Kleine Zalze Wine Estate — Attraction in Stellenbosch Local Municipality

Recap The experience I had at their premises will not affect my preferences in the future. KZ not too bad not too good. Can be pleasant some times, in particular when stuck with choosing anything else in a liquor shop and / or wine list. Besides, browsing reviews on here a flock of local guides starring top marks & sharing amazing pics of food pairing which customers will never exp on the real once ordering the same dish. It’s becoming really annoying the game played by tour guides brand ambassadors of every wine farm / tourist attraction in a crystal conflict of interests. FYI all local guides got 50% off on restaurants meal deals and free wine tastings (and much more rest assured).

Story We spent Sunday afternoon with friends off a sunny winter day in August. The spaciousness of exterior contrasts with the simplicity and shabbiness of the indoor wine tasting room. The service level was almost disappointing, scarce personnel, laziness. The food pairing disappointing too. Do not waste money in the cheese platter, do not waste money in their “top level” wines. The best of KZ is the vintage red blend, the Chenin and the Sauvignon blanc, possibly sipped in cold days and out of South Africa.

Debrief KZ is an international company exporting wine worldwide, massive export, massive estate & touristy attraction, lodging, et cetera. The idea you might have of wine farming could be disappointing. It’ is more a wine-industrially-yard. I’d advice to skip it unless you don’t know how to kill time thus it could work well. Bear in mind at the gate to declare you going at the restaurant, do not mention “wine tasting” unless you’re keen to be checked and investigated...

The Management at this farm is very rude to the public. I won’t suggest any South African or International Tourist to visit them.

As we searched Google yesterday morning, we wanted a place to enjoy a nice breakfast for my birthday. The internet state that they are open as of 9h00. I suppose this was never updated.

We stopped at Security at the gate, they assisted friendly and told us that the venue is not open yet. I then mentioned to them and showed them the times on Google. The security at the gate then called the Management on the radio and asked the Management about the opening times. The lady on the radio was so rude she was shouting over the radio the following words to be exact in a shouting and irritating tone (What do they want? I don't have time for this, what are they going to do here until we open? They must go..) and us as clients heard everything. I almost took the radio and told the lady that she is very rude. And this is no way to speak to your clients. Especially in times like these. Maybe this farm is doing so well they dont need customers. So please keep In mind when you want to visit them. The Ladies name was Marsha Russel.

Very bad experience and I promise you I will never visit them again.

Bitter taste.

Thumbs Up for the Security that tried to manage...

Great experience all round Had a "summer tasting" If I remember the name correctly. Great conbin of wines and good size servings. We sat at the perfect spot next to the fireplace on a cold day 10/10 for ambiance The food really surprised me too. The platter (quite small I must admit) had fresh and delicious ingredients with nice crispy bread. The tapas menu is what excited me most. Let's talk about the "staanrib" - I was skeptical that it would be tough, but wow, the most tender, juicy l, smokey and fatty piece of lamb rib I have tasted. Beautiful balance with the apricot and sherry glaze. I'm a traditionalist with my lamp ribs, but this combination was awesome - compliments to the chef. 9.5/10 The calamari dish, also packed with flavour and tender squid was the perfect accompaniment. Full of flavour with a delicious spicy aioli. 8.5/10 Definitely worth the visit, an understated venue, not bustling like many wine farms, but...