Out of the Office at Groot Constantia

Imagine my elation at receiving an invite for a day out with Fusion Design and fellow bloggers at the breathtaking Groot Constantia Wine Estate. The day, September 1st being a serendipitous day of firsts, started outside of the Jonkershuis restaurant beneath a beautiful old oak tree. Founder of Fusion design, Carmen Lerm and Editor Kim van Niekerk warmly received us alongside a bubbly station with mouthwatering little morsels of heaven to celebrate a day of ‘firsts’. I do apologize in advance for the over-use of the word ‘delicious’.

We moved toward the historic Cloete cellar, where their infamous Chocolate and wine pairing took place. My favourite pairing was the Chardonnay beautifully paired with a delicious white chocolate with hints of lime and apricot, and the Sauvignon Blanc paired with a tropical guava white chocolate. The pairing ended with a little surprise, a tasting of one of South Africa’s oldest wines, the ‘Grand Constance’ a natural sweet wine enticing not only in it’s gorgeous amber hue but it’s delicious robust sweet flavours of peaches, honey and caramel. It is recommended that ‘Grand Constance’ is best served between 12-14 degrees C. Pair with fruit-based puddings or chocolate, dried fruits, nuts or cheese.

Lunch was held at the bistro style Jonkershuis restaurant, a short walk from the cellar. Note: visit Jonkershuis hungry! lunch was a three course meal, options vary from Steamed to order Black Mussels with a masala and lentil cream and a slice of toasted Woodstock Sourdough, to a handcut fillet seared with porcini cream. Dessert was a delectable milktart with a apricot and vanilla compote. I had my eye on the very popular Apple cake with vanilla ice cream, unfortunately by the time I decided on it, it was all sold out. The food and service at Jonkershuis was impeccable and definitely worth another visit or two! Another first was the launch of their infused Grape seed oils for culinary usage, of which is produced on site. The one I was lucky enough to take home was the Garlic infused Grape seed oil. So far I’ve been using the oil in almost every savoury dish I can think up!

What I loved most about the day was that most of us had not met each other before, the successful ice breaker being copious amounts of delicious wine and food is what brought us all together at the end of the day. Many of us walked a away having made a few new connections and for some new friends too! There is so much to experience, taste and see at Groot Constantia! Take your family, loved ones or friends for a perfect brunch date, wine tasting with friends.

Here’s to many more firsts! xo

**Disclaimer: I was invited as a guest of Fusion Design and Groot Constantia Wine Estate.**