The 2025 Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards was a celebration of culinary excellence in the South African food scene, so it goes without saying that the wines served at the event were truly exceptional. Available exclusively through WCellar, each of the seven wines was expertly paired with a dish prepared by Chef Ollie and his team.  

First up, guests at the awards were welcomed with a chilled glass of Boschendal Brut as they mingled with the who’s who of the restaurant industry.  

Next, the bold, golden Backsberg Smuggled Vines Chardonnay 2024 met its perfect match at the sourdough and butter station, where flavourful bread was served with a variety of butters (think black garlic and honey truffle).  

Guests then moved on to oysters and smoked trout, which paired perfectly with the Fryer’s Cove Sauvignon Blanc. Fresh and bright, the wine burst with citrus notes and saline savouriness.  

After the awards ceremony, it was time to enjoy some hearty bowl food. The Boschendal Nicolas blend (Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc) was just what the chipotle oxtail with polenta, charred tomato salsa and sour cream needed to take it to the next level.  

A highlight of the evening was the cheese course – a glorious array of cheeses served alongside a mix of accompaniments, like crackers, honeycomb and konfyts. Washed down with the bold and rich Boschendal Cabernet Sauvignon, guests just couldn’t get enough.  

Finally, to tie the evening up in a sweet bow, the Bellingham Bush Vine Pinotage was paired with an array of chocolate desserts. Guests would have noted the black cherry, mulberry and raspberry fruit with an earthy minerality and beautiful oak integration, which suited every bite of the celebration of chocolate.  

Want to pair these wines at home, but don’t have Chef Ollie on speed dial? In the video below, sommelier Joseph Dhafana has all the insights on the dishes to serve with these wines so that you can create a next-level experience in your own kitchen. 

Plus, you stand a chance to win all of the wines served at the awards – see the post below for details. Don’t forget: you need to follow WCellar (@wcellarbywoolworths) and Joseph (@wine_poet) to be eligible to win. 

 

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