My experience at Vrede en Lust..........15-03-2011

On the 15^th of March 2011 (yes I know it was a Tuesday) two of my dear friends namely Simone Dekker and Sean Collins, tied the knot on a sweltering hot day in the wine lands.

I had been to Vrede en Lust many a times for wine tasting but as you might know if you have been to the farm yourself, the tasting area is at a different location as to where the wedding receptions take place. My friends are actually from America, hence why they got married mid-week as lots of their guests were here on holiday with them from the States. This farm has a luxurious Manor House and 3 cottages which sleep 22 guests in 11 luxury double rooms.

The actual ceremony and the reception both took place on the farm itself so we didn’t have to drive anywhere else after the ceremony. The ceremony was held outside on the lawn with the most spectacular view of the mountains behind the altar. After they said their vows and promised their eternal undying love to each other they went back into the Manor House to take care of the legal bit. While this was happening we were welcomed on the lawn in front of the Manor House and served “champagne” and wine by the friendliest staff ever! I wonder if these guys were being paid according to the amount of liquor they served because you couldn’t even place your empty glass down on the table without there being another waiter close by to refill it! So you can imagine that this was an extremely festive wedding! J

As they announced that the newlyweds were about to come down from the Manor House, everyone gathered around, armed with rose pedals to sabotage them as they came down the stairs.

While sipping on our wine they also served the nicest canapés. As the sun set and the bridal party finished up their photographs we were moved to the reception area.

A massive white marquee tent decorated so romantically with fairy lights made you feel like you had just entered a fairy tale! After all this evening was the happy beginning of the Collins’ fairy tale! Everything was decorated in crisp white, embraced by the soft glow of the lighting. The presents to all of the guests from the bride and groom were Vrede en Lust bottle openers for the guys and different flavour jam for the ladies.

While deciding beforehand what they would serve at their wedding, they knew that they didn’t want a buffet dinner. In my eyes, the only meal that can pass as an acceptable buffet is breakfast. However when they sampled items from the wonderful Vrede en Lust kitchen they were stuck between the line fish and the fillet. They knew none of their guests were vegetarians so at least they didn’t have to decide on a third option. Instead of offering you a choice between one or two mains like many other people do, they decided on a 4 course meal, all served to their guests at their seats with no options.

The First Course was nice and light in the form of a Caprese Salad: cocktail tomatoes, marinated pearl mozzarella and basil pesto. I have had many Caprese Salads before but this one was exploding with flavour!

For our Second Course we got served Grilled Line Fish, with fresh herbs salad and lime atchar dressing. Unfortunately I forgot to ask them which line fish it was but this was also divine!

The Third Course was Roasted Fillet of Beef, with leek and wild mushrooms ragout, potato rosti and balsamic syrup. I am usually a gal that prefers the fresh light taste of line fish to the slightly heavier richer taste of steak but oh my word!! This piece of meat was absolutely fantastic!!! The accompanying side orders complimented the beef so well it was as if they were made for one another! But then again, when you pair mushroom with steak you can never go wrong!

By the time dessert was served I was a bit too full to thoroughly enjoy it but the bit of it that I did taste was brilliant! This Belgian Chocolate Espresso Bouchon, with white chocolate marmalade ice cream and spicy orange preserve dessert consisted of gooey chocolatey goodness! And of course then there was still wedding cake as well!!

We left about two in the morning and everyone else was still going strong! This venue is truly amazing for a wedding! It has the location, the views and the most amazing food!!

They also have a smaller restaurant on the farm that serves breakfast and lunch called Cotage Fromage. The next morning after the wedding most of the guests (including myself) enjoyed a delicious much needed eggs and bacon babbelas breakfast here.

Yours in fun & weddings,

Elly D

Vrede en Lust Wine Farm

Intersection R45 & Klapmuts Road, Simondium

Franschoek

Winery & offices: 021-874 1611

Cotage Fromage 021-874 3991

http://www.vnl.co.za/