Spring blossoms early, at Café Fleur

Meet Mr Moyo. Mr Philani Moyo.

Because his surname means “Heart”. And we’re in the heart of a most extraordinary, precious piece of Africa.

Around us, cascades a resplendent array of natural wonder – a camellia forest, a rose garden, camphors, oaks, oceans of hydrangeas, a wetland and a dancing pristine river.

And in the heart of these proverbial petals, is Café Fleur – “the flower café”.

Entering this restaurant feels akin to stepping into an oil painting, or a film. For the team at this breathtaking estate understanding deeply: Hospitality is about far more than food and wine … tourism is theatre. Dining should capture the imagination, with a hint of make-believe.

Welcome to Vergelegen, the once slightly austere, historic estate, which has recently been sprinkled with fairy-dust.

First came the Nguni Café – the startlingly delightful little bistro hosted by the estate’s herd of Nguni cattle.

One minute it was a field of tufty grass, on which the moo-cows munched. The next minute it popped into life as the Helderberg’s most authentically-wholesome eat-out experience.

Next landed a place for visitors to lay down their heavy loads and relax, “down by the riverside!”

The River Café immediately sparkled, in perfect harmony with the fresh water tumbling down the Lourens River, between the willows.

And now, what's popped up next? A speed-pivot of the old Camphors restaurant, into vivid new bloom.

The food is designed classic cuisine, with a petite menu refined to five starters, five main courses and four desserts.

The team explains: “The classic, hearty dishes suitable for winter include starters such as French onion soup, cheese soufflé, and snails with Pernod and garlic butter.

“Main courses include roasted rack of lamb, duck a l’orange, and cheese and leek tart. Desserts include apple tart, crème caramel and choux pastry with coffee cream.”

This, a collaboration between consultant chef Michelle Barry, former principal of the Christina Martin School of Food and Wine, and the Vergelegen team.

On the wine list: Vergelegen is deservedly famous for its Bordeaux-style wines, considered bold and powerful, complemented by a selection of French wines such as a pinot noir from Burgundy and a grenache from the south of France.

Helpfully, Vergelegen fine quality reserve red and white wines are available by the glass, so guests can compare how the various wine styles complement the dishes.

“Café Fleur has been established to offer a stylish, relaxed and fun experience where our guests have the opportunity to learn about and enjoy French cuisine, and to experiment with both our Vergelegen and French wines,” explains Vergelegen sommelier Christo Deyzel.

Visitors also have the opportunity to purchase superb older Vergelegen vintages from the estate’s newly opened Vinoteque. This wine library stocks red wines ranging from 2005 to 2013 and white wines ranging from 2014 to 2017.

The soundtrack to our lunch is dreamy French, like Les yeux ouverts (dream a little dream of me).

Vergelegen is indeed a dream - which endears smiles of universal wonder. And the smile of our waiter, Mr Moyo, welcomes one, as if one is returning home.

So must be said of every person delivering Vergelegen's kaleidoscope of experiences, at this impossibly elegant estate.

Vergelegen has always served as an exemplar of South African exceptionalism.

Today, its food and wine, flowers and people, thrive - in full bloom - with the warmth of an excited beating heart.

Additional information:

Opening hours: Lunch Wednesday to Sunday, noon to 5pm (kitchen closes at 2.30pm).

Dinner Friday to Saturday, 6pm to 11pm (kitchen closes at 8.30pm). Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Menu: https://vergelegen.co.za/cafe-fleur-food-menu/

Reservations are essential, at info@vergelegen.co.za or 021 847 2111.

Starters are listed from R110, main courses from R175, and desserts are R85.