Mellasat Vineyards in Paarl and their White Pinotage
Mellasat Vineyards is my 132nd wine farm in South Africa. They are said to be the first to introduce White Pinotage. I must say, it was quite an experience! You may wonder how a Pinotage can we white? Well, the grapes are red but the inside of the grape is...white. When they make the wine, the juice is pressed with no next to no skin contact and then gently filtered.
The farm was first established in 1693 and was originally called Dekkersvlei. In 1996, the Richardson family bought the estate and established the Mellasat brand. Just look at those breathtaking views!
Mellasat Wine Tasting
There is an extensive list of white and red wines to try at Mellasat. Taste 5 wines for R50. I would definitely recommend trying the white Pinotage, Cab and the Temprallino.
The tasting room is small and humble. You almost feel like you are being welcomed into someones house from the early 1900s. The outside area is lovely. Sit under the oak trees on a sunny day. I would recommend this experience for 2-6 people. Kids not advised.
Restaurant
The restaurant is open on Saturdays and Sundays for lunch by reservation only (open from weekend of 20 March 2021). Choose between the Petit Synergy (R249) and Grande Synergy (R479) food and wine pairing. The star of the show for me was the White Pinotage and the bobotie phyllo parcels with guava chutney. Another show stopper was the salmon fishcakes - absolutely divine! The chef came to say hi so I snapped a photo of her. She did such a great job with the menu. Definitely a truly South African experience.
Currently, the restaurant has a Harvest picnic for R399.00
Harvest Picnic for 2 @ R399.00
- cheese selection
- charcuterie selection
- marinated olives
- pickled veg
- bacon & manchego cheese croquettes with olive tapenade
- lentil bobotie phyllo parcels with peach atchar
- tricolor salad
- Moroccan carrot salad
- ciabatta & crackers
- seasonal fruits
- selection of chocolate truffles
- bottle of wine
They also do have a Cheese & Charcuterie platter available for R215.00
In Conclusion
I really enjoyed the humble and welcoming hospitality at Mellasat. You feel right at home and it was a wonderful experience trying the white pinotage - especially with the bobotie phyllo parcels. I bought a jar of the guava chutney which they make at the farm - delicious!
Let me know about your visit by tagging me in your social media posts.
Much love
x
Contact Mellasat Vineyards
Mellasat Vineyards, Keerweder Road, Klein Drakenstein, Paarl
Tel: +27 (0) 21 862 4525
Email: tastingroom@mellasat.com