Classic dishes are easy to pair with wine, but what about sosaties and vetkoek? We share our favourite wine-paired recipes, from Asian to Cape Malay and Moroccan-inspired dishes, so there’s something for all tastes. Whether hosting a braai with family, a casual shindig with friends or a romantic date night, we have recipes for every occasion. Pour a glass or two of red, white or sparkling and tuck in!

Savoury Recipes with Wine

From starters to meaty mains, these dishes are perfect for date nights and dinner parties.

Mushroom Galettes

These French-inspired Mushroom Galettes are a delightful start to any meal, and offer savoury, earthy flavours that pair wonderfully with Pierneef Syrah Viognier.

Pairing suggestion: Pierneef Syrah Viognier;  the Syrah provides structure and spice, while the Viognier adds floral notes and a touch of elegance.

Recipe for Mushroom Galettes

Roast Beef French Dip Sandwich

Indulge in comfort food with a sophisticated twist. Drenched in jus and filled with roast beef, this gourmet delight pairs exceptionally well with a full-bodied La Motte Syrah.

Pairing suggestion: La Motte Syrah; the hearty flavours of this French dip sandwich harmonise beautifully with the subtle spice and red berry notes of this Syrah.

Recipe for Roast Beef French Dip Sandwich

3 Cheese Pap Tart

Layers of relish, buttery pap and a delicious trifecta of mozzarella, cheddar and Parmesan come together in this moreish tart that’s perfect for your weekend braai.

Pairing suggestion: Durbanville Hills Chenin Blanc is the ideal pairing for this flavourful, tomato-forward dish.

Recipe for 3 Cheese Pap Tart

Curried Fish & Chips with Raita-style Tartar Sauce

We’ve given this local favourite a twist by seasoning the hake fillet batter with aromatic Malay curry spices, infusing even more flavour into this beloved dish. Perfect for casual family night dinners.

Pairing suggestion: The tantalising flavours of Durbanville Hills Sauvignon Blanc works great with seafood dishes like this.

Recipe for Curried Fish & Chips with Raita-style Tartar Sauce

Slow Cooked Lamb Ragù with Gnocchi & Salsa Verde

Succulent lamb with a herby bouquet of fresh rosemary and bay leaves – the key to making this delectable dish is allowing the flavours to develop with time and, of course, a dash of red wine. Perfect for colder weather and long weekend lunches with friends and family.

Pairing suggestion: You’ll love the prominent notes of ripe red berries and cinnamon spice of Durbanville Hills Collectors Reserve Pinotage.

Recipe for Slow Cooked Lamb Ragù with Gnocchi & Salsa Verde

Boerewors Bobotie

We’ve combined two of our favourite local dishes – boerewors and bobotie. Serve this comforting dish with a side of yellow rice at Sunday family lunch.

Pairing suggestion: Sweet spice aromas of Durbanville Hills Merlot complements this dish.

Recipe for Boerewors Bobotie

Asian Tuna Fish Cakes with Miso Mayo

This is not your average fish cake – the Chinese five-spice, Szechuan pepper and fennel seasoning takes it to the next level. Savour it with a glass of Chardonnay/Pinot Noir for a satisfying weekend lunch.

Pairing suggestion: The citrusy aromas of Leopard’s Leap 2022 Chardonnay Pinot Noir pair well with these fishcakes.

Recipe for Asian Tuna Fish Cakes with Miso Mayo

Grilled Asparagus, Fig & Goat Cheese Salad with Vinaigrette

Summertime is perfect for refreshing salads and outdoor dining. The citrus vinaigrette, peppery rocket, fresh fig and goat cheese in this salad tastes divine with a Sauvignon Blanc.

Pairing suggestion: The complexity of De Grendel Sauvignon Blanc 2022 pairs beautifully with the delicate flavours in this summery salad.

Recipe for Grilled Asparagus, Fig & Goat Cheese Salad with Vinaigrette

Braaied Chicken Kebabs with Labneh & Green Salad

Elevate your braai with the ultimate kebabs. Add another layer of flavour and plate it up with some labneh, a vibrant salad and your favourite white wine for a tasty weekend feast.

Pairing suggestion: Complete braai mains with a pairing of 2021 La Motte Rosé Vin de Joie.

Recipe for Braaied Chicken Kebabs with Labneh & Green Salad

Muhammara Dip with Sesame Lavash Crackers

This Middle Eastern dip is ideal for your mezze spread. The blend of roasted red peppers, walnuts and spices is a pure delight. Place it in the centre of the table and watch your guests scoop up all the deliciousness. Serve it with Rosé for a burst of flavour.

Pairing suggestion: Balanced and delicate, 2021 La Motte Rosé Vin de Joie is the perfect choice for social lunches and more.

Recipe for Muhammara Dip with Sesame Levash Crackers

Puff Pastry Salmon Tart with Miso Dressing

Entertaining a crowd? This Puff pastry Salmon Tart is the easiest and most delicious way to impress guests. Serve a refreshing wine, and you’ve got yourself a stunning pairing.

Pairing suggestion: Delicate salmon pairs perfectly with 2021 La Motte Rosé Vin de Joie.

Recipe for Puff Pastry Salmon Tart with Grilled Asparagus

Seared Tuna Salad with Miso Dressing

There’s nothing better than seared tuna, a bit of miso and fresh greens with a squeeze of lime to wake up your palate. Ideal for light lunch or a date night dinner.

Pairing suggestion: Umami flavours in this dish pair best with La Motte Rosé Vin de Joie.

