Experience exquisite dining at The Manor House in Spier Wine Farm, Cape Winelands
Spier Wine Farm near Stellenbosch has undergone numerous transformations since the Enthoven Family acquired the historic property in 1996. The most recent transformation is the unveiling of the renovated Manor House, which Chief Operations Officer Annabelle Schreuders describes as a hub of excellence and creativity in terms of food and wine.
The Manor House
The Manor House, originally constructed in the Cape Dutch style with a neo-classical gable dating back to 1822, has served various purposes over the years. The recent upgrades have created new opportunities for catering, including a kitchen that chef Phil Carmichael describes as a simple room with a table and two chairs. The addition of open and adjustable fire grills allows for cooking dishes using flame, smoke, and embers, making fire a vital ingredient in their culinary creations.
Aseries of five-course dinners
In March, the revamped Spier Manor House hosted a series of five-course dinners priced at R1,350 per person, including wine. The launch event featured a classic, long-table setting. The first course consisted of a delightful salad made with heirloom tomatoes, nasturtium capers, sorghum crackers, thin-sliced chorizo, and feta. Accompanying the salad was a warm and freshly baked rye-based boule from the farm bakery.
The second course featured a chicken-and-leek terrine with a green bean salad and garden herbs. The wines served were the Frans K Smit 2018 White Blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, as well as the 21 Gables Chenin Blanc.
For the main course, guests were served Beef Wellington with a bordelaise sauce made using Spier’s Creative Block 5 wine. The dish was accompanied by the bold and rich Frans K Smith Red Blend, a Bordeaux-style wine. Mashed potatoes, smoked bone marrow, and a variety of other vegetables complemented the main course.
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Looking ahead
Apart from catering, the Manor House at Spier can also accommodate small events such as poetry readings and masterclasses in its smaller rooms. Throughout the venue, visitors can appreciate the display of artwork by leading artists, including Wim Botha’s striking flour-and-resin interpretation of Michelangelo’s Pietà sculpture.
Looking ahead, the renovated Manor House is just the first of several changes planned for Spier Wine Farm. Reflecting on the new venue, cellarmaster Johan Jordaan expressed the sentiment that the most rewarding aspect of agriculture is enjoying its products. However, he acknowledged the challenges that arise when problems need to be solved in the middle of the night. Ultimately, the Manor House aims to provide an enriching experience, leaving visitors better than when they first arrived.
