159 of 800: Clos Malverne in Stellenbosch, South Africa

18 May

Written By

Clos Malverne is my 159th winery visit in South Africa, it offers the whole package from wine pairing lunches to accommodation to an ice cream & wine pairing and even a day spa. They are located in the Stellenbosch Wine Route (Devon Valley) not far from JC Le Roux and Louisvale. This region is famed for producing excellent red wines, especially Cabernet Sauvignon, and Clos Malverne is no exception.

Their first wine bottled under the Clos Malverne name was in 1986, a Cab of only 800 bottles, which was so successful that they continued producing to this day, winning awards along the way.

My visit not only included wine tasting but also a two-night accommodation and food pairing lunch. You can read more about the 2022 Lifestle Package here: https://thewinegirlcapetown.co.za/clos-malverne-lifestyle-package-two-night-special-now-on/

The Restaurant & dining

The wine tasting area also doubles up as the restaurant featuring panoramic views of the Stellenbosch Winelands. The restaurant feels just like someone’s home, nothing too fancy, they let the views, food, wine and hospitality speak for themselves.

The food and wine pairing lunch is R590 per person. Start off with a glass of Cap Classique followed by a bread starter complete with biltong butter – it is delicious!

I absolutely love the fact that there are four courses each paired with a different wine. The dishes are small and tasty which allows for a long, flavoursome dining experience. The staff were incredibly friendly and tentative. They will not let your glass run empty.

The dishes I tried were the muscles, Kudu Tartar, Springbok shank and a chocolate parfait. The flavours were unbelievably well put together and paired with the wines so well. We started lunch at 1pm and rolled out of there at 4pm, that’s how much we were enjoying it!

Clos Malverne Wines

This winery is best for red wines but this doesn't stop them from making numerous white wines, a Cap Classique and even a dessert wine.

Clos Malverne believes in a "minimal intervention" approach whereby their wines are not altered by the winemakers - they are expressive of their terroir. They are also one of the few wineries in the world that make use of the traditional Basket Press and their open ferment concrete vats are used to punch down grape skin caps by hand.

If you visit this farm, be sure to add the Cabernet Sauvignon and the Pinotage or Cape Blend to your tasting list as this is what the winery hangs it's hat on.

Ice Cream and Wine pairing

If you visit Clos Malverne, you absolutely have to try the novel ice cream and wine pairing.

Cookie Monster, with chocolate popping candy – paired with Clos Malverne
Sauvignon Blanc Brut
Waking up the monster inside of you!
A refreshing start with our Brut sparkling wine, a blue ice cream with Oreos for
that extra crunch, a popping experience you won’t forget.

Poppy seed baked cheesecake ice cream – paired with Clos Malverne
Sauvignon Blanc
A smooth & creamy ice cream cutting through the slight acidity of our wine,
brings a beautiful balance to this pairing. Touches of lemon zest highlighting
the fruity and fresh flavours of the Sauvignon Blanc.

Masala dukkah ice cream – paired with Clos Malverne Ellie MCC
Masala: A blend of ground spices, Dukkah: Mixture of herbs, nuts & spices.
This peculiar flavoured ice cream highlights the subtle savoury & smokiness of
our Ellie Shiraz Rose.

Lemon curd ice cream – paired with Clos Malverne Honeydew
Upfront sweetness, with a tinge of tartness, a perfect balance to end of this
pairing. The tangy lemon curd highlights the fruity sweetness of the
Honeydew, making them the perfect partner for this finale

Accommodation

Clos Malverne offers six units for accommodation amongst the vineyards, each given a grape variety name, which line the entrance to the pool. There is shaded parking available nearby and you will be graciously welcomed by the host, Michelle with three bottles of Clos Malverne Wines – A Cap Classique, Chardonnay and Pinotage (part of the lifestyle package).

Each unit is each equipped with quality bedding, tv, air-con, en-suite bathroom, fridge, gowns and access to a swimming pool.

The pool area is just so lovely!

Day Spa

Luckily this wine farm has a day spa too. So if you do decide to get the wine lifestyle package, you will experience a full body massage! Included in the lifestyle package special is a couple’s full-body Swedish massage which lasts an hour. I was scheduled for 5 pm after my marvellous lunch. You can believe it when I say I fell asleep in pure bliss, and then once the massage was over, I could take a short walk back to my room. There are other options available too such as a jacuzzi, steam room and other treatments like facials.

In Conclusion

I had an absolutely wonderful stay at Clos Malverne. I would definitely recommend the lifestyle package if you visit as a couple, especially during the summer months when the swimming pool is welcomed and the vineyards are green. Try to book a day when it is not too cloudy otherwise the views will look rather different.

Not suitable for kids and pets.