Haute Cabrière: Bubbly Brunches, Macaron Pairings + More

Every day is a celebration at this estate in Franschhoek.

Founded by a French Huguenot in 1694 (whose name lives on in the range of Pierre Jourdan Cap Classiques produced here), Haute Cabrière is loved for its sense of joie du vin that imbues every corner of the estate.

Haute Cabrière is also known for its enviable location above the valley and its sun-soaked terrace restaurant, which is perfectly positioned for drinking in the views and the wines, whatever the weather. It’s a daytime restaurant with a menu that is, fittingly, classically French with a local twist.

The Von Arnim family, known for their hospitality and sense of celebration, have a simple philosophy: “What is wine without moments; and special moments without wine?” Indeed, at Haute Cabrière every day turns into something special.

Best of the brunch

Pierre Jourdan Cap Classique is naturally on the menu at the restaurant, and the only wine worth considering for an elegant, relaxed weekend brunch. It’s available by the glass or bottle to accompany your late-morning meal.

The menu has just six choices – simple but excellent: French toast (made with croissants); a soufflé omelette with smoked salmon; a bagel with goat’s cheese, pickled aubergine and roasted tomatoes; mushroom toast (farm bread with mozzarella); a delectable coconut yoghurt panna cotta with passion fruit and berries; and the classic, sourdough avo toast with poached egg and bacon.

It’s clear the brunch menu allows head chef Charlton Prins to indulge his first love: baking, particularly in the classic French style. His creations, from sourdough and croissants to baguettes, along with a few sweeter treats and desserts, are heavenly.

Cost Brunch dishes: R70 – R110
Cap Classique by the glass: R50 – R70; by the bottle R160 – R250
Opening times Saturday + Sunday, 9am – 11am

Macaron + MCC pairing

If the sweet life is your thing, why not try the Cap Classique and-macaron pairing: three of chef Charlton’s hand-crafted, pastel-hued bites paired with a Pierre Jourdan Cap Classique?

• Honey, lemon and thyme macaron with the Pierre Jourdan Brut
• Raspberry macaron with Pierre Jourdan Belle Rosé or Belle Nectar
• Hazelnut macaron with Pierre Jourdan Blanc de Blancs

Cost R100
Opening times Thursday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm

Linger longer

Haute Cabrière is famous for sabrage – the impressive art of removing a cork from a bottle of sparkling wine using a sword – and you will get a demonstration if you book a tour of the atmospheric underground cellar with one of the four wine tastings available.

And, before you leave, pop in at the bakery for some of chef Charlton’s take-home treats: breads and flaky pastries, cheese, jams and more, many of them made with age-old family recipes. That, and a bottle of three of the estate’s wine, will extend the memories of a fine day out in Franschhoek.

Good to know Haute Cabrière has gone cashless, and accepts bank cards and SnapScan.
Whatsapp booking line 064 928 1044
Contact 021 876 8500, reservations@cabriere.co.za
Where to find it Lambrechts Road (R45), Franschhoek
Book through DinePlan

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