Some Stellenbosch wine bars and street cafés quite unlike the others

 

IT WAS Brampton that got the ball rolling, and the ball has been picking up speed! First there was a single SA wine producer with a second home away from the vineyards in the centre of Stellenbosch, right in the middle of town, and now there are eight or so. Once a second label of Rustenberg, sold to DGB, production moved to Franschhoek and still a budget range of note, Brampton has also become a place to hang out – for tourists, students, lunch-breakers and sundown-lovers when they aren’t up for a trip into the countryside, preferring to chill on the sidewalk or just off the street when the weather dictates. And now there are different venues and different brands to choose from – various bars and lounges, some of them associated with some of the best of Wine SA, most of them doubling as wine shops where you have a takeaway option:

 

Back’s
At 7 Church Street, offering Fairview and Spice Route wines from Charles Back’s cellar in Paarl. “The butcher, the baker, cheese and winemaker.” Strong suits in SA Wine Classification: Fairview’s various Shiraz and Straw wines, Spice Route Chakalaka red blend.

Bartinney Wine & Champagne Bar
At 5 Bird Street. There’s a chandelier crafted from old Sauvignon Blanc vines, and on one of the walls a print of the view from the estate in Banghoek. Meat and cheese boards as well as other snacks. Strong suits in SA Wine Classification: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay.

Beyerskloof Wynbar
At 19 Ryneveld Street. Bringing the legendary, award-winning name of Beyers Truter to the heart of Stellenbosch. Second home of the Pinotage ambassadors based at the winery and Red Leaf Bistro on the road to Koelenhof. An eye-catching vine above the bar counter and, competing for attention, a copper vine leaf behind the counter. Platters and pizza, burgers and toasted sandwiches. Strong suits in SA Wine Classification: Pinotage and Pinotage-led Cape Blends.

Brampton Wine Studio
At 11 Church Street. “Urban edginess meets rustic relaxation.” Flatbreads, wraps, burgers and tapas, with mostly quaffing stuff in the bottles – wines from a Franschhoek cellar.

Enoteca Le Grand Domaine
At 7 Church Street. A combination of wine emporium, wine bar, wine tasting venue and bistro. Vibey brand home to Devon Valley wineries Le Grand Domaine and Stellenview, also offering The Pledge, Kruger Family Reserve, KFK and the Cape Five ranges.

Plaisir Wine Bar
At 6 Bird Street. Stylish wine, gin and tapas lounge, also serving cocktails. Varied menu. Wines from Plaisir de Merle Wine Estate between Paarl and Franschhoek. Strong suits in SA Wine Classification: Cabernet Sauvignon and red blend.

Qbar
In De Wet Centre Courtyard, Church Street. A ‘descendent’ of Quoin Rock estate among the foothills of the Simonsberg. Offering the Quoin Rock, Namysto and Knorhoek ranges of wine, as well as gin and cocktails. Tapas menu. Refined yet relaxed setting. Golden hues.

Stellenbosch Wine Bar
On the corner of Church and Andringa Streets. No fuss; no formality. Short menu, some shared plates, a casual meeting place the Mediterranean way. The wine focus is on various ranges from the Rust en Vrede and Guardian Peak cellars located among the foothills of the Helderberg – plus bubbly from various other farms. Strong suits in SA Wine Classification: Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and red blends, as well as Donkiesbaai Steen (Chenin) and Hooiwijn (Straw Wine).

Also, just a few minutes drive from the CBD on the outskirts of Stellenbosch:

Pane E Vino at 7 Distillery Street, Bosman’s Crossing. Italian hospitality in a food and wine bar where the chalkboard menu includes classic dishes with uncomplicated flavours. Wines and grappas from the Dalla Cia range bottled next door as well as various imported favourites.

 

 

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