As I strolled through the bustling streets of Stellenbosch on a typical sunny afternoon, the allure of serenity led me to an unexpected oasis in the heart of the city – the Qbar by Quoin Rock. This elegant gem, tucked away within the De Wet Centre, is a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship and remarkable vision of the Gaiduk family, who have seamlessly interwoven the essence of the Quoin Rock estate into this sophisticated wine bar after their successful re-launch of the wine estate in 2018.
The courtyard setting, veiled from the city's rush, is a quiet haven where plane trees and canvas umbrellas provide a cool, shaded sanctuary. The raw-wood chairs and marble-topped tables, designed by the talented Julia Gaiduk, offer a welcoming environment to enjoy the fruit of the Quoin Rock vineyards. The interior, with its palette of deep green and gold, velvet banquettes and bar seats, radiates a sense of soft opulence. Even the bathrooms, with their beautiful tiles, toiletries, and basins, offer a hint of the luxurious attention to detail that the Gaiduk family is renowned for.
At Qbar, the wines are the stars of the show. The bar proudly showcases all the wines from the Quoin Rock portfolio, allowing patrons to savor them in a relaxed setting, by the glass or bottle. The broad selection of grape varietals from the three wine farms under the Quoin Rock umbrella - Quoin Rock itself, neighbouring Knorhoek, and Boskloof - provides a rich tapestry of flavors for every wine lover. Whether you're starting your culinary journey with a glass from the vibrant Namysto Lifestyle range, or diving straight into the complex, high-end Quoin Rock blends, or even splurging on a bottle of the signature Black Series MCC, you're in for a delightful treat.
No wine experience can be complete without a knowledgeable guide, and the sommeliers at Qbar, led by the charismatic Bongani Mataboga, are more than up to the task. The passion and knowledge of the staff, who have trained and worked on the estate, is palpable as they guide you through the wine list, suggesting the best dishes to pair with each selection.
Speaking of food, the tapas menu at Qbar, created by Executive Chef Jack Coetzee of the Gåte Restaurant, is a taste sensation. Each dish is crafted to complement one or two of the wines on the list, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavours. From the crispy tempura shimeji mushrooms dunked in a rich garlic emulsion to the sweetcorn dhaltjies with Cape Malay curry dipping sauce, each bite is a culinary masterpiece. And if you're in the mood for a main course, I highly recommend the seared wildebeest topped with chimichurri, a delightfully rich dish that pairs beautifully with the Quoin Rock white blend.
Before and after dinner, Qbar ensures to raise your spirits with their meticulously crafted cocktails. Bongani and manager Armstrong Sala have concocted a delightful pink Negroni using their Knorhoek gins, infused with botanicals from the estate. For an after-dinner treat, try the Quoin Rock husk spirit.
Opening times Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 12am
Contact 021 888 4740, stellenbosch@qbar.co.za
Address De Wet Centre Courtyard, Church Street, Stellenbosch