Spier Wine Estate is no stranger to quality food, with a celebrated restaurant and popular picnics, guests have always been able to eat well while visiting the farm. Since the addition of the Hog House, however, the bar has been raised just that little bit higher. PJ Vadas’ food really needs no introduction. And, just in case you’re not sure who he is, we suggest you get down to Spier to let that food do the talking. Expanding on his Hog House branch that is well-established in Ndabeni, Vadas is bringing some serious barbecue to the winelands.

The menu is what you would expect to see at a most classic Southern American BBQ joints and a lot of the dishes incorporate nose-to-tail cooking. The meat used all comes from Spier’s farmer Angus and come from free-roaming, grass-fed animals. There are pigtails, with skin so crisp it’s almost-glasslike, tossed in a sweet and mustardy sauce, scotch eggs made with black pudding and steak tartare. For the veggies, order the mushroom arancini, which are densely packed with fungi and perfectly cooked risotto. There’s also a very tasty Jalapeno popper, beer battered and cheese-stuffed. These are just the starters, but you get the idea that the menu has a lot to offer.

For main courses you can either order barbecued meats in 100 g portions, which is a great way to mix and match and try a bit of everything. Although, you will definitely want to order more spare ribs and brisket burnt ends, because in a menu of exceptionally tasty food, these two stand out. If you’re after a more complete plate of food, they serve up an array of buns and sandwich options. The Bratwurst Hotdog topped with crackling and mustard aioli will absolutely knock your socks off, as will the spicy pulled pork bun. You can also add some exciting sides too, such as Mac ‘n Cheese, a serious Braaibroodjie and roasted corn complete with a smoky, ash butter. The menu at Hog House is focused, while giving lots of different options. There are also lots of veggie-friendly options, so if you thought you couldn’t take your vegetarian friends with you, think again. If you still have space for something sweet, all of the desserts will go down a treat but whatever you do, don’t skip the pasteis de nata. These flakey-bottomed custard tarts are simply the best in town. In fact, take some extras home with you for later too.

If you were worried about what you’re going to wash all this delicious food down with, don’t. The Hog House brews their own beer and these are available at Spier. There is also an extensive drinks menu featuring the famous estate’s own wines.

The food at Hog House goes to show how a few, perfectly cooked, high-quality ingredients can go on to create a showstopping meal. This is real, honest food, prepared with heart. The restaurant itself is ideally located near plenty of space for kids to run wild, making it an exciting child-friendly place for parents to eat seriously good food. If long, lazy lunches are what you’re after, and honestly who isn’t, then Hog House at Spier needs to be your next port of call.

Simple, beautifully prepared, delicious food.