Here are some of the most notable or popular Food pairings in the Western Cape :  

1 - Van Loveren food pairings

Van Loveren lies just outside the small town Robertson – itself located some two or so hours outside of Cape Town – and the estate is famous for their locally produced Breede River Valley wines, which revolve around the estate’s family bonds and heritage even today. At Van Loveren, there are eight different food pairings, including some non-alcoholic ones, on offer. For a tutored one-on-one food and wine pairing, you have a choice between the following options: - Cheese and Van Loveren wines - Charcuterie and Rhino Run wines - Chocolate and Tangled Tree wines - Christina Van Loveren Master Tasting - Four Cousins Fan Pairing - Fiver Party Plate   There are also non-alcoholic versions of all of these tastings available, as well as two fun Kids’ tastings in Kids Master and Kids Artistic Tastings (both R35 per child).  Photo credit: Eye See Africa For more information on Van Loveren and their offerings, visit www.vanloveren.co.za or contact them on (023) 615 1505.  

2 - Jordan Wines food pairings

This top South African wine estate, found in stunning Stellenbosch, has seen owners Gary and Kathy Jordan making world-class wines on the farm since 1993. Today, this historic farm – which dates back some 300 years – also offers an interesting selection of food and wine pairings for visitors to enjoy. Classic Tasting and Cellar tour options include: - An added cheese platter for two (R180); it includes local hard and soft cheeses, farm olives, preserves and even fresh bread. - Or, if you prefer, you can add a meat platter for two (R220) and tuck into locally cured meats, biltong, Jordan Estate olives, preserves and fresh breads. Classic wine tastings/tours (ranging in a selection of 3-6 wines and/or a pre-booked cellar tour) cost between R30 – R130 per person, and can last up to ¾ hours. For more information on Jordan Wines and their offerings, visit www.jordanwines.com or contact them on (021) 881 3441.  

3 - Morgenster Wine & Olive Estate food pairings

Photo credit: Amanda Tomlinson via Instagram Located some 35 minutes from Cape Town in Somerset West lies Morgenster Wine & Olive Estate. This thriving olive and wine farm dates back to 1711, and specialises in internationally acclaimed Bordeaux-style wines and top quality extra virgin olive oil. You can enjoy the following tastings at Morgenster: - Five olive oils, balsamic vinegar, olives pastes and olives for R40 per person. - Olive oil and wine pairing for R75 per person. Also on offer, of course, are the usual wine tastings, which cost between R35 – R65 per person, and include a selection of 3-5 different wines, including an Italian wine (Caruso, Tosca and Nabucco) and chocolate pairing (four handmade chocolates) for R65. For more information on Morgenster Wine & Olive Estate and their offerings, visit www.morgenster.co.za or contact them on (021) 852 1738.  

4 - Durbanville Hills food pairings

 Photo credit: www.michaelolivier.co.za

Set proudly up against the Tygerberg Hills, the state-of-the-art Durbanville Hills winery – found some 20 or so minutes outside of Cape Town – offers an interesting selection of fruity wines, which are influenced by the area’s unique character, rich aromas and cooler airs and rolling mists from the Atlantic Ocean. Guests can enjoy the following food pairings when visiting Durbanville Hills: - Chocolate and wine for R80 (duration: 45 minutes); this includes a selection of five wines and five artisan chocolates paired sweetly together. - Biltong and wine for R95 (duration: 45 minutes); this includes a selection of five wines and five different varieties of biltong. For more information on Durbanville Hills and their offerings, visit www.durbanvillehills.co.za or contact them on (021) 558 1300. Other wine farms that offer interesting tastings include: La Bri (Franschhoek), Spier (Stellenbosch), Lourensford (Stellenbosch), Delheim (Stellenbosch), Avontuur (Somerset West), Under Oaks Farm (Paarl), Mulderbosch (Stellenbosch) and KWV Wine Emporium (Paarl).  Photo credit: www.all4women.co.za

These are just some of the wonderful food and wine pairings you can sink your teeth into across the Western Cape – and with such varied selections, you can choose something sweet, salty or savoury, or perhaps even something completely non-alcoholic too!