Hearty servings of delicious cuisine and sublime views.
From its position alongside the Glenelly wine cellar, looking out across fynbos gardens and rows of vineyards, The Vine Bistro is the quintessential Winelands restaurant. There can be no mistaking that you’re in the heart of Stellenbosch wine country, but the food you’ll be enjoying evokes traditional French cooking.
The best local, seasonal produce inspires chef Michael Saville’s modern bistro classics, resulting in weekly changing menus perfectly suited to this elegant restaurant. From the 19th-century-style chairs and Parisian café tables to a traditional bar and terrace seating with beautiful views, this is a true hidden gem.
The menu du jour
The Vine Bistro’s à la carte menu features five options per course. At the end of the week, the best of these are compiled into a divine three-course set menu for Sunday lunch.
It’s an opportunity to try all manner of classic dishes, often with a local-ingredient twist, such as cured Franschhoek trout with dill crème fraîche chantilly, a pork and springbok pâté flavoured with prunes and port, or tuna tartare with spekboom salad. Mains include fish with heerenbone (heirloom beans), lamb shank with gratin dauphinoise potatoes, roast pork belly with Dijon mustard sauce, and the signature dish: a proper bouillabaisse with rouille and croutons.
Desserts might feature a lemon and naartjie tart with berry coulis, canelé de Bordeaux pastries with rum-poached pineapple, gâteau Royal with sauce Anglaise or classic crème caramel. And, naturally, there is always an artisanal cheese board with local and French cheeses.
Winter Special
Throughout the year, special seasonal set menus of rustic French dishes are also offered at a special price. For starters diners can choose between a traditional French onion soup and croquettes, followed by linefish with café de Paris butter or stuffed pork trotters with a charcutière sauce for mains, and ending with a baked goat’s cheese dish or profiteroles with hot chocolate sauce.
Valid until end-September 2022
Times Tuesday – Saturday, 12pm – 3pm
Friday + Saturday, 6.30pm – 8pm
Cost R265 (two courses)
R295 (three courses
Vintage sipping
Situated in Ida’s Valley, just 10 minutes from the centre of Stellenbosch, on the southern slopes of the Simonsberg, Glennelly Estate produces mostly reds, along with chardonnay and rosé.
If you’re looking for a specific vintage of Glenelly wine that is no longer available, The Vine Bistro might have some in stock for you to enjoy with your meal – these include the flagship Lady May 2008 and 2010, the Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2013 and 2014, and Estate Reserve Red Blend 2008 and 2009.
The winelist, with some options by the glass, carafe and bottle, also features wines from other South African and French estates – including a few rare vintages from French owner May de Lencquesaing’s Bordeaux estate, Château Pichon Longueville – as well as some of the best Cap Classiques and Champagnes.
If you’re looking for a special meal that will transport you into the heart of countryside cooking, you’ve come to the right place!
Opening times Tuesday – Sunday, 12pm – 3pm
Friday + Saturday, 6.30pm – 8pm
Cost Sunday Lunch R435; kids R195
Winter Set Menu: R265 (2 courses); R295 (3 courses)
Contact 021 809 6444, bistro@glenelly.co.za
Where to find it Glenelly Estate, Lelie Street, Ida’s Valley, Stellenbosch
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