The distinguishing mark of a good hospitality establishment begins with the warmth of its welcome. But the importance of being an excellent host extends well beyond the hotel reception or restaurant maître d’.
After a stay at Brookdale Manor – a property tightly hugged by the impressive mountains of the Paarl Winelands – it is clear why residents join out-of-towners in search of a more idyllic life on the weekends. Whether you’re dreaming of tucking into a hearty lunch while sipping world class wines, or exploring a sprawling farm, our visit to Brookdale Estate will have you itching to book your next stay.
As epicureans, we recommend starting lunch at the Bistro with something light like a trout ceviche or some flavour-bursting mussels. When it comes down to a main course, opt for something hearty and moreish like a coq au vin – the low-and-slow French classic where chicken is braised in red wine, a dish perfected by Executive Chef Gary Coetzee. We, of course, recommend pairing your meal with a bottle of Brookdale Estate’s Mason Road reds.
Speaking of sipping wine at Brookdale Estate, we have to wave a flag high for this winery with wines crafted by female winemaker, Kiara Scott Farmer. Having first joined consultant winemaker Duncan Savage at Brookdale, through the Cape Winemaker’s Guild Protégé Programme, she was promoted to head winemaker in 2019 – at just 26, this made her the youngest female in the position in South Africa. Kiara hasn’t looked back since. We recommend the Brookdale Mason Road GSM: A blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, and Mourvèdre, making this the perfect afternoon lunch or dinner companion, thanks to its medium body.
After wrapping up lunch with a delightful deconstructed tiramisu (which still managed to hit every necessary note of this iconic dessert), make your way through the winding roads of Brookdale Estate where flowers are blossoming, fynbos shows off, and rows and rows of grape vines frame the ride up to the Manor House.
In our suite, (one of six available), it is clear that craft matters. What we surround ourselves with influences how we feel and reveal something about our outlook: Each room has a Mia Melange basket bag ready for the pool; locally-sourced water, and a 360 degree view of the mountains and gardens. At Brookdale, buying and backing local talent tells a story about where their priorities lie, making the entire stay elegantly stitched together.
Another stand out is the fact that there is a plethora of activities on offer including a classic wine tasting, an in-room massage treatment, or a walk through the herb gardens with the executive chef, but there is no rigid itinerary, allowing guests to truly slow down.
Guests are also invited to enjoy a four course dinner at the Manor by Sous Chef Jaylon Klaasen. What stood out for us was the skilfully prepared chocolate souffle, accompanied by a peppermint crisp tart ice cream, which was a perfect blend of nostalgia and adventure.
What made for a good night’s rest in our stunning suite? A comfortable king-sized bed with a show-stopping television that tucks away for an austere aesthetic, double doors that open onto an inviting patio, and shutters that create a splendid darkness in the room. Of course, there are all the accoutrements of a light, late night snack.
After waving goodbye to Brookdale Manor House and the attentive team who know how to put you at ease, led by the impressive GM Yvonne Coetzee, we can’t help but look at our calendars to find a weekend open for a lunch back at the Bistro, and a long weekend to check-in at the Manor House. In the modern hospitality game, how you treat your guests tells a story about who you are and what they stand for.
