accompany the pork, a seasonal salad of roasted butternut – tossed with goats cheese, greens and a vinaigrette. We love cooking with the seasons, and so our dessert will be in keeping with the season too: grilled stone fruit, honeyed cream, and a ginger crumb to round off the day.
On the wine…
“We are purists at heart and naturally gravitate towards low intervention wines. We love this white blend [Patatsfontein] by Reenen Borman that ticks all the right boxes for soaking up the last rays of summer in front of the braai. When pulling out the reds we look for lighter and more floral expressions. This Syrah driven blend by Noble Hill is partially carbonic macerated and its time in concrete tanks yields a nice balance between lightness and structure. ”
Kamini Pather
Winner, Masterchef SA Season 2
“To be honest, I haven’t thought that far ahead! Seeing as it’s still Summer, I’ll probably have some friends over and have a seafood braai. It means that we can still enjoy the good weather AND drink cold pink drinks.”
On the bubbly…
“I tried the Lubanzi Rosé bubbles at Publik and it was deliciously funky!”
Clement Pedro
Chef Presenter, Mancrave
“Let’s be honest, the most traveling we’ve done in the past few years has been from the couch to the fridge, and that’s not a bad thing (telling myself and my step tracker) because the best way to experience a culture or region, besides actually being there, is through its food… and wine! This [Paul Cluver Village Pinot Noir] is Eau de Elgin, I mean, it should be called that, It’s as welcoming and easy as the valley is, perfumed with just the right amount of fruit and spice, ideal for those slow, long weekends, superbly paired with good company and great food, or a good book and a recliner.”
On the Sauvignon…
“You know that saying ‘you can’t please everyone, all the time… you’re not wine’? Well, did you know that the wine they’re referring to is this one? Usually when wine goes to your head it’s a bad thing, but when Brian Smith makes a Sauvignon Blanc, every sip goes straight to your head and gets you thinking, ‘Is this Sauvignon Blanc? Have I ever really drunk Sauvignon Blanc? WHAT IS SAUVIGNON BLANC?!?!’
