96 Winery Road scores SA first at Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards

96 Winery Road, the popular Cape country restaurant in the Helderberg winelands, conquered virgin territory in the global hub of gourmet excellence as the first South African eatery ever to be ranked in the 2006 Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards.



Hailed as the most definitive wine publication in the USA, Wine Spectator annually recognises a choice of top restaurants from around the world whose wine lists offer a polished selection of quality producers, along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style.

Proudly representing the African continent, 96 Winery Road clinched South Africa’s first ever ranking out of a record total of 3772 wine-friendly restaurants from more than 50 countries.

Matching all criteria, the 96 Winery Road wine list scored an Award of Exellence – one of three tiers in the programme – for an impressive bouquet of premium local wines and world benchmarks from the global vineyard including a smattering of peculiarities from leading wine producing countries.

"We value this award as a groundbreaking achievement, not only for ourselves as a 10-year old teen in a competitive industry, but for the entire country. We are ecstatic to be included in the world’s best culinary circles," said Ken Forrester, renowned restaurateur, winemaker and co-founder of 96 Winery Road.


"Over the years we have learned never to prejudge our diners. If they want to spend, offer them a choice and don’t be tempted to censor your wine list by thinking they will only buy in a certain price range. Rather present them with a comprehensive selection," added Forrester.

The Wine Spectator Wine Award follows shortly after 96 Winery Road received the highest accolade at the 2006 Diners Club Winelist Awards – the prestigious Award of Excellence – the only country restaurant between Hermanus and Paarl to be awarded this honour.

Premium imported wines on the 96 Winery Road wine list include Barollo from Italy; Cabernet and Zinfandel from California; Chateau Mouton Rothschild and classed growth wines from Bordeaux; Pinot Noir stunners from Burgundy and superior Shiraz from Chateauneuf Du Pape and South Australia.



Locally, the restaurant focuses on wines that are consistent in quality, whether from boutique estates or big wineries, as well as those that are popular. Situated as they are, in one of the premier-winemaking regions of the world, their wine list also showcases a sturdy selection of the best wines from the Helderberg region.

"All the wines on our list are wines we like to enjoy ourselves. We also offer our guests a fair markup by not loading our wine prices, adding to why they keep returning to our doorstep," explained Allan Forrester, Restaurant Manager and co-owner of 96 Winery Road.

Besides a world-class wine list, 96 Winery Road is famed for sophisticated cuisine, unspoiled by culinary pretensions, combined with gracious service and an elegant yet relaxed ambience.

Executive Chef Craig Backhouse recently spruced up their rustic charm with a sizzling new Summer Menu of fresh, flavoursome creations whilst some old-time favourites remain.

"Exquisite, season-inspired dishes bold in visual appeal, simple in structure and deliciously complex in flavour and texture", is how Craig describes his new menu.

Newcomers to the Starter line-up include Bobotie Springrolls with a tangy lemon-mint dipper, deep fried Calamari sizzling with black bean sauce and Duck Liver & Mushroom Ravioli enriched with sherry butter. Each superbly prepared with a unique twist and well worth a try.

The Main menu unleashes a sumptuous feast of country deluxe such as Rabbit infused with white wine and rosemary, pan-fried Pork Medallions and sweet ‘n sour Guinea Fowl. Or stick to the 96 Winery Road classics such as the Gatriles Duck & Cherry Pie and ‘Hollandse’ Pepper Fillet.

The kitchen is versatile to vegetarian demands with an Orgasmic Organic Mixed Salad and authentic Vegetable Espetada tempting with tofu and halloumi drizzled with pesto amongst the new in-season sensations.

Going all the way, diners can tuck into a sinful selection of desserts tempting in the Calorie Corner of the menu where a Whiskey Cheese Cake and triple Chocolate treat drenched with sweet chilli syrup satisfy all your sweet cravings.

Founded by renowned wine personalities, Ken Forrester and Martin Meinert in 1996, the restaurant has developed a loyal following of discerning local and foreign diners who enjoy an unhurried, wholesome dining experience with a sense of place.

96 Winery Road is open from Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner and Sundays for lunch only. The restaurant is situated on Zandberg Estate, Winery Road, off the R44 between Stellenbosch and Somerset West. Secure parking is available.

Outside View

To reserve your table contact Tel: (+27) 21 842 2020 or send an email to wineryrd@mweb.co.za.