The 3 B’s of wine bars in Stellenbosch boast with eclectic atmospheres and budget-friendly menus.
Bartinney Wine & Champagne Bar
Trading Hours: 11:30 – 21:00, Monday to Saturday.
Bartinney Wine & Champagne Bar supervisor, Nyaniso Sibali, pours a tasting of the Noble Savage Cabernet Merlot. PHOTO: Cher Petersen
In 2014 the owners of Bartinney wine farm, Michael and Rose Jordaan, decided to open a wine bar in Stellenbosch.
It began as a tasting room but slowly progressed to a place to relax and unwind with a bottle while enjoying some delectable snacks.
“The wine bar is quite tempting to both tourists and locals but is focused on everyone from locals, tourists and students,” says Nyaniso Sibali, supervisor of Bartinney Wine & Champagne Bar.
The bar hosts two ranges of wines: Noble Savage, an entry-level wine which is more affordable; and Bartinney wine, which consists of matured wines.
Happy Hour is from 16:00 – 18:00 every day and includes a deal where you can buy one bottle of Cabernet Merlot for R80 and get another free, plus Noble Savage Brut MCC at R25 a glass.
Beyerskloof Wynbar
Trading Hours: 13:30 – 22:30 Monday, 10:00 – 22:30 Tuesday to Thursday, 10:00 – 23:00 Friday to Saturday and 10:00 – 18:00 on Sunday.
The friendly wine assistant at Beyerskloof Wynbar showcases the generous portions served at a tasting. PHOTO: Cher Petersen
Situated on Ryneveld Street in Central Stellenbosch, Beyerskloof Wynbar has been open since the beginning of February.
Jacques van Straten, partner and manager, says it’s a collaboration with Beyerskloof Wine estate which brings a sense of class to an eclectic mix of 20-somethings all the way to 80-year-olds.
It hits all the notes within all demographics.
Van Straten says it’s a family brand sporting collective camaraderie, representative of the wine community at large.
The décor complements the sense of people with a little bit of every style from vintage to contemporary, says Elmari van Straten, partner and assistant manager.
Beyerskloof Wynbar is well-known for their American style grilled cheese with thick farm-style bread and a customer favourite is a camembert, mozzarella and pinotage salami sandwich with a secret ingredient.
Tuesday nights is Tasty Cheesy Tuesday which offers up two sandwiches and a bottle of wine for R165 while wine tastings of nine wines for R60 are available every day until 16:30.
Wine is available at cellar price from the wine bar boasting great value for money.
“We wanted to create something with a fantastic ambience and atmosphere but that is completely value for money,” says Jacques van Straten.
“Wine is for everyone, and it shouldn’t just be a luxurious experience. It should be for everyday people, everywhere for people to come and enjoy it.”
Brampton Wine Studio
Trading hours: Open 10:00-21:00 Monday to Saturday and 10:00-19:00 on Sundays.
Wine lovers enjoy the fresh air seated outside at Brampton Wine Studio. PHOTO: Cher Petersen
“The studio opened in 2010 on Church Street to accommodate for a cellar door and was the first cellar door in Stellenbosch,” says Peter Rix, studio manager.
It serves as a cellar door with a bit more hosting a casual feel and atmosphere.
“We’re a lot about creativity, the label itself is all about creativity and spontaneity. All our tables have chalkboard paint on them and chalk to inspire creativity same with the music lyrics on the wall,” says Rix.
“The music played here is not something you’d hear at an establishment where you think you have to behave or anything like that. It’s very much ‘be as you would be at home’, just relax and chat and chill with friends.”
One special is on offer every month with the focus on a food item and one bottle of wine.
Rix hints that wine cocktails which were popular in the past will be brought back soon.
“Flatbreads are the standout even though wine is always the focus with Sauvignon Blanc and Rose being quite popular,” says Rix.
Portion sizes are good value for money and perfectly accommodate the drinks which range between R70 and R150 a bottle.