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At Ernie Els Wines Restaurant, winter arrives with all the hallmarks of the season — rain sweeping across the vineyards, fires glowing indoors, and the kind of lingering lunches that invite another glass of red. This year, the estate has embraced the colder months with a refined new dining direction, introducing a five-course Signature tasting menu designed to capture the depth and comfort of winter in the Winelands.

Leading the kitchen is Head Chef Eric Bulpitt, who joined the estate at the close of 2023, bringing with him more than twenty years of experience from acclaimed kitchens both locally and abroad. His philosophy is rooted in seasonality and strong relationships with nearby producers, allowing the menu to evolve naturally around ingredients at their peak.

The result is a winter dining experience that feels both elegant and deeply comforting. Guests can expect hand-rolled pastas, rich broths, slow-cooked cuts, and premium meats finished over the coals — each course thoughtfully composed against the dramatic backdrop of Stellenbosch and the Helderberg mountains.

The five-course Signature tasting menu is priced at R650 per person, or R1000 with wine pairing, where the estate’s winter wine selection comes into its own. The pairings lean into fuller-bodied expressions and cellar-aged blends, with bold Cabernet Sauvignon and structured reds perfectly suited to the season’s slower pace and fireside atmosphere.

Available from May 2026, the experience invites diners to settle in, savour the season, and explore the estate’s celebrated wines long after the final course. Guests can also browse the Vinothèque or shop the winter selection online via Ernie Els Wines.