Sophisticated, polished and scenic… with food and wine to match
Hidden among canopies of trees in the Knorhoek Valley, Quoin Rock Wine Estate wows visitors with its sheer elegance. Under the custodianship of the Gaiduk family, who undertook its restoration in 2012, this historic estate in the Stellenbosch Winelands has been transformed into a state-of-the-art destination that’s as visually stimulating as it is relaxing, from the exquisite design in the contemporary restaurant and wine lounge, to the sculptures in the manicured grounds. Framed by the Simonsberg mountains and 500 hectares of land, Quoin Rock is no ordinary wine farm destination. Here are seven ways to savour its sophistication.
The Wine Lounge
The estate produces wines under two labels: Quoin Rock and Knorhoek, the latter made from heritage vines. Their Stellenbosch vineyards are perfectly suited to shiraz and cabernet sauvignon grapes, while their remote Cape Agulhas farm has cool-climate vineyards that produce delicious sauvignon blanc and chardonnay. The winemaker and viticulturist are dedicated to maintaining the unique terroir of these vineyards, transforming the grapes into a splendid bouquet of award-winning red, white, rosé and cap classique wines that truly express their origin and a sense of place.
In the elegant wine lounge or on the view-drenched terrace, a wine ambassador will guide you through a tailored tasting of terroir depending on your preferences. You might want to focus purely on cap classique, on the reds or whites, or on the sophisticated and select Black Series wines, exploring the various terroirs and winemaking excellence with every sip.
Feeling peckish? Peruse the menu that goes beyond the usual local charcuterie or cheese platters (although those are excellent, too) to offer oysters; a Fryers platter of samosas, chicken strips, hash browns, spring rolls and fries; nibbles of almonds, droëwors, biltong, pretzels and olives; and for dessert a selection of macarons, or crème brûlée to accompany your wine.
Good to know If you’re in Gauteng, head to the QLounge in Rosebank for an authentic Cape Winelands tasting experience with the signature Quoin Rock sophistication.
The tasting fee is waived when you buy a case of any wines that you have tasted.
Cost From R250 per person (tailored tasting of 5 wines)
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 11am – 6pm
Contact 021 888 4740, winelounge@quoinrock.co.za
Enquire Now
Gåte Restaurant
The beautifully designed and light-filled signature restaurant at Quoin Rock has become world-renowned for its superb cuisine and polished elegance. With just 40 seats for lunch or dinner, Gåte is an intimate space helmed by chef Paul Prinsloo, who has steered the restaurant to a niche of its own in the fine-dining world, putting a creative spin on seasonal, modern Southern African cuisine with innovative culinary techniques. Rich velvety tastes and a hint of harvest nostalgia infuse the autumn menu: from the voluptuous curves of a nostalgic potbrood (a re-imagined toastie and a frothy tea cup of tamatiebredie) meander into a six-course succession of superbly executed dishes. The golden warmth of autumn twines through each dish, from re-imagined classics to bold South African flavours. There’s the delicate richness of aged seabass with whitebait, cauliflower and red pepper, and the umami depth of local kudu… all crafted with precision and creativity, and plenty more flavour intrigue to playfully tantalise the tastebuds.
Good to know You can opt for the shorter four-course menu with choices of dishes from the tasting menu (including a vegetarian option) at each course.
Opening times Wednesday – Sunday, 12pm – 2pm
Thursday – Saturday, 6pm – 10pm
Cost R2 600 (six courses with wine pairings); R1 450 (six courses without wine)
R2 000 (four courses with wine pairings) R1 100 (four courses without wine)
Contact 021 888 4750, gate@quoinrock.co.za
Book through DinePlan
QClub
Quoin Rock’s wines have attracted a loyal following of connoisseurs who appreciate the finer things in life. Now they are also finding a home from home in the QClub, the estate’s inclusive wine club. All you need to join QClub is an appreciation and love for the sophisticated world that Quoin Rock represents. There are no fees or minimum spends. Members collect Quoins (loyalty points) with every purchase at any of the Quoin Rock venues. These can be redeemed against future purchases of wine, or perhaps a gourmet picnic, dinner or one-off experience. Progress up the membership tiers to earn more Quoins and access to special members-only events, elegant winemaker dinners around the country and private wine-tastings behind the scenes. As members you’ll also have first pick of limited-release wines and special wine collections that aren’t on sale to the public.
JOIN NOW
The PicniQs
Wander down a sweeping lawn from the contemporary grandeur of Quoin Rock’s main venue, to discover a secluded palm-thatched PicniQ pod shaded by oak trees on the banks above a rushing mountain stream. It’s all set up with a table, cushioned chairs and wine cooler, with an additional picnic blanket, umbrella and chunky cushions close by to lounge on. The eight custom-built pods are well spaced, with an al fresco bar offering wine-tastings and attentive waiters topping up your glass as needed. Wicker hampers contain a feast of gourmet picnic dishes in glass containers and the table is set with plates, cutlery and glassware. This is elegant, al fresco picnicking.
Good to know Vegan, vegetarian and kid’s baskets are available. There are two gazebos on the lawn for larger picnic gatherings and functions.
Opening times Wednesday – Sunday, 12pm – 5pm (collection until 2pm)
Cost R500 per person
R250 for a kid’s basket (children 3 – 12 years)
Contact 021 888 4740, winelounge@quoinrock.co.za
Enquire Now
The Venue
Boasting one of the most magnificent settings in the Winelands, there’s no question The Venue at Quoin Rock was built for glamour, with luxurious decor finishes, marble floors and custom-made light fixtures throughout. Enormous stacking doors open onto a spacious outdoor terrace with panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards and mountains. A stylish and deluxe floating cigar lounge is perfectly positioned for enjoying the dramatic sunsets of the Stellenbosch Winelands. And you can even ensure that your party (be it a wedding, a family celebration or a corporate event) has exclusive use of the Quoin Rock Wine Estate.
Good to know The Venue can accommodate up to 150 guests (seated) and 300 (for cocktail events), and offers the following:
- helipad
- air conditioning
- catering by in-house chef Paul Prinsloo and team
- cocktail and lounge furniture for indoor and outdoor use
- Pedrali mobile bar
- cutlery and crockery for 150 guests
- additional conference equipment, furniture and wedding venue décor on request
- event management included with venue hire
The Manor House
At 400 metres above sea level, the gabled manor house is one of the highest residential property in the Western Cape; no wonder it boasts unparalleled views of False Bay, Cape Point, Table Mountain and Lion’s Head. Built in 1999 in the Cape Dutch style, it’s a tranquil and luxurious escape, offering complete privacy and ultimate comfort for up to 14 people (individual guests or couples can be accommodated upon request). Available for exclusive use only, with five ensuite king bedrooms set around beautifully manicured private gardens, private dining and living spaces and a fully equipped kitchen, the home is ideally suited to a wedding party or families looking for a luxurious, private and relaxing holiday experience.
Cost Available on request
Contact 021 888 4740, events@quoinrock.co.za
MAKE A RESERVATION
Quoin Rock at sea
If you’re looking to explore the ocean waves around Cape Town, book a trip on the Mirage Catamaran, which sails from the V&A Waterfront. The bubbly served on board is the exclusive Festive Series MCC from Quoin Rock – giving you another suitably glamorous way to experience the estate’s premium wines.
Book Day Sail
Book Sunset Cruise
From fine wine to fine dining, every aspect of your day at Quoin Rock sparkles with polished service, attention to detail and high-flying design, and of course sublime views that you can sink right into.
Where to find it Quoin Rock Wine Estate, Knorhoek Road, Knorhoek Valley, Stellenbosch
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