Swiss owned Stellenbosch Estate, Eikendal, eases into summer with a sizzling new Pizza & Wine Pairing experience that will cater for lip-smacking action in its tasting room all season long.

From 1 November, enthusiasts can make their way to this popular Winelands hotspot, conveniently situated between Stellenbosch and Somerset West, to tuck into a trio of bite-size pizzas, each masterfully paired with a matching estate wine. Eikendal is renowned for its elegant wines of great fruit purity and finesse and with these mouth-watering delights they guarantee a unique sensory symphony.

Freshly prepared by the resident Cucina di Giovanni restaurant, which is celebrated for its Italian fare with a sumptuous twist, these mini, thin-crusted pizza pleasures perk up any palate – albeit a meaty or vegetarian one.

The meat option kicks off with a zingy chicken and pineapple combo matched with the newly released Eikendal Sauvignon Blanc 2015 for a lingering sweetness on the palate.

Next is an earthy ham and mushroom pizza married with the estate’s unwooded Chardonnay, Janina 2014 which matches the umami nuances to a tee.

Lastly the vibrant Eikendal Merlot Rosé 2015 with its bright, fresh floral and fruity taste profile, teams up with a brie and cranberry pizza to end your tasting on a light and refreshing note.

Vegetarians are also treated to a tantalising trio which starts with a peppers and pineapple pizza paired with the crisp Eikendal Sauvignon Blanc 2015, with the pineapple enhancing the tropical fruit notes and the peppers lifting the green freshness of the wine.

The unwooded Chardonnay, Janina 2014, then works its magic with a mushroom and olives duo with the flavours of the pizza highlighting the earthy undertones of the wine.

Mom and dad also don’t have to succumb to off-loading the kids at the grandparents to stay sane during the festive season, as Eikendal can keep them busy with a fun grape juice tasting, festooned with sweets and wildlife images to colour in, courtesy of the Cheetah Outreach. Or they can monkey around in the jungle gym on the spacious lawn area.

The Eikendal Pizza & Wine Pairings are on offer from Tuesdays to Sundays, between 12:00 and 16:00 and cost R40 per person, whilst the kids’ juice tasting costs R20 per child. Pre-bookings for the pairings are essential as daily orders are limited. Also note that there is a 20 minute waiting period as the pizzas are freshly prepared.

To book for this pairing experience contact Eikendal at +27 (2)1 855 1422 or send an email to counter@eikendal.co.za.