There are very few places in and around the Cape Winelands that are this inviting when the weather is dreary and the skies are filled with clouds. However if you are still looking for a cozy and comfortable place to snuggle up by a roaring fire or just longing for a fantastic experience, welcome to Leopards Leap Family Vineyard.
Sitting at the foot of the Franschhoek mountain range, it is the perfect setting for this vineyard which prides itself in welcoming family and having a variety of activities for all to experience and enjoy.
Walking through the front door, you are immediately greeted with warming faces who are eager to welcome you to the establishment. I have in fact experienced the incredibly warm hospitality at Leopards Leap on a number of occasions and can definitely vouch for this.
Leopards Leap is an establishment that prides itself in a few key areas. Namely care (conservation), eat (food/cuisine) and reading. With these three attributes at the core of the establishments values, it is no wonder the vineyard is a thriving success.
Care (Conservation) – of the environment and the local mountain leopards that still prowl the area by proudly sponsoring the Cape Leopard Trust
Eat (Food/Cuisine) – Chef Pieter leads an incredibly talented team of chefs at Leopards Leap. With food at the heart of his passion for bringing people together and creating incredible events and tastings it is no wonder this is a huge passion for the Leopards Leap Family.
Reading – With the focus on power as knowledge the Leopard Leap founders believe that reading is taking power into your own hands and the immense sense of sharing literature and knowledge, it is a wonderful thought. You can see this books that you are free to read through and enjoy while you snuggle up by the fire and enjoy a glass of their finest (if you can choose one.)
As the crowning jewel that hangs above the tasting area, it is apparent that careful detail and thought goes into each and every detail of what goes into the Leopards Leap estate. The chandelier of vines where placed in the large well lit room to bring the outside vines closer as you enjoy the best that Leopards Leap has to offer.
Walking over from the large tasting room I was taken to the private tasting room for a Food and Wine Pairing that is offered at Leopards Leap every Friday at 12:00pm (noon.)
For a very affordable R120.00 per person it is an experience that is sure to leave you with a better wine knowledge, new friends and probably a booking to return.
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The Wine Tasting Experience:
CULINARIA BRUT MÉTHODE CAP CLASSIQUE
2015 CULINARIA PINOT NOIR CHARDONNAY
2014 CULINARIA CHENIN BLANC
2015 CHARDONNAY PINOT NOIR
2014 CULINARIA PINOT NOIR
2014 CLASSIC MERLOT
2014 CULINARIA MUSCAT DE FRONTIGNAN
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The Food pairing Experience:
Pickled beetroot en croute with a horseradish cream and parsley
Traditional Cape Snoek on an apricot puree and apricot chutney
Leopards Leap made boerewors on a delicious pickle
Local Franschhoek Trout with a beetroot puree and pea shoots
(not displayed as it was served warm from the kitchen) 12 hour braised beef cheek with creamy celeriac mash
Koeksisters soaked in Leopards Leaps Muscat de Frontignan
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Leopards Leap is definitely one of my favourite places to visit in the Franschhoek valley. It is absolutely beautiful, the wine is perfect, the food impeccable and the staff are so warm and inviting. I have spoken to many people after visiting this gorgeous estate and each of them have mentioned that is probably in the top 5 in the region…so the question is when will you be visiting?
I recently joined one of their incredibly informative cooking classes, the theme was Tastes of Australia..stay tuned to read all about it!
Reservations for the food and wine pairing are to be made 48 hours in advance, too book call +27 (0)21 876 8002 or e-mail: reservations@leopardsleap.co.za
