Driving down the lane of Grand Provence Wine Estate in Franschhoek you could be mistaken for thinking that you were in the southeast of France. Bright green vineyards flank each side of the drive and the backdrop of mountains is crisp and clear. It’s a slice of wine valley paradise.

The estate belongs to the The Huka Retreats portfolio and offers visitors a true destination stay. The estate offers accommodation, wine tasting, shopping, art food and more.

The Restaurant, headed up by Executive Chef Darren Badenhorst, is a culinary journey that will delight the palate though every course. The recently launched summer menu is light, yet complex, managing to seamlessly meld flavours from many different elements, without coming across as over-complicated.

Try a starter of tuna carpaccio with a scoop of yuzu caviar, asparagus mousse with a dab of chestnut pesto and truffled pea crocchette or smoked pork belly with a swirl of brandade velouté, quinoa and toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch. For entrées enjoy dishes such as wild pigeon and duck rillettes with guinea fowl roulade and southern fried quail or seared local trout with beetroot carpaccio, smoked salmon roe, candied lemon, caper aioli and wood sorrel, picked fresh from the vineyard.

Dessert. Oh dessert! Indulge in the rose and white chocolate macaroon with caramelised white chocolate mousse, a sprinkle of toasted macadamia nuts and candy floss ice-cream. The candy floss ice-cream will pick up and drop you right in the centre of a bustling fairground, bright lights, carousel music and all …

One simply must not miss the cheese platter course. Inspired by a Waldorf salad it includes elements like tête de moine cheese, almost too pretty to eat, a celery sorbet to balance the saltiness of the fourme d’ ambert and crunchy candied walnuts.

Executive Chef Darren Badenhorst says “Nostalgic elements of my childhood and special food moments from my life are definitely evident in our latest menu,” which is sure to delight even the most seasoned of diners.

The Restaurant at Grande Provence is open daily for lunch and dinner. To book your seat, contact on Tel: 021-876 8600 or e-mail restaurant@grandeprovence.co.za