Recipe for Seared Tuna Salad with Miso Dressing

Thai Green Vegetable Curry with Lentils

Meet your new favourite weeknight dish. It’s fragrant, filling, creamy and packed with flavour. Serve with the red wine of your choice and savour the sauce.

Pairing suggestion: Temper the heat from the red chilli in this Thai Green Curry with Leopard’s Leap Natura De-alcoholised Classic Red. Even teetotallers will enjoy this pairing.

Recipe for Thai Green Vegetable Curry with Lentils

Parmigiana di Melanzane

A classic Italian dish with a legume twist! Topped with dollops of basil pesto and crunchy chickpeas, you’re bound to keep coming back for more! Perfect for family night dinners.

Pairing suggestion: We love the delicious blend of oak-underpinned spices of Leopard’s Leap Pardus (Vintage) for this crowd-pleasing dish.

Recipe for Parmigiana di Melanzane

Smoked Fish Pie

Melt-in-mouth snoek in a creamy and velvety sauce, all topped off with rounds of golden brown puff pastry. Enjoy with a Chenin Blanc – the subtle sweetness pairs beautifully with the saltiness of the smoky snoek.

Pairing suggestion: The smoky snoek and creamy flavours in this dish are lifted by the spiced notes of The Anchorman Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2020 (Nederburg).

Recipe for Smoked Fish Pie

Beef Meatball Tomato Bredie

Craving something comforting? Beef meatballs on a bed of herby pap and tomato bredie should do the trick. Top with Parmesan and pair this hearty dish with a Rhône-style blend.

Pairing suggestion: Hearty dishes like this one pairs brilliantly with The Motorcycle Marvel Rhone Blend 2018 (Nederburg). This complex wine contains a blend of Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvèdre. It’s underpinned by sweet spice and berry flavours.

Recipe for Beef Meatball Tomato Bredie

Creamy Malay Chicken Curry Pie

Flavours of cumin, turmeric and garam masala and coconut cream come together in this deliciously creamy Malay-inspired Chicken Curry Pie. The slivers of dried apricot are a pleasant surprise.

Pairing suggestion: Most would pair white wine with a chicken dish, but a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc tastes just as delicious, if not better. Enjoy this comforting dish with La Motte Millennium 2019.

Recipe for Creamy Malay Chicken Curry Pie

Moroccan-spiced Lamb Mince Phyllo Pie with Dried Compote Fruit

Nothing goes together better than lamb and pie. We’ve given this one a Moroccan twist with aromatic spices, sultanas and a crispy phyllo pastry to make it a textural delight. Serve with toasted almonds for a nutty crunch and a glass or two of Syrah Viognier.

Pairing suggestion: Nuanced flavours deserve a versatile wine; we like the 2018 Pierneef Syrah Viognier. The spiced Syrah enhances the Moroccan flavours in this dish, while the Viognier balances the dried fruit compote element in this dish.

Recipe for Moroccan-spiced Lamb Mince Phyllo Pie with Dried Compote Fruit

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Dessert Recipes with Wine

A little bit of wine can only make dessert that much sweeter!

Poached Pears with Butterscotch Sauce & Nut Praline

A classic dessert infused with local flavour. Treat guests to these divine pears poached in rooibos tea, vanilla and Klein Constantia Vin de Constance.

Pairing suggestion: Vin de Constance; oak spice and ginger notes complement the poached pears, while the citrus blossom and orange zest notes contrast the butterscotch sauce.

Recipe for Vin de Constance Poached Pears with Butterscotch Sauce & Nut Praline

Brioche Tartines with Whipped Cheese & Plum Jam

Everything you love about a cheeseboard on brioche toast. The delectable sweet and tart notes balance the complex flavours of Vin de Constance.

Pairing suggestion: Vin de Constance; delicately perfumed aromas of lemon curd and white peach notes make for a scintillating pairing.

Recipe for Brioche Tartines with Whipped Cheese & Plum Jam

Amagwinya with Chocolate Crème Pâtissière & Cherries

A quintessential South African dessert with a Parisian twist. Fill your ‘gwinyas (vetkoek) with chocolaty goodness and a drizzle of cherry sauce for the ultimate indulgence.

Pairing suggestion: Black Forest flavours and hints of vanilla in a Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc are ideal for this decadent dessert. We recommend Nederburg’s The Brew Master.

Recipe for Amagwinya with Chocolate Crème Pâtissière & Cherries

White Chocolate Mousse with Salted Caramel Popcorn

A treat for the senses – the satisfying contrast of white chocolate mousse and crunchy salted caramel is sensational. Chardonnay is the perfect complement to this inviting dessert.

Pairing suggestion: La Motte’s 2020 Chardonnay offsets the sweeter notes in this delightfully rich mousse.

Recipe for White Chocolate Mousse with Salted Caramel Popcorn

Frosé Raspberry Granita with Strawberries & Vanilla Ice Cream

You can have your Rosé and eat it too! Serve your guests the ultimate summer dessert, filled with refreshing granita, strawberries and vanilla ice cream.

Pairing suggestion: Watermelon, raspberry coulis and pomegranate notes of De Grendel Rosé 2022 complement the flavours in this refreshing Frosé.

Recipe for Frosé Raspberry Granita with Strawberries & Vanilla Ice Cream

Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Sandwiches

These whimsical Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Sandwiches are every kids’ dream, but because we’re all adults, you get to enjoy it with a glass of Brut Cap Classique.

Pairing suggestion: Fresh citrus notes of De Grendel Cap Classique Brut 2019 pair gorgeously with these Ice Cream Sandwiches.

Recipe for Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Sandwiches