“Wine and friends are a great blend.” ~ Ernest Hemingway

In this instance these words cannot be truer. When two iconic families join forces, the result can only be described as spectacular! Sabi Sabi and Stellenrust Wine Estate have been “friends” in wine and on many other levels for many years. Sabi Sabi being renowned for over 40 years of safari excellence and Stellenrust being one of the oldest family–owned wine estates in Stellenbosch. This is a friendship between two families sharing the same principles and passion for their brand, the community and hospitality. Commitment to conserve and preserve the environment through sustainability and most importantly, a love for their “people”. This true friendship formed in 2010 is set to last a lifetime.

Stellenrust Wine Estate are solely responsible for our Premium Sabi Sabi house wines. A total of five single varietals, and two blended wines are bottled and labelled for Sabi Sabi. Single varietals include Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinotage and Pinotage Rosé. A world-renowned Red Blend, Simplicity (50 % Shiraz, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Merlot) and for something a little sweeter, a 67% Chenin Blanc, 24% Muscat de Alexandrie and 9% Sauvignon Blanc blended Kleine Rust Semi Sweet. To top everything off their ever popular Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc blended Clement de Lure MCC NV Sparkling wine completes the eight on a high note.

Being readily available as House Wines when visiting our lodges, all these wines are served at mealtimes. As your meal progresses from starter to entrée to dessert, you can mix and match and find the best suited or your preferred pairing with each of these amazing wines. Some suggestions to accompany these great wines whilst dining with us during your stay might be a good idea and assist in getting you started.

Sabi Sabi Chenin Blanc - tropical fruit and lime on the nose. On the palate, grapefruit and pear. Smoked chicken salad or carpaccio with lime and capers drizzled in olive oil.

Sabi Sabi Sauvignon Blanc - yellow summer fruit on the nose. On the palate, a crisp acidity with a blackcurrant finish. Freshly grilled line fish or calamari accompanied by a lemon butter sauce.

Sabi Sabi Chardonnay - orange and peach on the nose. On the palate, nectarines and almonds. Spicy is the first thing that comes to mind. Chicken curry served with sambals. This wine also works well with matured cheeses such as matured cheddar and gruyèere available on our after-dinner cheese board selection.

Sabi Sabi Pinotage - on the nose and palate, fruity, raspberry, black cherry and subtle sense of oak. Full lingering mouthfeel. Traditional South African Bobotie served with a traditional South African red. History and culture right there.

Sabi Sabi Simplicity - mocha and vanilla on the nose. On the palate, pepper, cassis, dark chocolate and undertones of vanilla. Chargrilled kudu or impala loin served a cranberry jus. Chef Wilfred’s homemade hamburger served from our Bush Lodge lunch grill is also a suggestion worth considering.

Clement de Lure MCC NV - on the palate, dry but very fruity. Undertones of nectarines, tropical fruit and grapefruit from the Chenin and Chardonnay, sweet and sour berries from the Cabernet Franc. The Clement de Lure is served at breakfast time with a wide selection of dishes that pair beautifully with this bubbly. At lunch, a fresh summer salad would be my suggestion. With extensive condiments as well as delicious and freshly prepared salads, mixing and matching is the order of the day. Last but not least, what better way to celebrate a day in the bush than with a glass of bubbly watching the sunset over the African plains. A definite suggestion for sundowners whilst out on safari.

Kleine Rust Rose - on the nose summer fruits. On the palate, raspberries, cherries, peach and apricot. Definitely a summer lunch time wine. Light and fruity it will pair beautifully with any summer salad served.

Kleine Rust Semi Sweet - on the nose sweet spice from the Muscat with tropical fruit undertones from the Chenin and Sauvignon Blanc. On the palate, tropical fruit and a well-balanced sweetness and acidity. A great wine to enjoy with a creamy pasta dish or to pair with some cold meats, soft cheeses and variety of breads available on the menu.

Well there we go, a brief introduction to our fabulous House Wines and a few menu items served at Sabi Sabi. As the saying goes, “The proof is in the pudding”, so no better way than for you to make your way over here to enjoy all this firsthand.

Until we open the next bottle, “À votre santé” as our French-speaking guests would say.