Why You’ll Want to Warm Up at Brookdale Estate This Winter
As the Cape Winelands slip into their cooler months, there’s one place where winter doesn’t whisper—it glows. Tucked into the foothills of Paarl, Brookdale Estate’s Bistro is bringing back its beloved Thursday Fire & Wine evenings, a midweek ritual that begins again on 15 May 2025, and offers more than just warmth—it offers soul.
Picture this: a glowing hearth, the aroma of smoke-kissed spices curling through the evening air, and a glass of Mason Road Shiraz warming your hand. At Brookdale’s Bistro, dinner is stripped back to what matters—one hero dish, grilled to perfection by Chef Gary Coetzee, and a glass of wine poured with intent.
Each Thursday introduces a new theme, beginning with Grilled Prawns—available in decadent portions of six, twelve, or eighteen—and continuing on 22 May with Curry Night for Two, where Tandoori Lamb Rump or Butter Chicken simmer to perfection. Think Steak Night. Think Burgers & Chips. Each dish, each pairing, crafted for easy elegance. Vegetarians aren’t forgotten—there’s always a thoughtful, flavour-packed alternative.
Wine, naturally, is central. Guests can sip from the expressive GSM blend (Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Petit Syrah), a glass of crisp Chenin Blanc, or the estate’s effortlessly drinkable Serendipity Rosé. The fire crackles; conversation stretches out. It’s the kind of evening that’s less about occasion, and more about ritual.
And if you’re tempted to linger—don’t resist. The Manor House offers elegant accommodations, with a special Hibernation Bed & Breakfast rate of R8,400 per room, per night (valid until 15 August 2025). It includes Thursday’s Fire & Wine experience, making it the perfect excuse to trade city noise for vineyard stillness.
The Bistro is open Wednesday to Sunday for lunch, and Thursday to Saturday for dinner. Just a short stroll away, the Brookdale Tasting Room welcomes guests daily (except Mondays and Tuesdays) from 11:00 to 17:00—an ideal detour to explore the estate’s quietly excellent wines.
Brookdale Estate, Paarl Winelands
www.brookdale-estate.com
Tel: +27 (0)76 400 0229
The Bistro at Brookdale
Tel: +27 (0)87 183 3919
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