PAM'S FOODIE UPDATE ON WHATS NEW IN THE CAPE WINE REGION THIS SEASON (click here to go through to the Cape Winelands Restaurants page to get more information on them):

1. WATERKLOOF RESTAURANT: This new restaurant is gathering rave reviews from everyone I chat to.  It seems to be a winning combination of gorgeous modern restaurant and wine tasting venue, an excellent chef and views that leave you gob smacked.  I have never seen views of Somerset West/Sir Lowry's pass/Strand and False Bay like this.  It is quite simply gorgeous.  I have been wine tasting there - but next on my hit list is a visit to have lunch.  At the moment it is easy to get tables there as it has not been discovered yet - but watch this space as the foodies are starting to get in the know - and when you hear about it from some of the countries top chefs - you know it is going to be fantastic!! Address: Waterkloof Estate & Restaurant, Sir Lowry’s Pass Road, Somerset West  Tel: 021 858 1292
   www.waterkloofwines.co.za
2. DELAIRE GRAAF: (on Delaire Graaf wine estate - Hellshoogte Mountain pass Stellenbosch) The Graaf family are diamond dealers and the budget for the revamp of Delaire was extremely high.  The end result is quite simply gob smacking.  This estate always boasted one of the best views of the wine region.  Take the stupendous view and add innovative modern architecture, a cellar enclosed in glass for the public to view, a refined tasting room, a glamourous restaurant with plenty of outdoor seating and a high calibre art collection with sculptures dotted around the garden - you have a winery that is now a destination that must be included on a visit to the wine region.  This is the "must visit" restaurant for the summer 2009 season! All the foodies are raving about it!
3. CUVEE on Simonsig Wine Estate This is a delightful addition to the Stellenboschregion – gorgeous décor and fine dining.  The food was really good and the service attentive - my advice would be to book this on a good weather day so you can sit outside - the interior just did not take advantage of the wonderful views the estate has. 
4. GEORGE JARDINE has just opened a new restaurant on Jordon Estate - called The Restaurant at Jordon - George Jardine is one of Cape Town's top chefs and as such this is an immediate one to add to your list to try out.  The decor looks great, the view is fantastic - I just need time to get there! Tel no 0027-21-8813612 restaurant@jordonwines.com . 
5. Cosecha @ Noble Hill Estate  "Cosecha" is the Spanish word for  "Harvest" in Spanish. The cuisine is upmarket Mexican and it is well worth a visit! Location: Paarl wine region.
6. GENOT: Lovely new fine dining restaurant on Klein Genot Wine estate Franschhoek. Update 2010 - the chef team that were managing it have parted ways with Klein Genot - the hotel is now managing the restaurant.  Expect more simple wholesome food - they are also now offering picnics.