*Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post, in that we were hosted at Kunjani, however all additional costs, for e.g food, were at our own expense. All views are my own*
If you’ve been following my wine and food journey so far, you’ll know this boutique winery has a special place in my heart. Special friendships and memories have culminated from their very ethos – a coming together of two cultures. My husband and I together with our fur-child, bunny Riesling, how apt right? (seeing that Paul grew up between his father’s Riesling vines in Germany’s Rheingau region) were invited to stay for a weekend at one of the beautiful villas at the winery. Warmly welcomed by co-founder Pia, we found ourselves to feel right at home already.
Peek a boo – Riesling living his absolute best life at Kunjani!
We were accommodated in the self-catering Cabernet villa which is beautifully furnished with modern fittings, a working kitchen with all you need and then some, an en suite bedroom with a very comfy king bed. The platter of delicious morsels that awaited us in our villa, was perfectly curated by Chef Lamek. Although the level 2 rules were in place at the time, which meant we couldn’t purchase any wines over the weekend, we were treated to a lovely tasting of their latest vintages. As usual Kunjani’s wines never disappoint. From wines to food, It’s no secret how talented Chef Lamek is, his food is always thoughtfully made and seasonal of course. Having visited whilst still in the throes of winter, the menu is curated in a comfort food meets gourmet fashion. Crispy Pork belly, mussels in a white wine broth, and lamb shank are what you will expect to find on the winter menu. All of course paired to perfection with a Kunjani wine.
Breakfasts are simple yet tasty (not included in your stay). The restaurant caters only for breakfast and lunch. Thereafter you will have to scout the greater area of Stellenbosch for dinner, or make a meal in your villa in the lovely kitted out kitchen.
The villa has a gorgeous patio that opens up to the low yielding vineyard that produces Kunjani’s award-winning Chenin Blanc. We were very lucky to bask in some sun that weekend, although a chill stayed in the air. A little tranquil vineyard stay is what we all need to acclimatise to the new norm we now face. Get 30% off all accommodation bookings valid until 28 February 2021. This offer is valid for all stays at Kunjani Villas until 28 February 2021. Discount is only valid when booked directly with Pia viainfo@kunjaniwines.co.za
A massive thank you to Pia and Paul for graciously and warmly hosting us.
Driving up into Devon Valley, it feels as if you’re in an autumnal Tuscany dream. Kunjani Wines, is perched up on a beautiful hill, where you immediately recognise the bright red hues and unique architecture in the building of the young winery. I’ve only read and heard good things about Kunjani wines, so this would be my very first time visiting. I quickly accepted an invite a few weeks back to the launch of their refreshed wine labels for their entire range of wines and to experience all they have to offer.
Yes! That’s me on the right and a new friend! 🙂Â
The afternoon was filled with an amazing warm autumnal ambience, which one could taste not only in the wines but the food too! The industry’s best attended to document and celebrate this important milestone for Kunjani Wines. Â I went home with a new favourite Shiraz, new friends made at this auspicious event and a taste for more of what Kunjani has to offer.
Kunjani means ‘hello, how are you?’ in isiZulu, and like co-owner Pia Watermeyer says that is how a friendship or warm dialogue starts. Quite serendipitous. Kunjani wines is a new boutique winery situated in the Bottelary Hills of Stellenbosch, that opened it’s doors in November 2017 and made a name for themselves as a wine destination that. offers, modern chic accommodation with spectacular views of the valley, fine food and wines that are already racking up a few awards!
The Labels
Co-owner Paul Barth, Pia’s husband, wanted to retain a the two hands doing a ‘fist-bump’ on the label which symbolises a greeting. Pia wanted to incorporate the architectural elements of the tasting room and restaurant building. The new labels are printed in a trendy charcoal hue with a glossy high to contrast the matte paper.
The OwnersÂ
A chance encounter brought together a German entrepreneur, Paul Barth, and Pia Watermeyer, a South African businesswoman. Their relationship has proven that with great wine and good food, even language and culture barriers can be overcome.
“We believe wine is a universal language,” explains Pia. “Nothing builds a relationship, and keeps friendships going, like sharing a bottle of fine wine and excellent food. And we offer both here at Kunjani.”
Paul, however, is more than just an entrepreneur. He hails from the Rheingau wine region of Germany and both his father and grandfather were winemakers. As a child he helped with the harvest every year, so coming to South Africa and establishing his own wine brand on his own “piece of heaven” was a dream come true for him.
The WinemakerÂ
Behind every wine bottle is a great winemaker! Carmen Stevens is just that. Carmen graduated from the Elsenburg Agricultural College in Stellenbosch in 1995, becoming the first POC winemaker in South Africa. She joined Distell as assistant winemaker for the Zonnebloem brand. Later she took on the role as winemaker for Distell’s new Tukulu brand, a BEE project.
Two award-winning top 10 Pinotages, a stint in California and representing the Tukulu brand abroad was followed by a period at Welmoed for Stellenbosch Vineyards. Then spent 8 years at Amani where she won the 2008 Decanter Red Bordeaux Varietals Trophy for her Amani Cabernet Franc/Merlot 2006.
Today Carmen utilises Kunjani’s very own Shiraz grapes and sources other varieties used in the estate’s wines. “We are very meticulous about where and from whom we buy grapes,” says Carmen. “Quality is of the utmost importance as we strive to always put the best in every bottle of Kunjani wine.” The Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards adjacent to the property are managed by the team at Kunjani, providing a hands-on approach for all red wines in the portfolio.
Kunjani has only 2½ hectares under vine, all Shiraz, while Carmen also has access to nearby Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot vineyards. The winery’s Riesling is imported from Germany’s Rheingau region. Being one of the most distinguished wine regions in the world. Riesling being one of two grape varieties that is prominent in the wine region of Rheingau.Â
The FoodÂ
Kunjani’s restaurant menu is tweaked and curated by the stellar chef Lamek Mnisi, who has been at the helm of the Kunjani kitchen since it’s opening in 2017. Not only does he look for high quality seasonal ingredients and innovative ideas when creating each season’s menu, but he continually renews the menus so that regular patrons always find a new dish that will surprise them when visiting the estate.
In line with their philosophy to only source seasonal ingredients and the very best fresh produce, Kunjani has streamlined their menus to reflect their passion for locally sourced, fresh, wholesome and healthier food options that are sustainable. By sourcing only locally grown produce, the restaurant aims to act responsibly towards the planet and its natural resources and reduce its carbon footprint. Â As a result, they only source fish from the green list of South African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (SASSI).
The AccommodationÂ
Kunjani’s accommodation consists of four private, self-catering villas with stunning views – Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet and Stolen Chicken. Shiraz and Stolen Chicken can sleep up to four people, while Merlot and Cabernet each accommodates two guests. The villas are conveniently close to Stellenbosch and Cape Town and surrounded by vineyards. They are fully equipped and include luxuries such as washers and dryers, coffee machines, wall-panel heating, air-conditioning, smart TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi and private, shaded verandas with braai facilities to enjoy an alfresco dinner by the vines.Â
Make a date with your bests for a wine tasting paired with delicious food or plan a wine-filled getaway at Kunjani Wines.
Contact Info
Tel: +27 87 630 0409
Business Hours
Open 7 days a week.
Mon – Fri: 9am – 5pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 5pm
Public Holidays: Open
The Corkless Mind 