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A journey of wine, flavour, connection and discovery in the heart of the Cape Winelands.
Some evenings are about more than simply enjoying good food and wine — they’re about creating memories, discovering something new and experiencing the familiar in a completely different way. On Saturday, 10 October 2026, we were invited to attend Dinner of Discovery: Nederburg Uncharted, an immersive dining experience at Nederburg Wine Estate in Paarl, and what a wonderful evening it turned out to be!
From the warm welcome and thoughtful details to the fascinating sensory experience, beautifully presented dishes and conversations with fellow guests, the evening was a reminder that sometimes the best discoveries happen when we slow down, open our minds and allow ourselves to experience something new.
A warm welcome and a beautiful start to the evening
From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed by the friendly Nederburg team, whose hospitality immediately set the tone for the evening. There was something special about the atmosphere; elegant yet relaxed, with beautiful floral arrangements, soft candlelight and that unmistakable Winelands charm.
Before the main experience began, we were introduced to a lovely little ritual: washing our hands as we entered. It was a simple but meaningful touch that encouraged us to pause, leave the outside world behind and become fully present in the experience ahead.
We were then welcomed with a glass of Cap Classique, accompanied by a selection of canapés. My personal favourite was definitely the salmon canapé! It was the perfect little bite to start the evening, and I could happily have gone back for another.
The welcome was thoughtful, the staff were attentive, and there was already a lovely sense of anticipation in the room. We knew we were in for something a little different.
Nederburg Uncharted: A journey beyond the glass
At 7 pm, it was time to enter the tasting room — and this was where the magic really began.
Nederburg Uncharted takes wine tasting beyond the traditional experience. Rather than simply looking at the wine, reading its label and taking a sip, we were invited to explore the relationship between wine, landscape and memory through our senses.
We were blindfolded, given individual headphones and guided through an immersive sensory journey using sound, touch, aroma and taste. With our sight temporarily removed, we had to pay attention to the details we might ordinarily overlook.
Winemaker Imellia Prins beautifully guided us through the experience, sharing her passion and knowledge of wine while make the entire journey truly immersive and unforgettable.
It was such an interesting experience because it challenged us to think differently about what we were tasting. How does the sound of the ocean influence the way we perceive a wine? What does warmth feel like when you cannot see your surroundings? Can a particular aroma transport you to a place or remind you of a memory?
Suddenly, wine became more than what was in the glass. It became a story.
Three wines, three landscapes and a world of sensations
1. Winemasters Sauvignon Blanc 2026 — the freshness of summer
Our first sensory journey transported us towards the coast. Think sunshine, sea air, salty breezes and the refreshing feeling of standing beside the ocean on a beautiful summer’s day.
The experience evoked the West Coast through its cool, beachy character, creating an impression of freshness and lightness. It was a wonderful introduction to the idea that a wine can be connected to a landscape, not just through its flavour but through the emotions and memories it brings to mind.
This was summer in a glass — fresh, vibrant and full of coastal character.
2. The Anchorman Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2023 — warmth, earth and heritage
The second wine took us in a completely different direction. This time, the sensations were warmer and more grounded, evoking earth, golden sunshine and the changing seasons.
Notes and impressions of honey, stone fruit, orange peel and nectarine came to mind, creating a sense of richness and warmth. It felt like a journey through time, reflecting the way the landscape changes over decades while remaining deeply connected to its roots.
The Anchorman also carries a meaningful story, honouring Nederburg’s founder and the legacy behind the estate. It was a beautiful reminder that every bottle can hold a little piece of history, with the story continuing long after the wine has been made.
3. Nederburg Double Barrel Reserve 2024 — smoke, spice and warmth
Our final sensory journey felt deeper, richer and more intense. There were impressions of smoke, spice and warmth, bringing to mind a gathering around a fire as the evening grows darker.
Think dark berries, plum and cocoa, with a comforting depth that invited you to slow down and savour the moment. The experience felt bold and layered, with a sense of warmth and togetherness that brought the sensory journey to a memorable close.
What I loved most about this part of the evening was how differently everyone could interpret the same experience. Without relying on sight, we were encouraged to trust our own senses and imagination. There was no single right answer — just discovery.
The entire experience was beautifully thought out, and I appreciated the creativity that went into connecting each wine with a particular environment and feeling.
From the tasting room to the dinner table
After our sensory adventure, we moved through to the restaurant for dinner, and the atmosphere was wonderful.
The lighting, the setting and the relaxed energy made it the perfect place to continue the evening. But what stood out to me most wasn’t just the beautiful surroundings — it was the people.
There was so much mingling, laughter and genuine conversation. It was lovely to meet fellow guests, exchange impressions of the tasting and share our thoughts about the experience. Events like these are a wonderful reminder that food and wine have a special way of bringing people together.
We were also fortunate to have the head chef Liewellyn Solomons himself guide us through the menu, explaining each dish and how it complemented the wines. I always appreciate it when a chef takes the time to share the thought and creativity behind a menu. It adds another layer to the experience and makes you appreciate the food even more.
