91 of 800 - Bellevue, Stellenbosch
Bellevue Wine Estate lies in the smaller region of Bottelary - a windy road on the way into Stellenbosch centre. The first Pinotage plantings made their way onto Bellevue soil in the early 1950’s and today the estate is known for their 1953 Pinotage made of the original Pinotage block that was (yes you guessed it) planted in 1953!
The Tasting Room
Bellevue Wine Estate is easy to find, child friendly, relaxed yet also classy. Their tasting room has been recently renovated and they have also opened up a restaurant. Choose to sit inside at the bar or on the couches, on the outdoor veranda or lawn area. Although it does seem like there are plenty of places to sit, I would recommend booking in advance as this is a popular farm so tables fill up quickly.
[gallery type="rectangular" size="large" ids="10567,10562,10566,10576,10583,10592"]
The Food
You should definitely try the Bellevue Wine Estate famous Pizza and wine pairing. Normally, pizza and wine pairings end up to be a little dry and boring. Bellevue is different, as their pizzas have very interesting ingredients that are freshly fired up in the pizza oven. It's great value for money too at only R80 a person. Restaurant Menu.
Their pizzas are actually named after wines :)
PINOTAGE PIZZA - Salami, mushrooms, mozzarella, sundried tomato, rocket & hummus (my favourite).
CHARDONNAY PIZZA - Coronation chicken, green olives, litchi, hazelnuts and parmesan.
CINSAUT PIZZA - Bacon, caramelized onion, brie cheese, roasted corn and thyme oil.
SAUVIGNON BLANC PIZZA - Prosciutto, asparagus, butternut, feta, pumpkin seeds and crème fraiche.
SHIRAZ PIZZA - Fig preserve, biltong, feta, blue cheese, sweet chili and rocket.
They don't only do pizza but a lot of other hearty meals too like burgers. The staff are extremely friendly, courteous, knowledgable and attentive.
[gallery type="rectangular" size="large" ids="10578,10579,10580,10581,10575"]
The restaurant has an outside veranda (undercover) as well as a wonderful lawn area too.
[gallery type="rectangular" size="large" ids="10568,10561,10588,10590"]
The Wine
There are three whites and four reds to choose from at very good value, under R100 a bottle. The 1953 Pinotage is their flagship at R545 a bottle.
Bellevue’s vineyards comprise of Cabernet franc, Cheninblanc, Cinsaut, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Pinotage, Merlot, Chardonnay, Muscat d’Alexandrie, Pinot noir, Sauvignon blanc and Semillon.
My tasting was hosted by a student studying the trade and so it made for a very informative tasting.
[gallery type="rectangular" size="large" ids="10577,10574,10573,10564"]
I had a lovely time at Bellevue and I am sure you will too.
So which farm will be next? :)