Stellenbosch restaurant with over 100 wines by the glass

Even the most premium & there’s 20 different tasting flights

Last updated: 20 May 2024

In the centre of Stellenbosch lies a special restaurant with the “prettiest little wine shop in Africa”. It’s a love letter to wine, and wine lovers. There’s 150 wines available by glass (including the most premium bottle on the menu); 20 different tasting flights; and a carefully curated menu made by the sommelier and chef. This is The Wine Glass. 

The Wine Glass is on Ryneveld Street in Stellenbosch. Image: The Wine Glass

A WINE LOVER’S DREAM

Every detail at The Wine Glass celebrates the essence of wine. The walls are adorned with wine bottles and plaques of well-known labels. The statue in the courtyard gracefully holding a wine bottle and glasses, tempting the guests to try some, is an eye-catching feature. 

In classic Stellenbosch fashion, there’s al fresco dining on the pavement that overlooks the charming Ryneveld Street. 

This goes down nicely with a glass of Kaapzicht Family Range Chenin Blanc, which comes from the second oldest chenin blanc vineyard in South Africa. With notes of pineapple and stone fruit, it’s great with cheese, spicy food and al fresco meals. 

The Wine Glass commissioned an artist to make the statue for its courtyard. Image: The Wine Glass

150 WINES AVAILABLE BY GLASS

One special bottle, the Kanonkop Black Label Pinotage, has explosive flavours of red and black cherries, vanilla, dark chocolate, and sweet spice. It’s the most premium bottle of wine at the restaurant (R3 300), and you can have it by the glass. 

There’s 150 more to choose from, so you can pair a different wine with each dish you try, if you like. There’s also cocktails (like a limoncello martini and paloma), whiskey and grappa. And a full barista service with coffees and teas.

All 150 wines are also available at the wine shop next door. Image: The Wine Glass

20 DIFFERENT WINE TASTINGS 

The Wine Glass offers a set tasting experience, with six wines from the same varietal. There’s 20 set tasting flights to choose from, including chenin blanc, sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, rosé, syrah, pinotage, Cap Classique and Bordeaux blend tastings.

The tasting flights provide an opportunity to discover new favourites and expand your wine repertoire, whether you’re a seasoned sommelier or a curious novice.

It’s popular among tourists who want to understand South African wines first, before deciding on which farms they’d like to visit. The tasting flights start from R80. 

Each tasting flight has six glasses of wine. Image: The Wine Glass

THE MOST POPULAR DISH (AND WHAT IT PAIRS WITH)

Complementing the wine selection is a sophisticated bistro menu that blends European cuisine with a distinct Asian influence. It is carefully curated in conjunction with the sommelier and chef, and the sommelier guides you through pairing the food and wine. 

The most popular dish on the menu is the Linefish Oriental, a ginger-steamed fillet on a bed of green vegetables, dressed in soy sauce and infused with peanut oil. This pairs well with a glass of Waterford Pecan Stream Sauvignon Blanc. 

There is also a variety of uniquely South African dishes, like a kudu carpaccio (pair this with a Jordan Black Magic Merlot) and antelope or bobotie spring rolls. You can also pop in for a small bite to share with friends, like patatas bravas with pan-fried chorizo or salt and pepper squid. 

There are vegan options on the menu. Image: The Wine Glass

“THE PRETTIEST LITTLE WINE SHOP IN AFRICA” 

The Wine Glass’s wine shop, Stellenbosch Fine Wines, matches the atmosphere of the restaurant. Named “the prettiest little wine shop in Africa” by a visitor once, it’s bright and airy with old wood panels and floors, and magnificent wines on display.

Here you can browse and purchase a huge range under one roof, including all of the wines featured on the menu, and special finds like the limited edition Aaldering Pinotage Rosé Magnum, themed around “women of the world”.

The wine shop sells wine at the same price as wine farms, and you can also have your wine shipped internationally. There’s also sweet little gifts, like wine stoppers and wine carriers.

Stellenbosch Fine Wines is connected to the restaurant. Image: The Wine Glass

ELEGANT FUNCTION VENUE 

The Wine Glass’s elegant atmosphere makes it a special place for any occasion, from corporate launches, 50ths, date nights, work lunches… The venue can take up to 125 people inside and outside. 

Or if you’re looking to host a more intimate gathering, you can book out the Jungle Room, a private dining room with a fireplace and magnificent chandelier. It takes up to 15 guests.

The restaurant also has other private nooks for smaller dinner parties. Image: The Wine Glass

The Wine Glass is a great place to explore the world of Stellenbosch wine, whether you're a curious connoisseur, celebrating a special occasion, or simply just want to unwind with a good glass of wine. 

VISIT THE WINE GLASS

The Wine Glass is open: Sunday to Friday, 11am - 10.30pm; Saturdays, 8am - 10.30pm
Find it: 13 Ryneveld St, Stellenbosch Central
Tasting flights cost: R80 to R180
Book: Call 082 555 2332 or email foh@twgstellies.co.za
Contact on: 082 555 2332, @thewineglass_stellenbosch, Facebook

By Lara van Zyl

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