The Winelands abound with some of the best food, wine, and landscapes in our country. Idiom Wines has launched a new fine dining restaurant within the Da Capo Vineyards in the Helderberg, and it is set to become a destination venue of note.
The Bottega Family have been developing Idiom Wines for a decade. Although the grapes are grown at the Da Capo Vineyards, Idiom wines are produced at the Whalehaven Winery in the Hemel en Aarde Valley in Hermanus.
The location allows guests to experience the true home of Idiom. The bridge between origin and production symbolises the link in the Bottega family’s history, with roots part in Europe and part in South Africa.
The majestic building, designed by architect Thomas Leach, fuses Old World charm and New World modernism. The space imparts a contemporary yet timeless feel and salutes the outdoors with 360-degree views. The vineyards and granite mountains blend into the locale like art.
Chef Irwin de Vries joined Idiom from Morukuru’s Athol Place in Johannesburg and Sir Richard Branson’s Ulusaba Private Game Reserve in the Sabi Sand Reserve. Irwin is a culinary artist who creates exquisite food that pairs well with wine.
The restaurant will offer a seasonal a la carte menu and by prior booking, a multi-course degustation menu. Walk-in wine tasters can choose from the lighter canapé and wine pairing options. The 60-seater eatery links to the tasting ‘cube’ where vino lovers can sample and purchase the best of Idiom’s wines.
A more casual, terraced outdoor seating area is ideal for family-friendly gatherings. A Deli offering of prosciutto platters, salami and other charcuterie as well as gourmet pizzas, pasta and salads will soon be available.
In the warmer months, you can order a picnic basket from the Deli to enjoy under the thatch-covered ‘lapas’. Here, a backdrop of indigenous fynbos, vineyards and ocean vistas will soothe your soul.
This spring, the Deli section will open along with an Italian Wine Experience area that will highlight Vinotria, the imported Italian wine project. This project aims to increase the public’s awareness of Italian wines.
A luxury goods space will be incorporated in the future and will feature Idiom’s wine-inspired perfumes, exotic leather handbags and other covetable accessories.
The fine dining restaurant is scheduled to open on Wednesday 1 June 2016, and bookings are currently open. Be sure to escape the rigours of city life and encounter the calming effects of this pristine venue.
OF NOTE
When Wine Tasting Centre: Seven days a week: 10 am – 5 pm. The Idiom Restaurant: Wednesday to Sunday 10 am – 5 pm. Available for full day/evening bookings and venue hire.
Where Da Capo Estate, Sir Lowry’s Pass, Helderberg (directions and map)
Cost According to menu
Contact +27 21 204 1059, +27 21 852 3590, www.idiom.co.za
Photography courtesy