IS THERE anybody who's a fan of South Africa's Stellenbosch wine route and who hasn't yet seen or heard about the croc across the water from the The Jordan Restaurant, Cellar Door and picnic lawns at the estate? It's been there for a while, actually – a statue (?) that doesn't flinch but is quite effective at discouraging strollers from taking a dip before or after ordering from the menu, although far enough away from the tables so as not to distract you from what's in the glass or on the plate.
Chef Marthinus Ferreira and his team do a great job of pampering their guests in a space renowned for food and wine that is both top quality and interesting. Seasonal lunches can be good value for money – such as the recent Sophia Estate Special at R395 that offered steak done two ways together with a glass of the farm's luxury flagship red blend, and the 10-year-old version at that! The Winemaker's Dinners typically present plates for sharing and a selection of Jordan wines – usually in the good company of the chef and the winemaker/proprietor. Whereas the standard lunch and dinner menus are impressive in their own right – especially if you choose the pairing option with each course!
The Jordan whites and reds are many and varied, with those that have such good track records as to be included in the SA Wine Classification as follows: the Barrel Fermented and Nine Yards Chardonnays, Inspector Péringuey Chenin Blanc and The Real McCoy Riesling, as well as the Black Magic Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cobblers Hill (red blend) and the Long Fuse Cabernet Sauvignon.
