Places along the Berg River - Franschhoek:

Haute Cabrière in Franschhoek is home to a few of my favourite wines – and they what they call “a marriage of food and wine”, which is served in their Cellar restaurant.

They do informal tastings throughout the day and two formal tastings at 11:00 and 15:00.

The Saturday tours are usually conducted by Achmin von Arnim the general manager. He will regale you with the stories of elephants that walked in the mountains, and treat you to a French cavalry style sabre opening of the wine (do not try this at home).

While these are not the cheapest wines, they are like magic and it’s hard to choose your favourite. When you do, you will keep coming back for more.

The restaurant does have specific hours, so be sure to check the website beforehand.

Pierre Jourdan Ratafia Tiramisu:

This is one of my favorite desserts and I give it an extra special kick by using Pierre Jordaan Ratafia.

Serves 6.

Ingredients

• 250 ml strong black coffee (Filter)
• 65 ml to 100ml Pierre Jordaan Ratafia (optional and depending on your taste ) (you can also use Brandy, or Sherry or Kahlua)
• 1 x 125 g packet of Boudoir Biscuits
• 2 jumbo eggs, separated
• 65 ml castor sugar
• 10 ml vanilla essence
• 250 g mascarpone cheese
• 250 ml cream, stiffly beaten
• 30 ml cocoa powder

Instructions

• Combine the coffee and Ratafia (if using). Dip the Boudoir Biscuits into the mixture (don’t soak them) and lay them in the bottom of a 20 cm square dish.
• Beat the egg yolks and sugar until thick and pale.
• Add the vanilla and mix well.
• Add the mascarpone and mix lightly until just combined.
• Lightly fold in the cream.
• Beat the egg whites into soft peaks and fold lightly into the mixture.
• Spoon the mixture over the biscuits.
• Chill until firm and sprinkle with cocoa powder just before serving.

PS: To add a spectacular spin, use Choc Romany Creams instead. But soak them in black coffee /Ratafia mix until they’re soft and chewy before using (you might need to double the mixture).

Venue:	Haute Cabrière Wine Estate
Location:	Pass Road | Franschhoek
Email:	marketing@cabriere.co.za
Phone:	+27 (0) 21 876 8500
Website:	www.cabriere.co.za