Rust en Vrede
The first South African estate to specialise in red wine, Rust en Vrede produces full–bodied and complex wines that reflect the uniqueness of the Stellenbosch terroir. Premium quality has earned this privately owned family estate a place among Cape legends. It's also the birthplace of the Ernie Els portfolio of wines.
President Nelson Mandela selected Rust en Vrede to be served at the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize dinner in Oslo, where he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. And in 2000, Rust en Vrede became the first South African winery to be named in the “Top 100 Wines of the World” by the magazine Wine Spectator.
Rust en Vrede was established in 1694 by the Governor of the Cape, Willem Adrian van der Stel. The Engelbrecht family took residence in 1977. The family and their ancestors have been grape growers since the early 1700’s and by moving to Rust en Vrede, became wine producers for the first time. The company and the estate are now headed by Jean Engelbrecht who is also in partnership with Ernie at their co-founded venture Engelbrecht Els Vineyards.
In 2007 Jean Engelbrecht and David Higgs started the Rust en Vrede restaurant. A unique place where food and wine are balanced perfectly to provide the ultimate dining experience.
The original cellar, a National Monument, has been converted and the kitchen is placed "front and centre" creating an ambience that is relaxed but vibey. There is also a proprietor/chef/winemaker table in a private dining room.
Food
David Higgs has been a chef in South Africa for 18 years and travelled extensively as part of the South African National Culinary Team. From being voted "Chaine des Rotisseurs Young Chef of the Year" to representing SA at the Culinary Olympics.
The food, "a contemporary take on the classics", is a combination of freshness, flavour and flair. The freshness of ingredients is key and they have even planted their own herb and vegetable garden. Their meat is also sourced from Jean's property in the Kalahari Desert and is matured to David's specifications. This means that they control the quality of product served.
The menus are separated into 2 sections. One being a set 8 course menu with wines and the other an a la carte 5 course menu.
Wines
Neil Grant, a certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, has just returned from spending 7 years in San Francisco, one of the culinary food capitals. He has been in the industry for 15 years and his most recent achievements has been with the Ferry Plaza Wine Merchant which was recognized as "Best wine bar" in the United States and also "Wine retailer of the Year" by Food and Wine magazine.
Being part of this progressive wine estate and working closely with the winemakers they have selected a unique wine list. It comprises wines that we personally selected and also includes wines from the CWG (Cape Winemakers Guild). As part of the guild it is an exciting prospect to be able to approach these winemakers and let them recommend varietals and vintages.
Other than the love and commitment to red wine, they are known to occasionally indulge in Champagne....well, actually everyday - hence the selection on offer. And then they also have their international wines...
Contact
For further information and early bookings, kindly contact
or call us on +27 21 8813881
Visit the website: www.rustenvrede.com
