LUXURY, EXCLUSIVITY AND A WINE EXPERIENCE

Breakfast on the seafacing balcony, tucking into platters and bowls of fresh home-made items, is a great way to start the day at Tintswalo at Boulders.

Usually functioning as a B&B, the luxury villa is also an option for exclusive-use groups – it accommodates a maximum of 18 adults and two children – with the services of a private chef. Dining can take place indoors or alfresco, and the menu is developed in close consultation with the chef.

HomeFront attended a four-course dinner for about 16, created by executive chef Christo Pretorius of The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa outside Camps Bay, Cape Town. Bouchard Finlayson winemaker Chris Albrecht worked with Pretorius on a delicious wine-paired menu, presenting his superlative Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with creative mini courses. Twelve Apostles sommelier Gregory Mutambe was on hand to refill glasses and chat about the flavour nuances, but mostly left guests to mingle and enjoy themselves.

Bouchard Finlayson Missionvale Chardonnay 2017 added nutty elegance to the fresh summer taste of marinated trout tartare on a pea panna cotta with pea and mint salad.

We also nibbled on springbok and chakalaka canapés and later settled in to discuss politics and share travel anecdotes or our preference either for the Pinot Noir 2018 (fruity and approachable) or 2015 (an excellent vintage). Served alongside, Pretorius’ Angus steak with grilled king oyster mushrooms and soy truffle cream was a master class in umami richness.