Listen, connect and sing along at ...
Join a Sunday service with Camissa’s Gospel Tour + connect with culture
Visit this historical estate in Stellenbosch for indulgence in great food, even better wine and thoroughbred horses. | |
![]() | +27 (0)21 855 4296 |
![]() | R44 | Between Stellenbosch & Somerset West | |
![]() | www.avontuurestate.co.za |
![]() | openhand@polka.co.za |
![]() | AvontuurEstate |
![]() | Avontuur Estate |
![]() | AvontuurEstate |
Flavourful food and wonderful wine make life truly sublime
Driving to the winelands is always a joy. The natural beauty, the mountains, the vineyards and the thought of good food and wine just makes for a stunning outing.
Avontuur Wine and Thoroughbred Estate (also known as 'South Africa’s home of fine wines and fast horses') is a good stop for them all.
Avontuur Estate Restaurant is owned by chefs Zunia Boucher-Myers and Melanie Paltoglou who started more than a decade ago with lots of enthusiasm, but little money. This passionate fine artist and trained mid-wife had the dream to turn the Avontuur Estate Restaurant from a South African style buffet offering, into an â la carte restaurant that offers contemporary country cooking.
"I always knew I wanted to cook," says enthusiastic Zunia who teamed up with Melanie, a former restaurant owner and manager. "I‘m the artistic, creative and ADD one, whereas Melanie is the analytical, precise and balanced one. It works well."
The staff reads you – service is key
One of the owners is always present at the restaurant together with the staff, a team of 18. "This is an extension of my home," says Zunia. The restaurant has a warm atmosphere, helped by underfloor heating and a fireplace in winter and a sunny outside terrace area, which is popular in summer.
"I find my position very privileged" says Zunia, "I love the memories here. We have got to know families from christenings and birthdays and from weddings to funerals.“
Many clients come weekly due to the excellent food and service, which is a feather in the restaurant’s cap. "Our staff is phenomenal, and a great asset. They take pride in their work and know the clients by name. We even get guests asking for particular waiters to serve them."
The Avontuur Estate Restaurant can seat 50 people inside and 50 outside. The outside area is popular due to its view of the Helderberg, Table Mountain, ocean, paddocks and vineyards.
Contemporary country kitchen
The menu is a spin on old favourites. Here, you won’t find crazy fusion food, but instead a contemporary country kitchen with South African, French and Thai influences, inspired by the seasons. The Avontuur Estate Restaurant stands for fresh, hearty food with tons of flavour. The menu doesn’t get changed too often, since people enjoy the classics although daily specials ensure that regulars always have something new, but still seasonal, to try.
"We are very aware of healthy eating. We incorporate raw food, and are fond of juicing. A lot of the food is organic, and no preservatives are used. We only serve fresh food with fresh herbs and we love to use local as much as we can." The portions are big: "You’ll never go to a McDonalds afterwards," laughs Zunia.
The crispy duck is the most popular item on the menu, but also try the fresh line fish or the beef fillet. The waiters have been wine trained and will pour you Avontuur Estate wine (all served by the glass) and fill you in with their knowledge. For lunch you can expect to spend an average of R250 and for dinner R300. "It is a restaurant for locals," says Zunia. "I want to see you twice a month!”
---
Eager to explore more of the Winelands? Here’s a selection of day tours covering the region. If you missed the chance to visit your favourite vineyard, it might be on our list of great wine estates open on a Sunday.
Check out our events section for an up-to-date overview of happenings in Cape Town. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter and if you have a smartphone, add m.capetownmagazine.com to your home screen for quick access on the go!
Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, join our Google+ circle, connect with us onLinkedIn, check out our photos on Instagram and follow our Pinterest boards for updates on what’s happening in and around the Mother City!
Listen, connect and sing along at ...
Join a Sunday service with Camissa’s Gospel Tour + connect with culture
Winter experiences at the V&A ...
Live jazz, date ideas, themed markets in the Waterfront
How to have an unforgettable 40th, 50th ...
Private chef and 3-course meals at a 5-suite manor
Best burger special at Sotano every ...
Share this 2-for-1 deal with a friend or eat both lamb burgers yourself
You can now book out this entire hotel ...
Infrared sauna, pool, special art, stunning rooms
We just found our next place for a ...
Cederkloof: Cottages with jacuzzi + house with pizza oven
Sumptuous Indian set menu for two
10 unique dishes (and MCC) at Bombay Brasserie
5 ways to transform your hair (with ...
Give your locks some love or change them completely
Intimate fine dining in an art gallery
A long-table experience with food, music, wine and art
Go for a drive to this apple farm in ...
From fresh food to farm cottages and fine dining evenings
A brewery with food specials for every ...
Burgers, schnitzels + curry specials at Woodstock Brewery
How healthy is your hair, really?
How to get a free diagnosis + R100 off your first visit
Cape Town’s very own cannabis club, ...
It's like your friend’s living room, just with 85 strains of weed
Introducing the Whiskey Lounge
Tastings from around the world, guided by an ambassador
Meat appreciation platter at a ...
3 cuts of meat, sizzling side dishes + epic mad-scientist experience
Spirit tastings and unique cuts at this ...
Bring out your inner mad scientist: experiment with unique spirits + meat cuts
Holistic food + drink at this healthy ...
Sit under the trees and enjoy kombucha cocktails, vegan dishes + a sea view
Unconventional vegan dishes at this ...
From tofu tostadas and kombucha cocktails to MasterChef-level desserts
5 reasons to visit this beach-side ...
Never-ending summer of waffles, hotdogs, cocktails...
Our team’s top picks at the Waffle ...
Beach-side eatery is perfect for kids, adults and dogs alike
Book out this distillery for your next ...
Make your own at Distillers Union + get pizza
Laid-back, lekker, and loud team ...
Food Jams is a party where cooking is only half the fun
The Festival of Yellow, celebrating the ...
10+ roadtrips to see canola fields. Plus getaway giveaway
Islands on the River is spring’s ...
4-day journey of music and connection at this festival
All the seasons of Cheverells Farm
Apple picking in summer and winter stay special
Boutique winery with 6 six cosy tasting nooks. Plus platters, picnics + trails