One&Only Cape Town’s Dynamic Duo Create One&Only Dining Moments

Chef Reuben Riffel and Head Sommelier Luvo Ntezo Reunite for Culinary and Wine Excellence

One&Only Cape Town’s Chef Reuben Riffel and Sommelier star Luvo Ntezo present a First Class series of Wine&Dine Evenings for 2016. Only the highest-rated and regarded wine farms will be joining Sommelier Luvo and Reuben for an evening of superb food, wine and entertainment on the first Wednesday of every month.

The year began on 27 January with Mulderbosch Wines. Situated in Stellenbosch, and enjoying the same ownership as prestigious American winery, Screaming Eagle, Mulderbosch is renowned for some of the finest Chenin Blancs in the country. Winemaker Adam Mason also crafts outstanding Bordeaux red blends as well and the Platter 5 Star ‘Faithful Hound’ which made for an interesting pairing with Reuben’s full-flavoured dishes. At the end of February, the powerhouse of South African Chardonnay, De Wetshof, will be joining Reuben on 24 February. Danie De Wet is widely acknowledged to be the founding father of this elegant varietal in SA and his range of wines, breadth of knowledge and love for wine has been passed onto his sons, Peter and Johann as well.

If Danie De Wet is the King of Chardonnay, then Teddy Hall deserves the title, King of Chenin. Teddy will be joining Reuben on the evening of 30 March bringing with him his range of handcrafted Chenins, bubblies and more, all with an interesting and highly entertaining story to share. The boutique theme continues the following month when Johan Kruger from Sterhuis will share his wines on 27 April. Based in Stellenbosch, and now boasting his first Platter 5 Star plaudit, Johan’s wines are all meticulously made in small quantities ensuring the very highest quality.

Due to the popularity of Reuben’s Wine&Dine events, the restaurant will host two farms per month throughout winter, giving guests and visitors additional opportunities to enjoy sublime food and wines. On 11 May, Muratie Wines will be showing their food-friendly range including innovative blends and the country’s first Pinot Noir named in honour of Pinot-pioneer, George Canitz. Two weeks later on 25 May it will be the turn of Fairview to join the Reuben’s team for the evening. Charles Back is one of South Africa’s greatest wine innovators and his range of wines is vast and varied in style, but all achieving the very highest levels of quality. With Fairview, there really is a wine for every single occasion and every single taste.

15 June sees Noble Hill show off their range of wines from Simonsberg-Paarl. An increasing interest in Rhône varieties is leading them to make lighter, fresher, more food-friendly wines which perfectly match the fiery Mexican notes of their own restaurant on the farm and should be ideally-suited to the robust flavours of Reuben’s style of cooking. And on 29 June, La Motte and Leopard’s Leap will be sharing the honours in the restaurant. La Motte’s wines are highly-sought after, in particular the range of Shirazes expertly-made by Edmund Terblanche, whilst the new Culinaria Collection from Leopard’s Leap is specifically-designed to pair with the food of their onsite restaurant and should make for some interesting matches for Sommelier Luvo as well.

A wildlife theme takes place in July when Lynx Wines are the hosts on 13 July followed two weeks later by The Goose Wines on 27 July. Franschhoek-based winery, Lynx, started life as a garagistes project for owner and winemaker Dieter Sellmeyer, but the wines proved so popular that he has expanded his range and increased production, adding in interesting blends and unusual varieties. The Goose Wines is a project owned by renowned golfer Retief Goosen and partner. Based in the exciting region of the Klein Karoo in the heart of the Outeniqua Mountains, these classic wines are robust and earthy and a perfect match for wintery food.

The Barns family of Mischa Wines in Wellington will be sharing the evening of 17 August with guests of Reuben’s. Owners of one of the biggest vine nurseries in South Africa, the Barns’ have access to only the finest vines and grapes crafting superlative wines for an exclusive market. One of Constantia’s finest, Buitenverwachting, will be the hosts on 31 August as winemaker Brad Paton brings his range of cool-climate wines to the party. One of the oldest estates in Constantia, Buitenverwachting marries old traditions with modern winemaking to make outstanding wines with character and longevity.

For many wine-lovers, Simonsig is all about the bubbles – ever since it made South Africa’s first Methode Cap Classique over 40 years ago. Winemaker Debbie Thompson and cellarmaster Johan Malan are also responsible for some of the Cape’s finest Chenins and Pinotages and on 28 September they will be bringing them, and others, to Cape Town for a fine feast. The end of October sees a new name from a much-older winery when Stellenbosch Reserve takes centre stage. This is Rust en Vrede owner Jean Engelbrecht’s homage to the town he knows and loves, honouring its history and landmarks. The wines are sophisticated and elegant, and diners are in for a culinary treat on 26 October when Stellenbosch comes to the city.

The final Wine&Dine of the year rounds off the series in a sparkling manner. On 30 November, Delaire Graff, owned by diamond magnate, Lawrence Graff, will be the host along with winemaker Morne Vrey. Situated high on the slopes of the Banghoek Pass and commanding breathtaking views of the valley below, Delaire Graff enjoys some of Stellenbosch’s finest terroir for both red and white wines. From the elegance of the Coastal Cuvee Sauvignon to the grandeur and stature of the Reserve Cabernet, these wines are a feast for the tastebuds and the perfect foil for Reuben’s exquisite cuisine.

Evenings with Reuben and Luvo are priced at R425 per person and reservations are highly recommended. To reserve your table at Reuben’s One&Only Cape Town, call +27 21 431 4511 or email: [email protected]

For more information on One&Only Cape Town or to make a reservation, please visit oneandonlycapetown.com

Full Programme for One&Only Cape Town Reuben’s Wine & Dine 2016 Series
27 January - Mulderbosch
24 February - De Wetshof
30 March - Teddy Hall
27 April - Sterhuis
11 May - Muratie | 25 May - Fairview
15 June - Noble Hill | 29 June - La Motte and Leopards Leap
13 July - Lynx Wines | 27 July - Goose Wines
17 August - Mischa Wines | 31 August - Buitenverwachting
28 September - Simonsig
26 October - Stellenbosch Reserve
30 November - Delaire Graff