As the festive season kicks into full swing, Cathedral Cellar, KWV’s cherished wine brand engraved with stories, cuisine, and celebration, invites wine lovers to elevate their festivities with a bold fusion of tradition and innovation. The holiday season holds particular meaning for Cathedral Cellar, as it embodies what the brand’s wines are crafted for: reconnecting with loved ones over a perfectly paired meal. This year, Cathedral Cellar is adding an exciting twist to the table – high-end wine cocktails, the latest trend captivating wine enthusiasts around the world.
With a focus on creativity and pushing boundaries, Cathedral Cellar is embracing this rising trend by showcasing the versatility of its wines through a series of sophisticated, summer-ready cocktails. Highlighting exotic hibiscus infusions – a flavour trend warmly welcomed by mixologists in bars worldwide – these cocktails bring an innovative edge to wine enjoyment. Paired with a festive menu by Chef Mynhardt Joubert, these refreshing cocktails promise to transform any gathering into a lively celebration, proving that wine, whether enjoyed traditionally or as part of a cocktail, is the ultimate companion for festive moments.
Mixing it up with high-end wine cocktails
Cathedral Cellar is a brand deeply rooted in the legacy of South African wine, yet it continues to evolve by continuously embracing innovation, becoming one of the first in South Africa to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to bring its wine labels to life. This pioneering spirit reflects Cathedral Cellar’s commitment to producing wines that contribute to a culture where wine is more than just a product – it is a story to be shared, whether it is sipped or shaken.
“When we source grapes for Cathedral Cellar wines from prime sites across the Western Cape, we take particular care in selecting those that impart outstanding structure, aroma, and flavour. These are the hallmarks of a quality wine,” explains Chief Winemaker Justin Corrans. These characteristics not only make Cathedral Cellar wines seamless food partners, but they also provide the ideal foundation for mixologists crafting the perfect cocktail.
In a festive exploration of the wine cocktail trend, Cathedral Cellar teamed up with Smoke Capital, a leading cocktail bar in Pretoria, to craft three refreshing summer-ready wine cocktails infused with the bright, floral taste of hibiscus. The names alone evoke the spirit of the season: Cathedral Cellar Punch, Cathedral Cellar Summer Sangria, and Cathedral Cellar Spritz – the perfect companions for a sun-soaked summer gathering.
“While high-end wine cocktails are certainly not the traditional way to serve wine, it represents an exciting trend that broadens the appeal of wine to a wider audience. It demonstrates that wine, much like a great story, doesn’t need to follow rigid rules to be enjoyed,” says Cathedral Cellar Brand Manager, Tanya Blokdyk. This sentiment is shared by Smoke’s Head of Mixology Adriaan du Toit, who adds, “Cathedral Cellar’s wines, with their natural acidity and body, bring an exceptional balance to cocktails.”
This festive season, Cathedral Cellar invites wine lovers to serve these cocktails as an aperitif while a deboned leg of lamb roasts in the oven or sizzles on the braai. Cathedral Cellar Ambassador Chef, Mynhardt Joubert, renowned for his culinary creativity, has created a delicious festive menu that pairs beautifully with Cathedral Cellar’s wines:
Aperitif: Cathedral Cellar Punch, Cathedral Cellar Spritz
Starters – pair with Cathedral Cellar Sauvignon Blanc or (chilled) Cathedral Cellar Pinotage
Salt and pepper squid, Roasted carrot and pomegranate salad, Seared duck-breast salad
Mains – pair with Cathedral Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon and Cathedral Cellar Chardonnay
Green pea and bean salad, Festive rare roasted lamb, Summer roasted vegetable platter
Sundowners: Cathedral Cellar Summer Sangria
Join Cathedral Cellar and Chef Mynhardt Joubert in celebration on 25 December
Experience the magic of Cathedral Cellar this Christmas Day with an extraordinary celebration hosted by Cathedral Cellar and Chef Mynhardt in the stunning ambiance of the cellar itself. Bookings are now open for this annual Christmas lunch, where guests gather at an elegant long table to enjoy a festive feast in true Boland style. The menu draws inspiration from the freshest seasonal produce and the abundant flavours of the Cape. To complement your meal, pre-order wines from the KWV Wine Emporium, and they’ll be ready for you upon arrival, adding the perfect touch to a memorable day.
Venue: KWV Cathedral Cellar Kohler Street, Paarl
Date: 25 December 2022
Time: 11:30 AM for 12PM
Cost: R 1200 per adult / children R650
Whatsapp: 069 957 8485 / bookings@mynhardt.co.za
Wine pre-order: KWV Wine Emporium / 021 807 3007 / info@kwv.co.za
Visit www.kwv.co.za to view full range of wines for pre-ordering.