Eat | The Bakery Restaurant at Jordan

The Stellenbosch wine region, just 45 minutes from Cape Town is home to some of the world’s most award-winning wine estates. Stellenbosch’s unique history has delivered into the present day a rich, abundant farmer’s market, estate lunch, wine pairing and general food tradition that pulses throughout the valley.

There are so many great estates to visit with offerings ranging from luscious lawn picnics to scrumptious lunch and dinners and of course pairing world-renowned wines with foodstuffs including ‘melktert’, pizza, chocolate, cupcakes and nougat.

One of my favourite venues is Jordan wine estate in the gorgeous Stellenbosch region. With its breathtaking location and grandiose terraced views; this estate is the perfect spot for romantic picnics, family gathering, fine dining or just to sample and buy their wines. You can expect a contemporary take on heritage-based culinary delights, paired with world-renowned wines.

The estate has been making wine for nearly twenty years and has quickly built up an impressive name for itself, with a reputation for great food, wine, and accommodation.

With their delicious selection of Jordan Estate olives, fresh bread, and locally cured meats from their restaurant, The Bakery; this calls for the perfect farm-fresh gift to take home after lunch.

The Bakery’s atmosphere is relaxed and fun, evident in the modern, yet simple outdoor seating, where visitors can unwind and enjoy the freshly produced meats and cheeses amongst the aromas of baking bread, pastries and freshly brewed coffee.  Alternatively, you can also dine ‘al fresco’ on either the lawns or the shady wooden deck.

Their selection of charcuteries, bread, dips, cheeses, and pastries is the ideal afternoon snack, or if you’re looking for something more substantial than a light snack, head over to the Jordan Restaurant, located next to the estate’s tasting room and seats up to 80 guests, either indoors or outside on the patio.

This eatery is all about locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. There are a vegetable and herb garden right outside the door along with a wine-barrel fish smoker and wood-fired oven. Take in some of the greatest flavours from around the world on the restaurant’s tranquil terrace overlooking the Stellenbosch valley. 

What is better than sipping top South African wines in a beautiful setting? Pairing their flavours with delicious bites and unique experiences with friends.

The Jordan estate’s food story is a multi-faceted, continually evolving ode to seasonality and regionality. It tells of fruit ripened to perfection and vegetables bursting with real flavour and artisanal food prepared with care and passion.

The charming ambience, wholesome dishes and friendly service has long been enjoyed by locals and have fast become one of the most visited estates in the region – which is evident from the restaurant’s waiting list.

We opted for The Bakery terrace with its relaxed atmosphere under the trees. The restaurant’s menu tells a story of a sustainable and inclusive clientele and oh my, the way the dishes are described sounds absolutely delectable. 

Firstly, there’s nothing typical-restaurant about this open-air decked setting on the banks of a dam. The restaurant was buzzing with visitors; some romantic, others were families and they even had a kitchen tea party group.

The uncomplicated dishes are packed with flavour. Think slow-braised beef short rib with roasted fennel bulb, pickled beetroot and orange infused jus as well as burgers with aged beef patties, shiraz onions, bacon, boerenkaas, pickled gherkin, triple cooked chips and garlic aioli.

We started off with drinks as we could not easily select one of the dishes. Their bread basket with a selection of freshly sliced bread was a winner while we caught up with our friends. Oh, remember to ask them about their gin selection.

If you enjoy good flammkuchen, then you will enjoy their three options. Choose between their Traditional option with crème fraiche and chive base, crispy bacon and black magic onion marmalade or the Vegetarian flammkuchen with crème fraiche & chive base, roasted butternut, spinach, leeks and black magic onion marmalade. 

My favourite and choice for this visit was the Biltong flammkuchen with crème fraiche & chive base, goats’ cheese, pickled beetroot carpaccio and piquant peppers.

Their selection of charcuterie and cheese platters as well as their picnics has definitely put them on the map. Their picnic baskets are enough for two and include an assortment of locally produced hard and soft cheeses, Jordan estate olives, a selection of charcuterie, homemade preserves and spreads as well as a selection of fresh wood-fired bread.

Another delightful option is the pan-roasted salmon with sustainably farmed Norwegian salmon, potatoes, feta, baby spinach and piquant peppers and their presentation of this dish is everything! 

Their flawless combination and presentation weren’t an overnight throw-together. This was some of the best foods we have tasted throughout our travels. Their dishes are playful with a nod to both traditional South African and European cooking, yet crafted to remain true to the ingredients and their cooking style incorporates flavours from multiple continents.

This iconic estate is a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic Stellenbosch experience or just a relaxed day out in the country. This was a day well-enjoyed, and we will be back!

Reservations are required due to the huge interest in their restaurants, especially over weekends. Make your reservation here.

Jordan Wine Estate | Stellenbosch Kloof Road | Vlottenberg | Stellenbosch | South Africa

Selection of photos courtesy of Jordan Wine Estate