Leopard Leap’s classy venue

AFTER five successful years, Leopard’s Leap Wines has taken another large bound and opened its new home, Leopard’s Leap Vineyards in Franschhoek.

The stylish new centre was launched with a large cocktail soirée which saw the who’s who of the food and wine industry discovering what the estate has to offer.

Before we even had a chance to sample the food and wines, we took a moment to admire the beautiful space with interior design by Christo Barnard.

Sipping on an apple martini, I found myself drawn over a glass covered stream into the new centre which is expansive and impressive, but also inviting.

Off to one side is a lounge area with angled shelves filled with books and across the way a culinary store. Leopard’s Leap Vineyards is not just about the wine – they have teamed up with chef Liam Tomlin who has established his Culinary Studio inside the building.

Rather than simply standing around on uncomfortable heels making equally uncomfortable small talk with strangers, guests were invited to venture into the kitchen where the chef and some of his students were preparing the canapés.

We waited patiently as our sweet corn and basil velouté was ladled into dainty cups and then, gulping it hungrily down we plotted which station we’d visit next.

It was a novel way to enjoy the dishes, not only did we get to sample some of Tomlin’s cuisine, but we also got a glimpse into the preparation process and saw the kitchen in full operation.

Ladies in sequinned cocktail frocks queued up between the ovens and stove tops for salmon tartare with togaroshi dressing and avo guacamole, while their partners in stylish suits waited eagerly for brined pork belly with spring onion pancakes as chefs bustled between them with pots and ladles.

Also on offer were small yet satisfying portions of rotisserie chicken with Thai cucumber salad, duck saucisson with warm potato salad, Thai steamed fish with fresh rice noodle salad and a wickedly rich helping of melted raclette cheese with charcuterie board.

With so many guests it was a marvel that everyone managed to find a space to stand or sit a moment and enjoy the small meals, but the space seems designed for just such a crowd.

Dotted around the bar are cosy lounge areas with luxurious and diverse sofas, heavy wooden tables and chairs. The porch outside also boasts plenty of space to sit back and enjoy a glass or two.

Although it’s a classy venue, there are touches of fun like the angled bookcases, leafy chandelier and absolutely huge whiskshaped light fittings above the dining area.

Dotted around on tables were fascinating and unusual coffee table books for guests to page through and a visit to the shop reveals a wealth of enticing cookbooks from around the world, covering a wide range of cooking styles and cuisine.

I could have spent hours browsing, but dessert beckoned and I ventured back into the kitchen to help myself to the lightest, fluffiest coffee and Baileys parfait with cocoa crunch.

It was the perfect ending to a decadent grazing session.

Tomlin offers food enthusiasts hands-on classes and demonstrations. Sign up for his Back to Basics course, get some tips for hosting the perfect dinner party or sharpen your knife skills. He even offers classes for little chefs, teaching them all about the joys of baking.

The Culinary Studio is not the only space designed for learning, however.

Because Leopard’s Leap is committed to helping to conserve the Cape mountain leopard, an interactive wall has been included in the design of the building.

An educational tool for all ages, the wall involves guests in the habits and habitat of this threatened predator, while giving an insight into the conservation challenges faced.

If you gaze over the lawns while enjoying a glass of wine on the patio, you’ll easily spot the leopard in all it’s glory, becoming even more breathtaking as the sun sets.

Marco Cianfanelli’s sculpture of a lone leopard at the top of a mountain peak is stunning against the evening sky.

Whether you just want to sample some of their wines or learn a thing or two in the kitchen, Leopard’s Leap and Liam Tomlin’s Culinary Studio are welcome new additions to the Franschhoek Valley.

For information about cooking classes and demonstrations in the Culinary Studio, see www.liam tomlinfood.com