Wortelgat Fine Dining @Springfontein Reopens With Chef Janine Van Der Nest

February 17, 2024
Food and Drink, Lifestyle

Springfontein Wine Estate is excited to announce that Wortelgat, the estate’s fine dining restaurant, is now open for the season. The restaurant nestles in the beautiful landscapes of Stanford village near Hermanus, providing guests with a picturesque setting to enjoy their meals. This season, Wortelgat unveils, from December 2023 to May 2024, a new chapter in its story, driven by the culinary bravery of the esteemed Chef Janine van der Nest.

Janine, known for her down-to-earth mastery of local flavours, invites gourmets on a remarkable gastronomic journey. She expresses a part of her life through an exquisite lineup of courses, skillfully weaving together the tapestry of her childhood memories. The menu’s central theme, aptly named “Contrasts,” blends her early experiences at her parents’ oven with the evolved version of herself. By taking this unique approach, Janine offers diners a one-of-a-kind experience that will leave a lasting impression.

Culinary Alchemy

As she explains: “Each dish on the menu encapsulates moments of joy, sorrow, humbleness, adventure, and
triumph of spirit, creating an extraordinary culinary narrative that resonates with both the palate
and the heart.”

The collaboration between Springfontein and Chef Janine goes beyond the plate, with an
exclusive wine & food pairing showcasing Springfontein wines.

“Wortelgat promises an unparalleled dining experience, where each bite tells a special story, and
each sip is a journey through the unique terroir of Springfontein” adds Janine, underlying the
synergetic relationship between her delectable dishes and the wines of the estate which for
nearly thirty years has made it its mission to develop the unique soil of maritime limestone
viticulturally under its own cool-climate monopoly appellation “Springfontein Rim”.

Culinary enthusiasts can anticipate a symphony of aromas where the core ambassador “wine” is
emphasized all along the epicurean journey, with harmonious blend of flavours.

“We are not just sending our unique wine message to the world; we are inviting people to
experience the spirit of Springfontein directly. It’s about extending the terroir principle to the
culinary level.”
Dr Johst Weber, Springfontein Wine Estate’s founder & CEO

About Springfontein Wine Estate

Springfontein was founded in 1994 by Dr Johst Weber, with the vision to create a “free-spirited
place that involved family and friends around wine as a unifying product that offers a
combination of nature and human craftsmanship”. Springfontein is regarded as one of South
Africa’s hidden gems, producing award-winning organic wines.

About Chef Janine Van der Nest

Chef Janine, a celebrated local chef in the Overberg, is known for her passion for storytelling through food, which she achieves by harmoniously fusing nostalgia with evolution. Her creations and the collaborative environment she fosters at Wortelgat kitchen reflect her humility and respect for the local community. Additionally, she actively encourages her team to contribute and share their ideas, making her kitchen a dynamic and innovative space.