Classy cellar vibes at 61/800 - Rust en Vrede, Stellenbosch
Wine farm 61 of 800 is the stunning Rust en Vrede in the Stellenbosch Wine Routes which is over 320 years old. This is a perfect red wine destination, specialising in Single Vineyard wines like Syrah, Cabernet and Merlot. Rust en Vrede was nominated as the first South African red wine in the Top 100 Wines of the World and repeated this achieved for four consecutive years.
BOOKINGS: No bookings. First come, first served basis. So arrive early.WINE TASTING: R40 - R80, choose from three options.WHEN TO GO: Summer or Winter. Really an every season type of wine farm with plenty of options where to sit.SERVICE: ProfessionalRESTAURANT: Choose from two lunch options at the tasting room. It is pricey though at R240 / R260 a pop. Dinner can be booked at the restaurant starting from R750 a head excluding drinks.ACCOMMODATION: No.CHILD/PET FRIENDLY? I would not recommend pets or kids to this venue.LARGER OR SMALL GROUPS? Best for 2 – 6 people.LOCATION: About a 50 minute drive from Cape Town in the Stellenbosch / Helderberg region. Google MapOTHER RATINGS: CLICK HERE to view what others have rated on Trip Advisor.
Here is my experience:
If it is raining, then put this farm on your to-do list. It has a really cosy feel. Though I think it will be really good in Summer too.I loved this wine bar as you walk in. It is quite modern and reminded me of a bar like Tigers Milk or La Parada in town. You can order wine by the glass here from as little as R55 and take in the surrounding nature.
If you go down down into the cellar style tasting room, you will instantly warm up.
They have very good heating and the ambiance of a candle light cellar really makes you feel cosy. 
The price of the wines range from R220 - R1300 and are really good! There are three types of wine tasting options...
I especially loved this 1694 Classification 2014 (yes, this was the one that cost R1300). Think jasmine, violet and black fruits on the palate. It's a blend of 56% Shiraz, and 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, so it has a very good balance of spice and fruit. It spent 18 Months in 100% French oak with 50% new barrels. Just delicious! Imagine this wine with a juicy steak!
You can book an underground cellar tour too., just ask.
If you are feeling a bit peckish, why not have some lunch? There are only two lunch options at any given time and they range from R240 - R260 per meal which is quite expensive but worth it I'm sure. 
Just outside the tasting centre to the right, is the restaurant. The restaurant has won The Elite Traveller with Laurent Perrier’s Top 100 Restaurants in the World – Number 85. I inquired inside and the starting price is R750 per head (excluding drinks). Plus, reservations need to be made well in advance. Snob appeal - CHECK!
I really liked that the kitchen was open plan and again, had a super cosy feel.
I would love to come back in the Summer months. Imagine sitting here with a glass of wine. BLISS!
I had a great time! Cheers!
So which farm will be next? :)xHere is a bit more on the farm... [embed]https://youtu.be/fp0fYAPIXtI[/embed]