Van Der Linde gourmet wine pairing dinner with Strandveld Vineyards, Africa’s southernmost winery.

Van der Linde Restaurant – which celebrates its first birthday this month – will be hosting a gourmet wine-pairing dinner with Strandveld Vineyards and its winemaker Conrad Vlok on Wednesday, April 10, starting at 18h30. Executive Chef Amori Burger, in charge of this popular Linden-based establishment, has devised a special four-course meal to pair with some fine wines from Africa’s southernmost winery. Strandveld is nestled between Elim and Cape Agulhas, just nine kilometres from the sea. A unique combination of maritime climate, alternating sites and diverse soil types work together to create the terroir which distinguish the wines of Strandveld Vineyards.

Burger’s menu is as follows:

Welcome drink: First Sighting Rosé 2018

(Tart strawberry and red berries burst forth in this delightful blend of 40% Shiraz and 60% Grenache. A delicate floral nose and a crisp fresh palate with notes of watermelon and pomegranate are followed by a cool dry finish. To be enjoyed any time with good company)

First course

Ceviche of oyster and seabass with fresh seaweed and kewpie Strandveld Pofadderbos Sauvignon Blanc 2018

(A certified single vineyard wine grown in almost 100% rocky yellow ferricrete soil. Named for the many encounters with local puff adder snake residents, this cool climate Sauvignon Blanc is both beautifully expressive of terroir and slow ripening conditions without the loss of flavour)

Second course

Wild mushrooms and Grana Padano Strandveld Adamastor2016

(Adamastor, god of wind and storms, is portrayed in the tempestuous weather Bartholomeu Diaz and other early explorers had to overcome when rounding Africa’s southernmost tip. The grapes for this wine come from a vineyard not far off the coast where Diaz first rounded the continent. Combinations of relentless winds and low yields lend themselves to this superb Bordeaux style Sauvignon Banc/ Semillon blend)

Third course

Braised short rib with bone marrow and leek Strandveld The Navigator 2015

(In homage to Prince Henry the Navigator and patron of early Portuguese exploration, this aromatic Rhône blend seamlessly combines the rich flavours of Shiraz, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Viognier)

Fourth course

Selection of local cheeses Strandveld Syrah 2016

(A full- bodied wine with aromas of white pepper, fynbos and spice and a rich palate with firm tannins backed by well-integrated oak. This serious Rhône style Syrah is big in structure and layered with intense black berry fruit flavours and savoury notes)

Says Burger: “We are thrilled to be hosting Conrad and the wonderful wines from Strandveld. We have specially devised the menu to showcase what we have been doing at Van der Linde for the past year while also ensuring that the food is the perfect match for these superlative wines.”

Says Vlok, who has been the winemaker at Strandveld since 2004: “My philosophy centres on the idea that in order to make great wine you need to start with equally great grapes which we have at Strandveld. I am delighted to be showcasing our wines in Gauteng and particularly at VDL.” The cost for this not-to-be-missed event is R650 a person with seating limited to 30 people only. Booking through Van Der Linde on (010) 594 5443.

Van Der Linde is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner Tuesdays to Saturdays and for breakfast and lunch only on Sundays and Mondays. The address is 50 4th Avenue, Linden, Johannesburg. Bookings on (010) 594 5443 Social media:

Facebook: @vdlrestaurant

Twitter: @vldrestaurant

Instagram: @vdlrestaurant

Web: www.vdl.restaurant