If what we have heard is correct, Morgenster Wine and Olive Estate in Somerset West is set to become a restaurant star next year, with a Michelin star or two Chef and TV star getting involved in the development of a fine dining restaurant, part of a redevelopment of the property taking place over the next thirteen months. It would be South Africa’s first restaurant with an involvement of such a high calibre chef and restaurant owner.
Recently appointed Morgenster Managing Director Judi Dyer would not confirm the name of the chef, and said that the project is in its development phase. The chef’s media consultant has not yet responded to our request for confirmation of his involvement in the new Morgenster restaurant.
A media release issued by Morgenster owner Giulio Bertrand announced the commencement of his long planned hospitality phase for the more than 300 year old property, which will see Morgenster offering accommodation, fine dining, and a Café and Deli experience to visitors. ‘After I bought Morgenster in 1992 as a retirement home and had restored the historical buildings, I realised that I owned a wine farm with magnificent terroir. I put retirement on hold and went to France to judge whether Morgenster could produce wines in line with the best from Bordeaux. There I was introduced to Pierre Lurton of Chateau Cheval Blanc who I invited to Morgenster. He was as inspired as I was about the farm’s potential and we began establishing vineyards of Bordeaux varieties and building a cellar. After 15 years of Pierre consulting to our local winemaking team and being on our Board of Directors, Morgenster’s cellar of marvellously aging Bordeaux styled red wines has earned acclaim internationally and locally’. Continue reading →