Since its launch in November 2018, family-owned Quoin Rock Estate has introduced a new dimension of luxury to the Cape winelands.
Elegant, chic and eye-catching, everything at Quoin Rock offers a refined experience - designer architecture and furnishings, award-winning wine, and superb molecular gastronomy at Gåte Restaurant, which pushes boundaries with arty aesthetics and a playful spirit that epitomises the theatre of food.
Quoin Rock’s exclusive use Manor House maximises sweeping views of the Simonsberg, which can also be enjoyed from the Gåte tasting lounge and terrace, and a newly-built function venue overlooking the estate vineyards.
The farm’s transformation has taken place over six years, when the Gaiduk family purchased it in 2012. Managing Director Denis Gaiduk explains: “My dad Vitaly Gaiduk is a wine enthusiast and as his collection grew, he decided to ‘paint his own painting’. He was looking to buy a wine farm in Italy but saw this amazing farm and fell in love with it. It took several years to improve the vineyards, with the aim being to create wine which would compete on the international market. Our Quoin Rock Shiraz 2015 is already a Top 12 Shiraz in South Africa – and this is a beginning. We want to create something big, bold and powerful.”
Denis’ wish is for guests to quieten and savour their excellent wines. “I want to be a wine lounge, because if you’re drinking an exceptional wine it can’t just be quick.”
What makes Quoin Rock so inimitable is the uniqueness of the terrior, the winemaking techniques and mountain views. “This place is built to enjoy the beauty of the surrounds - at daytime for people to have more of a wine experience and at night to have more of a food experience,” he adds.
Helmed by Head Chef Nicole Loubser fronting a team of 11 chefs, Gåte has taken innovative dining to new heights. The novelty of dining here includes a fourteen-course menu presented in cube format.
Nicole brings expertise acquired at Jan Hendrik’s 1 star Michelin restaurant in Nice and Salzburg’s 2 star Ikarus. “Dining at Gåte is cutting edge because we focus not just on molecular gastronomy, but also on fine dining. We aim to play with the senses.”
Part of the joy of this superb gourmet indulgence is the artistic presentation. “When I plate, it’s like a canvas.” Guests can choose from a seven-course dinner, or a five-course lunch menu. Lunch includes two teaser dinner dishes.
Food is paired with 10 estate wines, which includes two bubbles. Winemaker Jacques Maree explains: “Our wine has the ability to pair fantastically with any food. We’ve got grapes from Elim and Stellenbosch which give two different fruit profiles.”
“The Simonsberg is your classical Bordeaux area, so the result is more new world, bigger structures and fruit forward.” Quoin Rock also does a grappa.
Special events and weddings are superbly catered for in a function hall accommodating parties of 150 to 200 people, and offers three catering options.
The beautiful Manor House epitomizes the opulent Quoin Rock lifestyle. In keeping with opulent villas popular for multi-age family travel, this exclusive, tranquil haven accommodates 14 people. Features include a honeymoon suite and garden designed by Francesca Watson. Packages range from bed and breakfast to full board for a minimum stay of two nights.
Gåte:
Daytime Experience: Tues – Sun, 12 – 3pm, R900. With wine pairing R1 250.
Night time: Tues - Sat, 6pm – late, Gourmet menu R1 700. With wine pairing R2 400
Tasting menu: R1050. With wine pairing R1500.
Contact: +27 21 888 4750, info@quoinrock.co.za, gate@quoinrock.co.za
Open: Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Events: leigh@quoinrock.co.za
Quoin Rock Wine Estate: Knorhoek Road, Knorhoek Valley, Stellenbosch, 7600
Website: www.quoinrock.co.za
