Our Stellenbosch Bucket List journey continued with a first-ever visit to Brenaissance Wine and Stud Farm, set in the beautiful Devon Valley.
Tom & Hayley Breytenbach
The farm (previously named High Mead) was purchased by Tom & Hayley Breytenbach in 2011. In this short space of time, they converted old farm buildings to a beautiful function venue with accommodation and a charming chapel and even hosted their own wedding there. They have released a range of kick-ass wines and opened a cosy restaurant. They farm plums for export and they’ve also introduced the first Boran Cattle Stud to Stellenbosch. More hands-on than this, it doesn’t get – Tom and Hayley are always on site, doing what they love.
A spectacular setting for Café Blanc de Noir
Diversification is clearly the name of the game for these two entrepreneurs; they also know where they want to invest their money. Not building a wine cellar, but rather contracting various expert wine makers to produce their wines (Jasper Raats being responsible for the Whites, Suzanne Coetzee, Billy Marklew and Nico Grobler for separate Reds).
Café Blanc de Noir; jam packed, even on a miserable winter’s day
The wines are more-than-a-bottle types, you just want more; even their entry level Lady H is a delectable 2011 vintage Sauvignon Blanc (R68). The Knight of White Chardonnay 2010 (R128) is the stand-out for me, with a rich, nutty flavour and a lingering creaminess on the palate. The King of Clubs Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (R228) delivers exactly what you expect from a classy Cab: hues of blackcurrant, ripe plums and fine tannin structure paired with good acidity that should stand the test of time. The wines are playfully named and geared to fit in with any budget, but they are anything but light weight.
Great range of wines paired with some of the best pizza we’ve had in a while
You can taste the whole range of wines at Café Blanc de Noir or enjoy the “Full House”: a delicious pairing of 4 wines with all 4 pizzas on the menu (R150). The Queen of Hearts Merlot was the perfect match to the Caramelized Onion Pizza and the Biltong with Sweet Fig Pizza was the surprise of the day when paired with the Full House (Bordeaux style Red Blend). Special mention must be made of the pizzas: Razor thin base, fresh toppings and only Danish feta. They are delicious! The full restaurant (with a waiting list) on a miserable Saturday afternoon certainly bears testimony to the excellent product on offer.
Vines planted by Hayley Breytenbach leading you to the beautiful Rose Conservatory
Simple, light & elegant furnishings – the perfect place to rest your weary head
The Function venue at Brenaissance is simple, elegant and classy. The Rose Conservatory serves as a wedding chapel, 8 luxury suites (priced from R600 per room) and 1 bridal suite provides accommodation fit for even the most picky guests and the Function Venue differs from so many others because it has atmosphere even when not in use…”before and after” photographs adorn the walls and the elegant black and white theme is carried throughout.
Before & after photographs show just how much has been accomplished and the warm interior of the Function Hal
Black & white; white from black (Blanc de Noir) – it’s the literal translation of Tom and Hayley’s philosophy in life: You either do it right, or not at all. At Brenaissance the two passionate owners are getting it just right.
Attention to detail & personal attention is evident everywhere
