At the heart of the evening, presented by Stellenbosch Wine Routes and Sanlam Private Wealth, were, of course, the superb wines. A carefully curated selection of more than 80 bottles was showcased and tasted under eight winemaking categories, with the accomplished winemakers themselves in attendance. Having the chance to taste wines while discussing them with their creators is a rare opportunity. By meeting the winemakers, the oenophiles in attendance got to experience the passion and craft that goes into each vintage. To complement each glass, sublime food creations were provided by the Stellenbosch Wine Route’s leading chefs – George Jardine of Jardines and Jordan, Nic van Wyk of Bistro 13, Gregory Czarnecki of The Restaurant at Waterkloof, Michael Broughton of Terroir and Michael Deg of Delaire Graff Restaurant. These five incredible chefs created a gastronomic collaboration that brought their restaurants right into the halls of Summer Place. From Czarnecki’s gourmet creations to Deg’s fresh and vibrant bistro-chic cuisine, the award-winning dishes reminded guests why Stellenbosch enjoys a global reputation as a top destination for food and wine cognoscenti.
As South Africa’s first and foremost wine route, Stellenbosch has long been regarded as a gem in the country’s cultural crown. Along with its world-class restaurants and iconic wine estates, the region’s entrancing landscapes and rich heritage make it an endlessly inspiring home for all kinds of creators. To celebrate the bountiful beauty of the area, Stellenbosch at Summer Place also played host to a selection of rare pieces from the Sanlam Art Collection. Displayed among the wine-testing booths and culinary counters, and against the backdrop of live jazz music, the artworks helped recreate the luxurious ambience of a grand Stellenbosch wine farm.