The menu: Thoughtful dishes and wine pairings
Each course was carefully considered, with the food designed to complement the wine and continue the sensory journey we had begun in the tasting room.
The starter: Kabeljou ceviche with strawberries, radish and coconut tiger’s milk
Paired with Nederburg Winemasters Sauvignon Blanc 2026.
The starter brought together delicate kabeljou with the freshness of strawberries, the peppery bite of radish and the creamy, tangy character of coconut tiger’s milk. It was an intriguing combination of flavours and textures, bringing freshness and a little tropical flair to the plate.
The Sauvignon Blanc was a fitting pairing for this coastal-inspired dish, echoing the freshness of the ocean and complementing the lighter, brighter flavours. I loved how the dish connected so naturally with the first part of our sensory journey.
The second course: Apple cider pork belly with oak-smoked sweet potato and caramelised baby apple
Paired with The Anchorman Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2023.
This dish brought a warmer, richer profile to the menu. The pork belly was paired with the gentle sweetness of apple, while the oak-smoked sweet potato added an earthy, smoky element. The caramelised baby apple tied the flavours together with another layer of sweetness.
The Chenin Blanc was chosen to complement the richness of the dish and its fruity, warming notes.
I don’t eat pork, so the team thoughtfully arranged a mushroom alternative for me. I really appreciated the consideration and willingness to accommodate my dietary preference. It made me feel included in the experience, and that personal attention is always worth mentioning.
The main course: Lamb rump with blackberry jus, braised butternut squash and tenderstem broccoli
Paired with Nederburg Double Barrel Reserve 2024.
The lamb rump brought a hearty, savoury element to the menu, balanced by the dark-fruit character of the blackberry jus. Braised butternut squash added a gentle sweetness, while the broccoli brought freshness and balance to the plate.
The Double Barrel Reserve was a natural companion for these deeper flavours. Its rich, warming character complemented the savoury lamb and the dark berry notes of the jus, creating a pairing that felt cohesive and satisfying.
I particularly enjoyed the way the flavours on the plate reflected the smoky, warming impressions we had encountered during the final part of the sensory tasting.
The cheese course: Brie with poached pears and an almond-thyme crumb
Paired with The Brewmaster 2022.
To finish, we were treated to brie served with poached pears and an almond-thyme crumb — a combination that brought together creamy cheese, delicate fruit sweetness and a subtle savoury note from the herbs.
The poached pears offered a lovely contrast to the richness of the brie, while the almond and thyme added texture and an aromatic finish.
Paired with The Brewmaster 2022, this final course rounded off the menu beautifully. It was a thoughtful ending to a dinner that had been all about exploring the relationship between flavour, aroma, texture and the stories behind each glass.
What made the menu particularly interesting was the way it moved from fresh, coastal flavours to richer, earthier dishes and finally to a more delicate cheese course. Each pairing added something different to the experience, while the menu as a whole continued the evening’s theme of discovery.
The little details that made the evening
While the food and wine were undoubtedly highlights, it was the overall experience that made the evening memorable for me.
The warm welcome, the handwashing ritual, the carefully curated canapés, the blindfolded tasting and the chef’s personal introduction to the menu all felt like parts of one bigger story. Nothing felt like an ordinary wine tasting or dinner. Each stage encouraged us to slow down, pay attention and appreciate something new.
And then there were the conversations.
I loved meeting people, hearing their interpretations of the sensory experience and sharing a few laughs around the dinner table. The atmosphere was welcoming, the team was friendly, and the evening felt thoughtfully designed to bring people together.
It’s often the combination of these little moments that turns a lovely outing into an experience you remember long after you’ve gone home.
My final thoughts: Is Nederburg Uncharted worth experiencing?
Absolutely — especially if you enjoy discovering new experiences and appreciate food, wine and creative storytelling.
Nederburg Uncharted offers something different from a traditional wine tasting. It invites you to engage with wine through your senses, explore the connection between a landscape and a glass, and approach familiar flavours with a fresh perspective.
I loved the creativity of the blindfolded tasting, the opportunity to explore the wines in a new way, the thought behind the food pairings and, most importantly, the wonderful people who made the evening feel so special.
A special thank you to the winemaker Imellia Prins and Luciano and the entire Nederburg Wine Estate teamfor the warm hospitality, attention to detail and effort that went into creating such a memorable evening. From the welcome to the final course, it was clear how much care had gone into the experience.
I’m sure everyone who attended left with their own favourite moment, new memories and perhaps a slightly different appreciation for what can be discovered in a glass of wine.
If you’re looking for a Winelands experience that combines wine, food, creativity and connection, keep an eye out for future Nederburg Uncharted experiences.
Because sometimes, the best way to discover something new is to close your eyes, trust your senses and let the journey unfold.
Here’s to great wine, beautiful food, wonderful people and evenings that leave you with something to remember. Cheers!
Review by Tasneema Diest
Disclosure: We were invited to attend Dinner of Discovery: Nederburg Uncharted. All views and opinions shared in this review reflect my personal experience of the evening.