Writing this review was no easy task, not because the experience wasn’t worth it, but because it was so unexpectedly brilliant that I’m hesitant to spoil anything should you decide to join the Sensory Experience yourself!
The Sensory Experience at Hazendal is one of those rare offerings that truly needs to be discovered in person to be fully appreciated.
At R950 per person, it’s an experience fit for a special occasion and one that pays off in spades!
The adventure begins with a welcome drink mixed right in front of you by a skilled mixologist in a intimate private room of the tasting lounge. The drink, dubbed the Citrus Serenade, is a refreshing blend of Hazendal’s very own citrus vodka (crafted from grapes), grapefruit juice, elderflower cordial, and lime. This cocktail was nothing short of a masterpiece, setting the tone for the sensory journey ahead.
Next up, a guided tour of the estate offers a fascinating dive into Hazendal’s rich history, from its origins with Simon van der Stel to the modern-day stewardship of its current owners. The tour includes a look at the owner’s collection of vintage cars and a peek inside The Homestead, where guests can stay and soak in the historical ambiance. The wine cellar tour, complete with an overview of Hazendal’s winemaking process, builds anticipation as you approach the main event: the tasting.
The wine tasting itself takes place in the underground Wine Library, an elegant underground tasting room that’s as much a museum as it is a tasting room. The setting is intimate and luxurious, with displays of historic Hazendal bottles from many many many years ago adding to the atmosphere.
Now, I don’t want to spoil too much, but the tasting is something truly special. Six of Hazendal’s most acclaimed wines are paired with equally impressive food options. The food arrives in a tower, crafted by local ceramicist Hennie Meyer, that opens up to reveal each pairing, much like a Matryoshka (Babushka) Doll. As you finish one course, the next is unveiled before your eyes—think roast pork belly, yellowfin tuna tartare, curry spiced butter-poached prawns, duck breast, wagyu beef sliders, and more – all expertly paired with an award-winning wine. There’s even a chance the chef might make a surprise appearance to prepare something right in front of you. Trust me, the presentation and flavors (and wonder) are all very unique that it’s so much better if left unspoiled so you can experience it yourself.
The entire experience lasts around 2.5 hours, and every minute feels like a VIP treatment. From the expertly crafted welcome drink to the final bite of your paired tasting, Hazendal’s Sensory Experience is an unforgettable journey through the estate’s history, wines, and culinary delights.
If you’re looking for something extraordinary, this is it. Just go—experience it for yourself, and thank me later.
Bottelary Road, Stellenbosch
021 903 5034
reception@hazendal.co.za