visit grande provence in franschhoek
As I’ve said before, and quite recently again, Franschhoek is just so much nicer in Winter. The Vineyards go from autumn auburn to stark wherein lies a different beauty. I love the rain, I love the mood after the rain, and mostly I love the fireplaces, red wine and delicious food this region has to offer. You don’t want to be indulging in that on a sweltering day. Grande Provence is one of those estates that is lovely to visit, with so much to offer.
It was my first time on this heritage wine estate when I went shoot the menu, so I was quite blown away by the beautiful buildings and vast art collection. In particular the sculpture exhibition around the garden. The restaurant is beautiful and cosy and you can expect fine dining and exciting dishes from executive chef Darren Badenhorst.
Darren is a young chef, and definiltey one to look out for. He hails from Durban and since joining Grande Provence as Executive Chef in 2012, Darren has garnered three of the four consecutive American Express Platinum Fine Dining Awards bestowed on The Restaurant. Recognition indeed for his dedication to create a unique dining experience and sensory adventure for his guests.
This is the Winter Menu at Grande Provence and a few of the images of the dishes I shot follow.
The Menu
Our dinner menu is served with an amuse-bouche, chef’s taster, palate cleanser and a pre-dessert which the Executive Chef, Darren Badenhorst, will fit in with your selection. Please note that the lunch à la carte menu is structured as a three course dining experience.
Please inform us one course in advance, should you like to have a break between courses.
Lunch – R375.00 Dinner – R525.00
Starters
Ocean risotto … textured soft shell crab, turmeric confit patagonica, barrel-smoked langoustine, white mussels, saffron bouillabaisse air, Asian micro greens salad, west coast seaweed brittle.
Sommelier suggests – Grande Provence Chardonnay
Sous-vide quail … foie gras and duck liver parfait, fig pearls, crisp pancetta, porcini popped corn, charred corn purée.
Sommelier suggests – The Grande Provence White
62 degrees farm egg … foraged mushrooms, smoked pork belly, forest nest, pine and Zinfandel smoke dome (V option available).
Sommelier suggests – Grande Provence ‘Vignerons Reserve’ Zinfandel
Braised veal shank and seared foie gras terrine … sesame quail`s egg, fermented kimchi, pistachio Piemontiesse sauce, 12-week black garlic.
Sommelier suggests – Grande Provence ‘Vignerons Reserve’ Chenin Blanc
Indonesian salt Cured duck dim sum … pickled daikon, ginger umami broth, trumpet mushrooms, citrus caviar, vineyard sorrel.
Sommelier suggests – Grande Provence Pinot Noir
Mains
Himalayan salt rock-cooked king scallops … 12 hour sous vide pork belly, lacto- fermented baby root vegetables, carrot and cardamom.
Sommelier suggests – Grande Provence Cabernet Sauvignon
Saddle of lamb variations … minted pea, dukkha-crusted butternut confit, pearl onions, porcini jus.
Sommelier suggests – The Grande Provence Red
Pancetta rolled saddle of rabbit … nora pepper and rabbit bitterballen, tonka baked royal black rice, celeriac, parsley root snow.
Sommelier suggests – Grande Provence ‘Vignerons Reserve’ Zinfandel
Farmed red drum bass … crisp chicken skin, sumac cauliflower, ginger-pickled cucumber, candied yuzu, vineyard sorrel.
Sommelier suggests – Grande Provence ‘Vignerons Reserve’ Chenin Blanc
Truffled gem squash and courgette cannelloni … red pepper pearl barley, 24-hour salt-cured and roast cauliflower florets, almonds and vanilla parsnip (V) Sommelier suggests – Grande Provence ‘Vignerons Reserve’ Viognier
Butter-poached Scandinavian halibut … potato and crab spindle, coconut curry velouté, imperial heritage caviar, coriander.
Sommelier suggests – The Grande Provence White
Desserts
[Spheres of chocolate mousse …] tempered ganache, aerated, crumble, orange curd,
pearls.
Smoked Comté and creamed leek arancini …rosemary and parmesan crumble, baked Parma and reblochon parcel, kumquat, marigold and Cape gooseberry preserve.
~
[Honey bavarois] … spiced honey pot, hazelnut meringue, wild rose apple, almonds, vanilla crumble.
Warm vanilla, coconut and tonka bean sago … champagne, saffron white chocolate crème, almonds, toasted coriander glass.
Grande Provence offers luxury accomodation in The Owners Cottage, with individually decorated rooms.
The Gallery at Grande Provence is home to some of South Africa’s finest contemporary works by celebrated artists, both established and up and coming.
For guests who expect top notch cuisine, the Gourmet package is the answer. A tailor-made experience designed for the gourmand, this package includes two nights’ accommodation for two at The Owner’s Cottage, memorable Chef’s Table dinners at The Restaurant at Grande Provence, scrumptious breakfasts and a gourmet picnic amidst majestic oaks.
The Wine Lovers package is for wine enthusiasts. With two nights’ accommodation for two, dinners at The Restaurant and breakfast taken care of, this special package includes a blending session in the cellar with Grande Provence’s accomplished winemaker, Karl Lambour. Guests will also be treated to a guided tour of the vineyards and cellar at Grande Provence as well as tickets for the famous Franschhoek Wine Tram for a hop-on/hop-off self-tour through Franschhoek.
For a luxurious break-away with your nearest and dearest, The Family package, which includes two nights’ accommodation for a family of four at La Provençale, is the ultimate escape. With a French-style picnic lunch for the family, a cellar tour and a ‘Taste of Grande Provence’ food and wine pairing experience for parents with juice and treats for the children, the whole family is catered for. To make this family getaway even more memorable, breakfast and dinner are served on the private terrace of this beautifully appointed Winelands cottage.
Available from May to August, the Heartland Offer provides excellent value with breakfast at either The Owner’s Cottage or La Provençale at special rates. Dinner for two is also included for guests staying at The Owner’s Cottage.
With a myriad of activities, Franschhoek appeals to all tastes. Apart from its natural splendour, this picturesque French inspired village offers spectacular dining experiences, superb wines and exclusive shops. Adventurers can explore hiking trails and fly fishing or paragliding, while select antique shops, The Franschhoek Motor Museum and Huguenot Memorial Museum hark back to a glimpse of yesteryear.
To book your accommodation at Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate, visit www.grandeprovence.co.za, call Vera Alberts on 021 876 8600 or e-mail ownerscottage@grandeprovence.co.za.
This is mesmerizing. Thank you so much for sharing these gorgeous shots of such a captivating estate and restaurant!
You are an artist Sam… and the “models” that you get to do the same!
Thanks Carolie 🙂
Thanks so much Two Red Bowls – I am so in love withyour website. Just love it x