There’s more to this esteemed estate than stunning views and delicious wines.
A journey to Franschhoek would not be complete without a visit to Haute Cabrière. Hugging the slopes of the mountains, this beautiful farm has been in the proud and passionate care of the Von Arnim family for two generations, and boasts the most exceptional views of the valley beyond.
In addition to the largest underground cellar in the valley, there is a treasure trove of delicious food and wine experiences to discover, making this a wonderful outing for a day. Here are six reasons to visit this illustrious estate.
1. Wine-tasting in an atmospheric cellar
Housed in a stone cellar that extends into the mountainside, the beautiful tasting room was conceived by legendary cellar master and winemaker Achim von Arnim. Here, guests are invited to discover Haute Cabrière’s three wine ranges, which exemplify the diversity of chardonnay and pinot noir grapes through varying styles, including cap classique (Achim was one of the pioneers of this method in South Africa). Inside windows peer into the underground barrel-maturation room. It’s the perfect opportunity to stock up on your favourites to take home.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 10am – 5pm
Saturday + Sunday, 9am – 5pm
2. Lunch with sweeping views
Haute Cabrière’s terrace restaurant is a drawcard – not only for the wonderful food and wine, but also for the indoor-outdoor dining with unbridled valley views. We recommend a stroll around the grounds before settling down on the sun-kissed deck with a pre-lunch glass of some of Franschhoek’s finest wines.
The à la carte menu is a delectable selection of dishes, all paired with estate wines. Starters include caramelised onion dumplings or steak tartare with a quail egg; for the main course, the likes of sirloin with chimichurri, spinach gnocchi, pan-fried trout from the valley or venison loin; followed by French desserts with a twist, such as cinnamon crème brûlée, honey-glazed peaches with cheese foam, and chouxmaca (a macaron-meringue stack).
View the menu
Lunch Thursday – Monday, 12pm – 2.30pm
For the month of April, Haute Cabrière’s restaurant is running two wonderful à la carte deals: a two-course lunch (R320) and a three-course lunch (R380), both with a complimentary glass of Pierre Jourdan Brut or Belle Rose Cap Classique.
3. A bubbly-soaked weekend brunch
Bubbles and brunch in the Winelands is one of the best ways to while away weekend mornings. Naturally, Pierre Jourdan Cap Classique (served by the glass or bottle) is a staple of the brunch menu at Haute Cabrière’s restaurant.
It’s best enjoyed on the terrace along with a host of delicious dishes, such as croissant-loaf French toast, an open soufflé omelette with smoked salmon, coconut yoghurt panna cotta with passion fruit or an Italian bagel (with goat’s cheese and pickled aubergine). Chin-chin!
View the brunch menu
Brunch Saturday + Sunday, 9am – 10.30am
4. Macaron + Cap Classique pairings
Introduced as a special seasonal tasting, the macaron and cap classique pairing has been so popular that it’s continuing. An array of these hand-crafted French pastries have been perfectly paired with the Pierre Jourdan Cap Classique range for a truly indulgent experience.
On the menu:
- a honey, lemon and thyme macaron with Pierre Jourdan Brut
- hazelnut macaron with Pierre Jourdan Blanc de Blancs
- raspberry macaron with Pierre Jourdan Belle Nectar
Opening times Friday – Sunday, from 10am (booking ahead is advised)
Cost R90 per person
5. Delights from the bakery
The jam-packed (pun intended) bakery is a must-visit for a “grab-and-go” treat, or for a snack to enjoy with a freshly brewed cup of coffee as you take in the views. You’ll want to stock up on freshly baked croissants, sourdough and pastéis de nata to take home, too, as well as the special range of spices, sauces and preserves, wine accessories and gifts.
Opening times Monday – Friday, 10am – 5pm
Saturday + Sunday, 9am – 5pm
6. Explore + learn on a cellar tour
Get an inside look at Haute Cabrière’s winemaking process on a tour of the beautiful underground cellar. You’ll learn more about the history of the winery, the philosophy of the three wine ranges and the family behind their vision. You’ll also get a crash course in sabrage (the art of removing a Cap Classique cork with a sabre, a skill made famous in South Africa by Haute Cabrière’s founder, Achim von Arnim). The tour is followed by a wine-tasting, made all the more special with your new knowledge.
Tour times Daily, 12pm – 1pm
Cost R95 per person (includes wine-tasting)
Haute Cabrière has more to share with every visit through changing menus, evolving vintages and new stories. It’s a don’t-miss on your outings list or holiday itinerary.
Contact 021 876 8500, reservations@cabriere.co.za
WhatsApp: 064 928 1044
Where to find it Lambrechts Road (R45), Franschhoek
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3 Responses to “Haute Cabrière: 6 Reasons to Visit this Franschhoek Winery”
Petra Rosier
Hi, Can we have breakfast on 8 or 9 february with 6 persons (adults)?
Like to here from you.
Regards, Petra Rosier
Inside Guide
Hi Petra
The Bakery is open daily from 10am.
If you’d like to book a table, we advise you call ahead.
You’ll find all the contact details above.
Karuna Singh
Hi are u open for breakfast on Monday 18th April 2022