Fresh from a year-long renovation, the newly revamped Hazendal Wine Estate offers an experience that truly sets it apart from the crowd: an innovative mix of Russian and South African traditions. Russian-born owner Dr Mark Voloshin has brought the rich heritage and traditions of his birthland to the Cape, judiciously combining them with the overarching Cape Dutch aesthetic so prevalent in this corner of the Winelands.

At the Babushka Deli, the Russian Tea Garden and the boundary-pushing Avant-Garde Restaurant (headed by Michélle Theron), you’ll be able to experience the merging of Russian and South African culinary traditions, while your children lose themselves in the wonders of Wonderdal – an innovative and interactive edutainment centre for children aged 5 to 13.

Here are five reasons to visit Hazendal Wine Estate.

1. Avant-Garde Restaurant: Special Winter Menu

At the opulent Avant-Garde Restaurant, executive chef Michélle Theron and her team produce inspiring dishes that draw on traditional Russian and South African recipes. A hand-painted ceiling mural, dazzling chandeliers, and an exotic aquarium enrich the culinary journey in a venue that wouldn’t look out of place in the Romanov’s palace. Guests can choose between an à la carte or tapas-style Zakuski menu, the former of which is ideal for sampling a variety of different flavours.
This winter, during June, the restaurant is offering a two-course set that includes a glass of Hazendal’s Christoffel Hazenwinkel red blend. The first course is a Karoo lamb and venison potjie (stew cooked in a cast-iron pot), served with pearl couscous. This is followed by a creamy bread and butter pudding with poached pear, roasted white chocolate, and fig and ricotta gelato.
When Tuesdays – Sundays, 11.30am – 3pm
Cost R285
Contact 021 205 5620, bookings@hazendal.co.za
Book through DinePlan

2. Russian Tea Garden Ceremony

At Hazendal’s tranquil Russian Tea Garden, guests can enjoy a selection of traditional Russian pastries, cakes and desserts, along with a range of teas, a cheese and charcuterie board, and a Harvest Board of salad, fruit, vegetables, hummus and freshly baked bread.
In addition to this menu, visitors may opt for the authentic Russian Tea Ceremony, a tradition that dates back to 1638, when Tsar Michael Feodorovich was gifted four chests of tea by Altyum-Khan of Mongolia.
Specially sourced and imported Russian black tea is served from a steaming samovar (Russian tea urn), and the accompanying spread includes blinis (Russian crumpets), piroshok (pastry filled with braised beef and black lentil) and sharlotka (Russian apple cake). Vegetarian and gluten-free options, as well as a kid’s menu, are available.
For a truly decadent affair, indulge in the Full Kremlin Experience, which includes Beluga caviar (15g) served on a traditional Russian blini, and a bottle of Hazendal Scarlet Sails MCC 2014 (named after the grand St Petersburg festival, famous for its firework displays, water shows and orchestral performances).
The Russian Tea Ceremony is served in the Avant Garde Restaurant, should the weather not permit guests to be seated outside.
Opening times Tuesdays – Sundays, 10am – 5pm (last order at 4pm)
Please note If you wish to participate in the Russian Tea Ceremony, you need to book your spot 24 hours in advance. Otherwise, you can still enjoy the Russian Tea Garden’s regular menu.
Cost Russian Tea Ceremony: R250 per adult
R150 per child
Full Kremlin Experience: R3 375
Contact 021 205 5620, bookings@hazendal.co.za
Book Now

3. Hazendal Jazz Club

The sophisticated Avant-Garde Restaurant is the ideal venue for these swinging jazz sessions, where featured musicians will serenade diners after enjoying wine tasting in the estate’s luxurious Wine Tasting Lounge. During the show, guests will be treated to a three-course dinner.
When Select dates
Time 6.30pm – 9.30pm (doors open at 6pm)
Cost R550 (includes gratuity)
Contact bookings@hazendal.co.za

4. Wonderdal: Kids Edutainment Centre

This state-of-the-art edutainment centre is the first of its kind in South Africa, and combines advanced technology and physical activities to create an innovative indoor space and a fun outdoor play area for children aged 5 to 13 years.
As the name implies, the Wonderdal is creatively-designed to educate children on topics from their regular school curriculum, such as energy, nutrition and life skills, to name a few. The interactive experiences stimulate the imagination, creativity and curiosity, and encourages them to explore, learn and experiment in a playful way.
Opening times Tuesdays – Thursdays, Sundays, 9am – 5pm
Fridays, Saturdays & school holidays, 9am – 5pm
Cost R160 (Monday – Friday)
R220 (Saturday & Sunday; school & public holidays)
Contact 021 205 5624, bookings@wonderdal.co.za
Book Now

5. Babushka Deli

Babushka, the Russian word for a grandmother, hints at the homely experience you’ll get at Hazendal’s laidback alternative to Avant-Garde Restaurant. The shelves are stocked with pickles, preserves, relishes, freshly baked breads and more, with an extensive sit-down menu that includes shakshuka (eggs, tomato, onion and roast pepper fondue, chorizo and feta cheese), poached eggs on butter scones, baked French toast; butter chicken; and roast mushroom soup.
There’s also a lovely selection of take-home meals, including sandwiches, salads and pastries.
Opening times Tuesdays – Saturdays, 8am – 5pm; Sundays, 8am – 3.30pm
Contact 021 205 5620, bookings@hazendal.co.za
Opening times Daily, 8am – 5pm (7pm on selected days)
Location Hazendal Wine Estate, Bottelary Road, Stellenbosch
Contact 021 205 5620, bookings@hazendal.co.za

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