Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards is where family comes together

Rotisserie lunch and harvest table has all the trimmings

The Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards restaurant is the kind of place that puts people at ease. From the welcoming open-plan wine-tasting area, filled with soft natural light, to the 20-seater family table, every section has been designed to promote a sense of family and the tradition of sharing meals. 

You’ll feel at ease at Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards. There’s an open-plan, wine-tasting area that lets in a lot of light and green from the lawn and vineyards beyond. Children can play on the lawn, and tables are filled with relaxed families and friends sharing meals. This year there are a few new additions, like crisp and tasty wood-fired pizzas.

Convivial family and friend time is what Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards is based around. Image courtesy Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards
 

TRY THE POPULAR ROTISSERIE SECTION

The rotisserie section has expanded to include delicious brunch options (doesn’t slow-cooked pork with pan-fried onions, topped with an egg sound yummy?) and hot, cheesy wood-fired pizzas. From the lunch menu, diners can order any one of the tender meat options – slow-braised lamb neck, rotisserie pork belly or roast free-range chicken – which are served with a delicious potato-based side and a selection of four fresh, mouthwatering salads. It’s a nice touch that most of the salads are sourced from the farm’s own vegetable and herb garden.

The Rotisserie now also serves more-ish, thin-based wood-fired pizzas. Image courtesy Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards

The dining experience is relaxed. You can sit in the indoor seating area, with glass doors that open onto sweeping lawns, or dine on the patio where you can keep an eye on the kids. It’s like being in your favourite (very rich) auntie’s back garden, who also has a rotisserie.

SAVOUR SOUTH AFRICAN FLAVOURS

If you’re interested in tasting traditional fare, or want to learn more about the dishes you know and love, then the South African Table is an exciting option. Leopard’s Leap chef Christiaan Visser talks about the food he has prepared, explaining its history and the stories behind each dish. 

Sosaties are a South African tradition for some cultures. Image courtesy Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards

It’s a three-course meal and is offered on set days. The cost is R335 per person and booking is a must. No two dishes or tables are alike, so you may find you’ll come back time and time again for the South African Table experience.

THE RESTAURANT WAS DESIGNED BY MOKENA MAKEKA

The beautiful restaurant building is really the heart of this family vineyard. Designed in 2012 by celebrated Cape Town architect Mokena Makeka, the building marries a graphic steel exterior with a warm interior with high ceilings, glass, wood and a stylish sense and use of space. It is modern, edgy and hip but also homely and warm, and in harmony with its beautiful natural surroundings. 

Open and light, the restaurant area has been designed to welcome in the outside. Image courtesy Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards
 

THE ESTATE OFFERS A DIVERSE WINE RANGE

There are five wine ranges to cater to different palettes, occasions and budgets. The entry-level Lookout Range is perfect for a night in or a family braai. If you’re looking to celebrate, the Classic Range and full-bodied Family Collection is where to direct your attention. And let’s not forget those big family milestones, for which you’ll want to bring out the signature Culinaria Collection that can only be bought on the wine farm and includes an elegant MCC.

Mimosa’s are good any time of day, especially at brunch. Image courtesy Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards

You can taste the wines in one of three ways: there’s a tasting for small groups in which you select any six wines from the ranges to taste; another is for groups larger than five in which all taste the same wines, or you can do a tasting virtually. Find out more about the wine tasting here.

CAN’T GET THERE? SHOP ONLINE

A visit to Leopard’s Leap is an enjoyable experience, but if you can’t get there you can still access its wines and shop virtually. Besides being able to place wine orders online, the shop itself has a gorgeous selection of curated goods, such as chef’s knives or a beautiful brass water jug and lovely modern ceramic salt keeper. Hint: they’re all classy gifts, so you could avoid the festive season crowds and shop online.

Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards

R45, Main Road, Franschhoek

info@leopardsleap.co.za

@leopardsleapwine

@leopardsleap

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