The other night we were invited to the opening of the revamped No.6 restaurant at Welbedacht Estate (Schalk Burger & Sons) in Wellington.
It was the perfect summer evening for an outside affair in the courtyard between the wine tasting area and the restaurant. They have now extended the tables of the restaurant outside into the courtyard so you can enjoy their delicious food and wine whilst admiring the stunning view.
The new chef has previously worked in Spain and thus brings a Mediterranean flair to the menu. Lamb burgers, spanakopitas, calamari and more delicious mini versions of the menu were served to us as the sun went down. And later some delicious profiteroles and blueberry spring rolls came out!
We were welcomed with a delicious glass of Mon René Champagne (named after the only daughter on the farm). Bubbles always get the evening off to a good start, and were thoroughly enjoyed while 
Tiaan welcomed everybody, introduced the new restaurant Chef and staff, and explained the origin of the No.6 name.
No. 6 is Schalk's rugby jersey/position (Springboks & Province) and the one in which he won the "International Player of the Year" award in 2004. Tiaan also played in the same number growing up and Schalk senior apparently began his career in the No.6 jersey too, before moving positions. So it runs in the family!
The No.6 wine is also named after the above and is a blend of 6 different grape varieties namely, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Mourvedre, Pinotage and Viognier all of the 2006 vintage. Only a limited quantity of this wine has been produced.
The Meerkat range of wines is apparently named after Africa's most gregarious animal (and the only one with the same name in Afrikaans & English), hence the "Gregarious people" mentioned in the restaurant slogan. Overall, they really have tried to create a relaxed environment of good food and wine.
A number of the Meerkat and Welbedacht wines were available on the opening night. I enjoyed a glass of the Welbedacht Sauvignon Blanc which, with it's grassy notes has lovely lemongrass and gooseberry flavours. My other half chose the Welbedacht Chardonnay which had lovely apricot and honey flavours, not too heavy either.
We switched later to red and the Welbedacht Merlot was delicious, very berry, but with some dark chocolate and cloves in the mix there, it was definitely a favourite - I heard a few people requesting "more of that one". I had a sip of the Welbedacht Pinotage too, but that wasn't my favourite, personally, it was a little acidic somehow.
They have some great pizza specials at the moment and the setting is really beautiful. Open from Wednesdays - Sundays for both Lunch and Dinner. Pop in when you are next in the area.
WELBEDACHT ESTATE (SCHALK BURGER & SONS)
Oakdene Road, Wellington. Continue through Wellington on the R44 and follow the signs.
Tel: +27 21 873 1877
Labels: Schalk Burger and Sons, Specials, Welbedacht
It was the perfect summer evening for an outside affair in the courtyard between the wine tasting area and the restaurant. They have now extended the tables of the restaurant outside into the courtyard so you can enjoy their delicious food and wine whilst admiring the stunning view. 
Tiaan welcomed everybody, introduced the new restaurant Chef and staff, and explained the origin of the No.6 name.
The No.6 wine is also named after the above and is a blend of 6 different grape varieties namely, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Mourvedre, Pinotage and Viognier all of the 2006 vintage. Only a limited quantity of this wine has been produced.
The Meerkat range of wines is apparently named after Africa's most gregarious animal (and the only one with the same name in Afrikaans & English), hence the "Gregarious people" mentioned in the restaurant slogan. Overall, they really have tried to create a relaxed environment of good food and wine.