Cross My Heart and Hope to Dine

Join Stellenbosch Hills for Hot Cross Bun & Wine Tasting experience.

As has become tradition, this time of the year sees the humble bun tarted up with spice and sugar and laid on warm with lashings of melting butter.

Eager for a challenge, the folks at Stellenbosch Hills got thinking and the bun-and-wine union was born. A match, some might say, made in heaven.

From the first to the last day of April this year, the tasting room will lay on three variations of o-so-yum HCB confection, each matched with an award-winning wine in the Stellenbosch Hills portfolio. No slouches, these hot cross buns were made by the Fine Pastries family bakery in Stellenbosch.

And the wines included in the tasting are, well, top shelf. The R55pp cost of the pairing a veritable steal, which is why booking is essential.

First up will be the Traditional Hot Cross Bun – no raisins included. And, the Stellenbosch Hills 1707 Reserve White 2019– the latest vintage release of this limited bottling. It’s a Chardonnay-dominated blend with Semillon and a touch of Viognier that is elegant and voluptuous. The aroma recalls stone fruit, honey, zesty citrus and vanilla oak spice. On the palate, there’s a fine balance of lively citrus and crisp acidity.

Then comes the Spiced Hot Cross Bun, festooned with cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and nutmeg; served with delicious Stellenbosch Hills Shiraz 2017. The wine shows classic red fruit, oak spice and hints of black pepper on the nose, rolling through to the palate.

The grand finale features a Chocolate Hot Cross Bun with the perfect decadent partner – the Stellenbosch Hills Bushvine Pinotage 2017. It’s a full-bodied wine with intricate flavour combinations of black berry, plums and mulberries. There are hints of vanilla oak, banana, dark chocolate and cigar box. It’s juicy, velvety and balanced.