I took a journey into a centuries old Russian tradition at Hazendal ‘where heritage is celebrated through the introduction of contemporary architecture and design.’
Hazendal Wine Estate is a ‘unique winelands experience’ nestling in the Bottelary Hills, on Bottelary Road, in Stellenbosch.
Whether you’re in search of indulgence, adventure, or simply a spot of relaxation, there’s something for everyone.
The estate offers a variety of unique venues and experience, one such experience is the Russian Tea Ceremony which was the sole purpose of my visit.
The Russian Tea Ceremony celebrates the central role tea has played in Russian society since 1638. Russian people are known for not just drinking vodka but also tea, which is an important part of culture.
How the Russian Tea Ceremony is presented at Hazendal:-
A specially sourced and imported black Russian tea blend is served from a steaming Samovar (ornate Russian tea urn)
- The Samovar is the central symbol of the Russian Tea Ceremony.
The tea is then served using a traditional hand-painted porcelain tea sets from the Dulevo porcelain factory, one of the oldest and most famous porcelain producers in Russia.
Sweet and savoury Russian delights are served as part of the tea experience. The delights are eaten from the centre with the Olivier salad, then to the left of the plate going clockwise.
- You can choose between standard (meat), vegetarian or gluten free menu, they even have an option for kids.
The Vegetarian Menu
Baranki on Samovar – crisp tea biscuit on a Russian tea urn
Oladyi – crumpet with mushroom and herb ragout
Blinchik – thin crêpe with créme fraiche and spring onion
Spinach Piroshok – fried pastry filled with creamed spinach and feta cheese Cabbage Piroshok – fried pastry filled with braised cabbage and potato Olivier salad – Russian potato salad
Dark chocolate custard tart
Sharlotka inspiration – apple and phyllo rose pastry Pavlova – meringue with non-dairy cream and seasonal berries Russian chocolate salami
Zephyr – fruit meringue
Hazendal’s Russian Tea Ceremony stands out as an exotic and culturally enriching memorable experience. ‘radostnoye vremya (a joyful time)’
Booking Information:-
- The Russian Tea Ceremony is presented Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00 (last booking at 15:00)
- Bookings are essential and require a minimum of 24 hours’ notice. 50% pre-payment is required to secure the booking.
- The Russian Tea Ceremony is R395 per adult and R255 per child (12 years and under)
- Mid-week Special (Tuesday – Thursday) is R335 per adult and R216 per child (12 years and under)
The Estate
The Estate offers a variety of unique venues where all types of functions and events can be held.
Yet another Splendid Experience!
SPLENDID EXPERIENCES 