Visit Asara Wine Estate & Hotel in the Cape Winelands
In recent years there have been a spate of superb restaurants opening up in the Cape Winelands and some are even offering accommodation.
Of course it makes sense – if you are going to taste some excellent wines in a location with some of the most beautiful views in the world you might as well stay for lunch, or dinner, or an entire week.
One of the most recent openings is Asara Wine Estate & Hotel just outside the picturesque town of Stellenbosch and about 20 minutes from Cape Town International Airport.
Asara is the brainchild of Markus and Christiane Rahmann who have transformed the wine farm they bought and restored in 2001 with the addition of the modern five-star hotel last year. In January of this year they were chosen for membership of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux Association whose strict criteria are based around the famous 5 Cs: Calm, Courtesy, Cuisine, Character and Charm. Asara certainly has all of these.
French-Alsatian executive chef, Patrick Bischoff and German-born executive assistant chef, Ulf von Stamm, preside over two restaurants - each offering the choice of indoor comfort or extensive outside dining areas, overlooking the dam and breathtaking mountain scenery.
Asara also has a Cigar & Whisky Bar, the Sansibar, its own cellar and tasting facilities, as well as a small village-style courtyard, complete with fountain, housing a wine tasting centre and an in-house delicatessen and confectionery.
Asara has selection of award-winning wines. Here are some recommendation from SA Direct Wines, who deliver to South African wine lovers in the UK:
Asara Bell Tower Estate Wine
The flagship wine from Asara with only the very best selected for this true "Big Five" blend. Intense aromas of black cherry and cassis combined with hints of mocha and vanilla…
Get more details or buy this wine online for £14.99
Asara Cabernet Sauvignon
Aromas reminiscent of sweet red peppers are balanced by juicy blackberries. These follow well into the palate where the maturation in barriques for 24 months combines elegantly with the stewed fruit flavours and dark chocolate…
Get more details or buy this wine online for £10.49
Asara Cape Fusion
Uniqely South African Premium Blend of Pinotage, Merlot, Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon Asara Cape Fusion. The deep ruby black colour hints at a celebration of the senses. There are rich plummy and black cherry aromas balanced with subtle cigar box and spicy mocha nuances…
Get more details or buy this wine online for £7.99
Asara Rosé
Dry summery blend with lovely floral red fruit tones and hint of spice. This Rosé has an attractive, deep crimson colour that signifies the use of only red grapes. Aromas of strawberry and water melon are complimented by the fresh berry fruit taste…
Get more details or buy this wine online for £6.79
Asara Ivory
An unwooded wine for all occasions blended from 71% Sauvignon Blanc and 29% Chardonnay. The Sauvignon Blanc portion contributes aromas of green-fruit (kiwi, passion fruit and green apple) and asparagus, whilst the Chardonnay contributes more soft citrus fruit flavours.
Get more details or buy this wine online for £6.79
