Amongst all the fine-dining establishments of South Africa’s Gourmet Capital, Franschhoek, Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards has recently introduced an informal and relaxed food-and-wine experience focussing on uncomplicated, fresh and seasonal food, full of flavour and beautifully complimented by Leopard’s Leap wines.

This food-and-wine-experience extends to all the family-friendly options on offer while the modern design with a wide stoep and stretching lawns, makes it the ideal place for extended summer visits.

The wide range of Leopard’s Leap wines is available – both to taste in a spacious wine tasting room, and to enjoy at a table in the restaurant or on the stoep – and that at cellar door prices.

The recently introduced Culinaria Collection, a range of wines specifically made to be beautiful partners to food, is exclusively available from the Tasting Room and visitors are also invited to taste this range with its blends based on traditional French styles such as a Pinot Noir Chardonnay, Shiraz Grenache and of course a beautiful MCC sparkling wine.

While we can try to live of wine alone, it is not wise, so indulge in a delicious and informal lunch offering of succulent meats done to perfection on a state-of-the-art Rotisserie – expect juicy chickens, tender pork belly with crisp crackling, fall-of-the-bone lamb neck and the tenderest of beef. Complementing the selection of meats is a Harvest Table filled with salads, side dishes and breads where you can serve yourself to heart’s content.

With a special selection of children options – think macaroni and cheese, chicken nuggets, ribs, burgers and toasted sandwiches and of course cool drinks and freshly prepared juices and cordials – no one should leave on an empty stomach.

All the dishes are made with the freshest of ingredients and include vegetables and herbs from a biological garden a stone’s throw from the kitchen, so no worries about processed and unhealthy bites.

A decadent dessert buffet might however be a temptation too hard to resist. Classics like marshmallow squares, cupcakes and chocolate brownies as well as chef-inspired tartlets and mini cheesecakes can be enjoyed there and then or be packed for the road back home.

The wide-open lawn with children’s play park sees kids pack away their tablets and aiming for the out-doors while you are enjoying your meal, glass of wine or one of the innovative wine cocktails on the stoep.

Less than an hour’s drive from Cape Town, the estate is situated conveniently next to the R45 just before Franschhoek.

The Rotisserie at Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards is open from Wednesday to Sundays from 11:30 – 15:00 while the Wine Tasting Room is open from Tuesdays to Saturdays 09:00 – 17:00 and Sundays from 11:00 – 17:00.

To reserve your table, please e-mail reservations@leopardsleap.co.za

For more information or reservations, please visit www.leopardsleap.co.za or call 021 876 8002.