Legend has it that hot cross buns are good luck. True story: some among the ancients were known to hang their buns out all year long! Now, Stellenbosch Hills isn’t saying you’ll get lucky if you visit the winery for its all-new, super special, April-only pairing of hot cross buns and wine, but who knows? Right?

Plus, it’s a big year for Stellenbosch Hills, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. The stars are aligned!

As has become tradition, this time of the year sees the humble bun tarted up with spice and sugar and laid on warm with lashings of melting butter. Eager for a challenge, the folks at Stellenbosch Hills got thinking and the bun-and-wine union was born. A match, some might say, made in heaven. This isn’t the first time they have done a ‘out-of-the-box’ pairing before, check out their past Fizz and Fudge pairing.

April-Only Special

From the first to the last day of April this year, the tasting room will lay on three variations of o-so-yum HCB confection, each matched with an award-winning wine in the Stellenbosch Hills portfolio. No slouches, these hot cross buns were made by the Fine Pastries family bakery in Stellenbosch. And the wines included in the tasting are, well, top shelf. The R55pp cost of the pairing a veritable steal, which is why booking is essential.

First up will be the Traditional Hot Cross Bun – no raisins included. And, the Stellenbosch Hills 1707 Reserve White 2019 – the latest vintage release of this limited bottling. It’s a Chardonnay-dominated blend with Semillon and a touch of Viognier that is elegant and voluptuous. The aroma recalls stone fruit, honey, zesty citrus and vanilla oak spice. On the palate, there’s a fine balance of lively citrus and crisp acidity.

Then comes the Spiced Hot Cross Bun, festooned with cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and nutmeg; served with delicious Stellenbosch Hills Shiraz 2017. The wine shows classic red fruit, oak spice and hints of black pepper on the nose, rolling through to the palate.

The grand finale features a Chocolate Hot Cross Bun with the perfect decadent partner – the Stellenbosch Hills Bushvine Pinotage 2017. It’s a full-bodied wine with intricate flavour combinations of black berry, plums and mulberries. There are hints of vanilla oak, banana, dark chocolate and cigar box. It’s juicy, velvety and balanced.

 Booking Information

•   1 April 2020 – 30 April 2020
•   Price: R55 per person
•   Bookings Essential – call 021 881 3828/9 or email info@stellenbosch-hills.co.za.

For more information, visit stellenbosch-hills.co.za