Steenberg Food & Wine pairings kindle the senses

Thursday, 9 December, 2010
Steenberg Vineyards
Celebrating its first year in the stylish new winery and tasting room, Steenberg Vineyards has introduced exciting new Food and Wine pairing options from the cellar door.
Tasting journeys explore each of the chosen Steenberg wines, and provide insight into the art of food and wine matching, resulting in a titillating experience! Wine lovers are spoilt for choice with three distinct tasting menus, each offering guests a selection of four wines that are expertly paired with delicious 'bites' prepared by Bistro Sixteen82, Steenberg Vineyards' sophisticated, yet informal dining venue.

Steenberg has long been recognised as one of the top White Wine Cellars in South Africa, and the Sauvignon Blanc varietal is currently considered its' flagship wine. It comes as no surprise then that one of the Food and Wine Pairing options focuses on Sauvignon Blanc with Salmon 4 Ways. The tasting kicks off with Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc 2010 paired with Smoked Salmon with Lime, followed by HMS Rattlesnake 2010 perfectly matched with Pink Tartare. The third option of Salmon Gravalax complements the Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc 2008, whilst a special older vintage Sauvignon Blanc (2000) is perfectly paired with seared Salmon.

For those seeking variety in their tasting voyage, the Tapas Tasting offers a taste of Steenberg's Super and Ultra Premium wines, paired with tastings from the popular tapas menu at Bistro Sixteen82. Guests may sip sparkling 1682 Chardonnay MCC paired with Fresh West Coast Oysters Au Natural; then savour the Sauvignon Blanc 2010 with Roasted Vine tomatoes and Goats Cheese with Salsa Verde; followed by Semillon 2009 served with Gampas Pil Pil (prawns in a garlic and chilli oil); concluding the tasting with Nebbiolo 2008 and Duck Liver in a Sage Bordelaise Crème.

The Cheese and Wine Tasting option offers wine and food enthusiasts the opportunity to explore the full scope and variety of Steenberg's wines matched with four cheese varieties. Guests will enjoy the bubbly sensation of the 1682 Chardonnay MCC while nibbling on fresh Belroni; then sip Sauvignon Blanc 2009 together with creamy Chevin or Boursin; savour the contrasting flavours of the Nebbiolo 2008 matched with Taleggio; and round the experience off with Catharina 2007, offset by sweet Witzenberger cheese.

These food and wine pairings showcase the Steenberg wines brilliantly, and illustrate the great synergy between wine and food. "Our cellar door experience sets out to create memorable moments around wine, food and friends, and the new Food and Wine Pairings do exactly that, showcasing our range of wines perfectly paired with delicious, complementing morsels, under the guidance of Steenberg's wine educators to offer an unforgettable experience," says Anetha Homan, Sales and Marketing Manager at Steenberg Vineyards.

The 60-minute Food and Wine Pairing sessions are presented by knowledgeable Steenberg wine educators, and advance booking is essential. Tutored Food and Wine Pairings may be booked seven days a week, depending on availability of the venue, at a cost of R200 per person (minimum 2 people). Contact Lida at (021) 713-2211 for details and reservations.