On Friday 19 July De Grendel’s Cellar Master, Charles Hopkins, will present a gourmet seven-course food and wine pairing dinner at De Oude Kraal Country Estate & Spa. Some of the Estate’s most acclaimed wines will be traveling with Charles all the way to the Free State to accompany De Oude Kraal’s culinary fare and to delight the palates of many a patron.
De Oude Kraal Country Estate and Spa is situated on a 6th generation Merino sheep farm, 35 km south of Bloemfontein on the N1. Owners Gerhard and Marie Lombard have a deep passion and love for the Free State, and it is their generous and warm hospitality which entices-Charles to return year after year to present this feast of food and wine.
The original farmhouse with four-meter high ceilings and wooden floors was built in 1885 and currently houses the De Oude Kraal fine dining restaurant. With open fireplaces, original antique furniture and a remarkable art collection, this impressive place is worth the 35km drive from the City of Roses.
Marie-Louise, one of the Lombard’s daughters who grew up in the guesthouse cooking alongside her mother, is a qualified attorney. But in 2016 she exchanged her career for a life on her family farm to join the De Oude Kraal team permanently. She started the restaurant with the concept of Gourmet Country Food and nowadays her team skillfully combine Free State farm style cooking with a touch of French flair.
Being a bit of a gourmand himself, Hopkins personally selected the wines for this seven-course experience to complement Marie’s creations. With many years of experience as one of the Cape’s most respected wine makers under his belt, and a wealth of knowledge to share with diners throughout the evening, this event is set to impress even the most discerning palates, wine connoisseurs and gastronomes.
The dinner costs R495 per person and booking can be made on +27.515640733/636 or info@deoudekraal.com