When it comes to the Western Cape, we are simply spoilt for choice with world-class wine regions and top-notch farms – there’s definitely something for everyone that fits every budget.
Visit Wellington is one of the youngest wine routes in the Cape, but within 45 minutes outside of Cape Town is where you would find charming wine farms within easy driving distance of each other, producing top quality wines.
One of those charming wine farms is Dunstone Estate. It is nestled on the foothills of the Hawequa and Limiet Mountains in Wellington and it is a small family owned farm.
The Stone Kitchen Restaurant is a lovely country bistro and is situated on Dunstone Estate with Hawequa mountains painting a beautiful panoramic backdrop in the background.
The Stone Kitchen offers a lovely selection of classic, country-style food, from toasted sandwiches to cheese platters to yummy burgers and desserts.
It is a favourite destination for families to come and visit as it has a large well-appointed indoor and outdoor play area for the kids. Not only does it cater for families with kids, but the restaurant is laid out in such a way for people who want to enjoy a quiet meal without the noise of kids and are seated away from the play area.
Wine Tastings are conducted in the restaurant itself and we tasted six of their amazing wines.
DUNSTONE – SAUVIGNON BLANC 2018
Fresh, crispy Sauvignon Blanc, bursting with plenty tropical and green fruit flavours. Followed by a refreshing fruity acidity and lots of guava aromas. An easy drinking and refreshing crispy wine.
DUNSTONE – CHENIN BLANC 2017
This Chenin expresses typical stone fruit and hints of citrus flavours with a slight toastiness from the time spent in barrel. It was aged for 10 months in older French oak barrels.
Chenin blanc is a white wine grape variety from the Loire Valley of France. Its high acidity means it can be used to make everything from sparkling wines to well-balanced dessert wines. Outside the Loire it is found in most of the New World wine regions; it is the most widely planted variety in South Africa, where it is also known as Steen.
DUNSTONE – SHIRAZ ROSÉ 2018
A dry, crispy Rose with aromas of citrus, strawberries and raspberries. There’s driving acidity and the finish is long and refreshing.
DUNSTONE – MERLOT 2016
Aromas of blackberries, cassis and ripe plums seduce the nose while also showing gentle whiffs of cedar. Full bodied and complex, this wine has a juicy mouth-feel, with mineral tones evident in the background. The palate is layered with plush fruit, dark chocolate and supported by firm tannins that lead to a luscious and persistent finish.
Merlot is a dark grape variety that is used as both a blending grape and for varietal wines. The name Merlot is thought to be a diminutive of merle, the French name for the blackbird, probably a reference to the colour of the grape. Its softness and “fleshiness”, combined with its earlier ripening, makes Merlot a popular grape for blending with the sterner, later-ripening Cabernet Sauvignon, which tends to be higher in tannin.
DUNSTONE – STONES IN THE SUN SYRAH 2017
This wine is full in body and shows much complexity. The palate and nose both display notes of red fruits. The tannins are structured and each sip ends in a finish that exhibits spice and fantastic length.
Stones in the Sun is the farm’s charity wine and all proceeds go into schooling for the farm workers’ children.
DUNSTONE – SHIRAZ 2016
This wine is full in body and shows much complexity. The palate and nose both display notes of red fruits. The tannins are structured and each sip ends in a finish that exhibits spice and fantastic length.
Shiraz is a red wine cultivar with distinct smoky flavour. It developed out of a crossing between the near extinct varieties, Dureza and Mondeuse blanche. Syrah is reserved for more traditional Rhone Style wines with restrained fruit flavours, while Shiraz is used for more modern wines of which the berries are picked at a riper stage and that have higher alcohol levels and more upfront fruit flavours.
We ended the tasting with a delicious lunch. I opted for the Pulled Pork sandwich. Think delicious slow roasted pulled pork on a homemade ciabatta, topped with red cabbage slaw, homemade mustard and served with root vegetable crisps. Gluten free bread is also available.
My hubby loves his ribs and he is on a mission to find the best ribs Cape Town has to offer. So it came to no surprise that he opted for The Ribs. Slow braised and grilled pork ribs served with shoestring fries and onion rings. The ribs were falling of the bone and some of the best ribs he had so far. Definitely worth it!
Dunstone Estate also has superb accommodation, aimed more at couples than families, for those wanting a little time away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
“The Stone Kitchen is a winery restaurant with amazing views of the majestic Hawequa Mountains, situated off the beaten track along a gravel road – a truly rural and homely dining experience for the whole family.”
Categories: Dunston Estate, Wellington
