Great Turnabout Winemaker’s Dinner at Brookdale Estate in the Paarl Winelands

Food and wine lovers can take advantage of Brookdale Estate’s exclusive Winemaker’s Dinner at The Bistro at Brookdale Estate in the heart of the Paarl Winelands, on Thursday, 27 August 2026.

Created as a one-night-only event, the unique dining experience promises an outstanding Portuguese-inspired menu, paired with exceptional estate wines and plenty of informal entertainment as Chef Gary Coetzee and winemaker Xander Sadie exchange their familiar roles for an evening of storytelling, laughter and culinary discovery.

Chef Gary will step out of the kitchen onto the restaurant floor to present the wines, while Xander leaves the vineyards and cellar to join the team in the kitchen. The playful open-kitchen concept celebrates the close relationship between food and wine, while offering a fresh perspective on the creativity, craftsmanship and passion that underpin both disciplines.

Blends crafted from Mediterranean varietals

The menu was inspired by Xander’s travels in Portugal while he was working in the cellar of Luis Seabra Vinhos in the Douro. Each course will be thoughtfully matched with Brookdale Estate wines, which include interesting blends crafted from Mediterranean varietals.

The evening begins with a Tabua de Pães bread course of toasted baguette with sardines, Bacalhau fritters and marinated roasted red pepper, paired with Brookdale Sixteen Field Blend 2025. The first course is traditional Caldo Verde, a comforting potato and kale soup with grilled chorizo, accompanied by Brookdale Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2024.

The feast then moves to Asado ao Forno de Peixe – roasted line fish perfectly matched with Brookdale Bradbourne Estate Blend 2025. Next, Arroz de Pato will be a highlight on the menu, with shredded duck and rice served alongside duck breast smoked over French oak, matched with Brookdale Grenache Noir 2025. The savoury finale is Beef a Portuguesa, featuring fillet of beef paired with Brookdale Twenty Field Blend 2025.

The evening concludes with Abade de Priscos, a rich caramel flan bringing a decadent finish to a menu that celebrates the flavours and traditions of Portugal while showcasing the scope and versatility of Brookdale’s estate wines.

As the courses unfold, Chef Gary and Xander will share stories, insights and friendly banter, adding a few unexpected surprises along the way. With its Portuguese-inspired menu, meticulously matched Brookdale wines and informal storytelling, the evening promises plenty of highlights. Seating is intentionally limited to preserve the intimate nature of the event, so early reservations are essential.

The Great Turnabout takes place on Thursday, 27 August 2026 at The Bistro at Brookdale, at R1150 per person, including the wine pairing. Reservations can be made via Dineplan. Accommodation may also be booked at the Manor House at R3525 per person sharing, including breakfast.