| The Stellenbosch Culinary Challenge |
- a student's quest to visit every restaurant in Stellenbosch,
before her final graduation -
The House of JC Le Roux lies at the end of the Devon Valley Road, just outside Stellenbosch and is a celebration of "le good life". The picturesque views, classic interior, stylish cellar and quality restaurant all combine to deliver an unique experience in the heart of the winelands.
The history of JC Le Roux dates back to 1704 when a French Huguenot, Jean le Roux who planted vines in Stellenbosch. This tradition was continued by his descendants. In 1983 the first Sauvignon Blanc sparkling wine was made and soon became so popular a Pinot Noir Methode Cap Classique followed in 1985. They now produce a wide variety of Methode Cap Classique and sparkling wines and have also added a non-alcoholic range.
This unique venue has so much to offer, so make sure that you have enough time to spend here. Firstly, as the first cellar in South Africa dedicated entirely to making sparkling wines, you visit will not be complete without a cellar tour. These are offered for free and you are guided by informative videos mounted on the walls which describes the art of making Methode Cap Classiques and sparkling wine.
Thereafter you have to treat yourself to a tasting, where you have five options available:
- The mixed tasting is a variety of 5 pre-selected sparkling wines (R 40).
- The MCC tasting offers a selection of 5 MCC's which are also preselected (R 50).
- Bubbly & M&M's is a tasting of 5 different sparkling wines, paired with marshmallows and meringues at R 65.
- The Bubbly & Nougat is what I would recommend. It consists of 5 different sparkling wines, paired with a variety of nougat and turkish delight (R 85).
- They also have a non-alcoholic and fudge tasting, with two types of non-alcoholic sparkling wines, paired with various types of fudge (R 50).
Photo Credit: Spice4Life
Your tasting will be hosted by the JC Le Roux staff who are well informed and provide great service.
For all of these tastings, booking is essential. There is also a gift shop on the premises where the whole range of JC Le Roux products is available as well as other souvenirs.
The last time I visited JC Le Roux we were part of big group of students for a breakfast organised by the Law Faculty with the Public Protector, Thuli Madonsela as the guest speaker.
Le Venue is the restaurant at the House of JC Le Roux and they will ensure that your visit to JC Le Roux ends on a high note. The restaurant is open daily for breakfast and lunch and you will be treated to a stunning view on the mountains as you enjoy your food.
Interior of Le Venue
Photo Credit: JC Le Roux
During our visit, we had breakfast platters for the table and after which a full, hot breakfast followed.
Their breakfast menu includes amongst others omelets with bacon, avo, brie, caramelised red pepper & pesto (R 70), Salmon stack with lemon zest scrambled eggs and salmon roses on toasted cranberry and nut bread with chive cream cheese and rocket (R 95) or Eggs Benedict - toasted rye with candied prosciutto, poached eggs and spinach, topped with a hollandaise sauce (R 85).
For lunch they offer plenty decadent options. What stood out for me was the MCC Prawn and Shrimp Risotto (R105), Ostrich Burger served with bacon, roasted peppers, rustic ciabatta and hand cut chips (R98), Chargrilled Sirloin Steak with Cafe du Paris sauce, gratinated potato and mediterranean vegetables (R 135). They also have a oyster and MCC pairing, which should be exquisite.
Their menu changes on a two-weekly basis so you will never get tired of the same old options. They also offer a selection of desserts such as a red velvet cheesecake with pod creme anglaise and berry compot (R55), cheeseboard (R135) and a deconstructed banoffee pie (R55).
Le Venue really has a fresh take on food and is clearly distinguishable from many other run of the mill restaurants. Their service is sharp and friendly and it definitely contributes to the general atmosphere at the House of JC le Roux.
Breakfast at Le Venue
Thuli Madonsela, Ms Beryl Botman and students at Le Venue
The House of JC Le Roux also host private functions - from bachelorettes to weddings and year end functions and have a variety of different locations on the premises.
The House of JC Le Roux is truly a treat and an an uplifting experience.
I don't know if it's the bubbly, but leaving this venue you will feel refreshed and revived.
Time spent at JC Le Roux is never time wasted.
Location | Devon Valley Road, Stellenbosch (travel for 6km's until you reach the end of the road)
Telephone | Tasting Room 021 865 8200 ; Le Venue Restaurant 021 865 8222
E-mail | info@jcleroux.co.za ; levenue@hsvhospitality.co.za
Website | www.jcleroux.co.za
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/HouseofJCLeRoux?fref=ts
Twitter | +LeGoodLife
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