The friendly wine folk of the Bottelary Hills – a sub-route of the Stellenbosch American Express® Wine Routes – will give their ‘Pop Up’ Winemakers Lunches a sparkling summer spin when they set the tables for the first 2013 lunch at Villiera Estate on Sunday, 24 February.

This elegant al fresco feast, dishes up sumptuous fare by Chef Christophe Dehosse of Joostenberg Bistro; the genuine, uncomplicated hospitality of this secluded wine community, and select summer wines of Goede Hoop, Hartenberg, Kaapzicht, Mooiplaas and Villiera. With the latter – one of the finest Cap Classique producers in the country – playing host on this indulgent day, one is guaranteed an exuberant Winelands experience when the corks start popping.

Nestled north-west of Stellenbosch, along the R304 and M23, the Bottelary Hills Wine Route reveals an untapped world of quality wine to both discerning wine drinkers and those who appreciate Cape heritage. Steeped in history, this ‘hidden’ wine route is home to some of the oldest wine farms in the country including Beyerskloof, Bellevue, Goede Hoop, Groenland, Hartenberg, Kaapzicht, Mooiplaas, Stellenrust and Villiera.

The Bottelary Hills themselves contribute to the complex terroir of the soil and help the area produce some spectacular red wines. The slopes of these hills are kept cool by the ocean breezes of both False Bay and Table Bay, allowing the area to also produce some award-winning white wines and Méthode Cap Classiques.

The great charm of this wine route comes from the fact that most of the farms have been family-owned for many generations. This rich sense of history, commitment and family radiates in both the wines and the welcoming atmosphere of this area.

If you like the sound of a lazy Sunday lunch in the Winelands, with great food and fine wine shared at tables where strangers become friends, then the Winemakers Lunch at Villiera will be the perfect end to your weekend. This unadulterated experience of true Winelands camaraderie costs R250 per person and includes a four course meal and the wines on the day

To book your seats contact Tel: (021) 886 8275 or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Pre-bookings are essential as seating is limited.

Villiera Estate is situated 40km from Cape Town, 20 km from Paarl and 10 km from Stellenbosch, on the R304.