Media Launch at Cellar 1848 in Montagu

We feel honoured to have been invited to attend the Media Launch at Cellar 1848 in Montagu. This blissful little town is at the beginning of the Klein Karoo region in South Africa, about a two and a half hour’s drive from Cape Town International Airport. The Karoo in South Africa is a natural semi-desert region. If you are a lover of the country lifestyle, then Montagu should be on your bucket list of places to explore.

Driving from Cape Town to Montagu is such a scenic route, especially if you take the route via Robertson, Cogmanskloof pass is a must-see. This scenic drive prepares you for the beauty of Montagu. If you are getting married soon and are looking for a lovely countryside wedding venue on a farm, then this is an article you should not miss.

We were there for the rebranding launch of Cellar 1848, previously known as Cabrières. With a long history in creating magical weddings at Cabrières, they decided it was time for a reviver and therefore from now on they will be known as Cellar 1848. Some of the media guests that attended the launch included Celebrity Chef and Author, Zola Nene, Cabin Seekers, The Founders of Mooi Troues and Mooi Leefstyl, Glamour Magazine Writer, Getaway Magazine Writer, The Pretty Blog, and many more amazing members of the media.

Brendon from Bren Productions took such lovely photographs of the event, so we didn’t have to lift a finger and just took in all the beauty of this area. Scroll down to read more about our time at the media launch at Cellar 1848.

Wine tasting and exploring the farm:

On our way to the farm, we drove a gravel road surrounded by lush vineyards and picturesque mountains. We were welcomed by our host, Jared, also known as Jared in Cape Town. On arrival at the farm, we all jumped onto the back of a tractor-trailer and were driven up the hill on a quite adventurous gravel road. When we reached the top of the hill we had a breathtaking view over the vineyards and farm. Everyone was on their phones taking pictures and posing with the picturesque views as their backdrop.

Chris, the winemaker of Montagu Wines explained a bit more about the company’s history and wines. We also had a delicious glass of their Wines Lady Mary Montagu – Perlé Pink Moscato wine. This was delicious, perfect for a summer wine next to the pool. After the wine tasting and many photographs up the hill, we made our way down again to the farm for dinner.

Dinner under the stars:

Belia and the team at Leeftijd Catering made sure that the hungry guests were all catered for with the most delicious foods. We are true foodies and love a flavoursome dinner. This one was extra special as our city girls don’t often get the chance to enjoy dinner under a massive tree filled with lights hanging over a long table on a farm.

Fires were going as the chefs flame-grilled our food on the braai (It’s an open-flame BBQ for those who don’t know what a braai is). The smells alone made us so hungry and excited.

Starter:

Wow! The food table was so pretty and looked absolutely divine. Filled with Roosterkoek, Homemade Apricot Jam, a variety of amazing cheeses, spreads, homemade flavoured butter, fresh local fruit and nuts. Our taste buds were having a party at this table. Montagu Wines, a local winemaker in the region made sure we had some lovely wine paired with our food. We had their 2022 Chenin Blanc with our starter, which was to die for.

Mains:

After that delicious starter table, we were so excited to see what was for dinner. We had open flame grilled Lamb chops, Boerewors, Chicken Espetadas, Jacket Potatoes, Sweet Potato with fillings to choose from, and delicious Pumpkin Fritters. For the meat, there was a delicious Montagu Muscadel Sauce. We could also choose between three fresh seasonal salads.

We had a glass of Montagu Wines 2016 Mont Massif Cabernet Sauvignon. A perfect match with the food served. The wine was so easily drinkable and worked so well with our palette.

Desert:

Oh my, after that amazing starter and main, there were still some sweet desserts. The dessert was also served buffet style, so we could all dish for ourselves. There were a large variety of different sweet treats.

After this amazing dinner, we were definitely ready for bedtime and a busy and exciting day the next day.

Wedding Venues’ new name launch:

We took the gravel road again to the wedding venue. It’s an easy drive with a normal car. It was a picture-perfect morning when we arrived at the wedding venue. Some media guests were already soaking up the natural sunlight on the lush green grass in front of the wedding venue.

Om arrival we had a quick snack and the most amazing fresh and ice-cold Pomegranate Juice. This was so refreshing! We went on another tractor tour. This time up in the vineyards where the farmer showed us how they measure the sugar levels of the grapes. Quite an interesting process.

This was the part everyone was most excited about, the launch of Cellar 1848, previously known as Cabrières. A beautiful wedding venue nestled in the natural splendour of the Montagu valley. With a large outdoor patio where wedding guests can enjoy the views of the vineyards and mountains surrounding the perfectly situated wedding venue.

They had a stunning long table set up in the venue to showcase what the venue space has to offer. Booi Creative was the one that did his magic with this absolutely out-of-this-world setup. Alfred made use of local dried-out plants from the farm and incorporated them as floral designs with the wedding table setup. Definitely a winner! We loved absolutely every element.

Cellar 1848 can host between 100 and 120 guests at a time. There’s definitely not a lack of accommodation options in the Montagu area as this little town has a lot of amazing accommodation options for your wedding guests to choose from. Whether you are looking for something luxurious or rustic, you are covered.

Brunch in the Vineyards:

Oh my! This was the most idyllic brunch spot ever, with al fresco vibes! A long table, hidden between the vineyards on a warm wind-free day under the African sun. This is literally something you would see when scrolling Instagram. We had so much fun and love chatting with our fellow media friends. Definitely made some new friends!

The food was simply gorgeous. A brunch is always so much fun, you still get the feel of breakfast, but also the lunch vibe. So it’s the best of both worlds which we love. Okay, let’s make you a tad jealous. Food was served Canapé style on the long festive table in the vineyards. On the menu were Fig phyllo cups, Deviled eggs, Caprese skewers, Mushrooms & Polenta, Granola Shots, Chicken & Waffles, Eggs Benedict Rosti, Croque Montagu, Seasonal Granita, Poached Nectarines, Fruit Skewer, French Toast Surprise.

Now you are going to ask which one was our favourite. Definitely the Chicken & Waffles. Something I would never order in any restaurant, because of the strange combination, but oh my word, this was delicious.