Quoin Rock, the family-owned wine estate on the slopes of the Simonsberg has reopened to the public after six years of careful renovation and restoration. “The philosophy of the company is to build one of the best wineries in South Africa,” says Gaiduk. “From the beginning we said that there would be no compromise on quality.” The wines of Quoin Rock are best experienced in the elegant new Wine Lounge, where glass walls offer a glimpse into the atmospheric barrel maturation cellar. “We’re surrounded by amazing wineries, so we knew we needed to create something different,” explains Julia Gaiduk, lead architect on the revamp of the estate. “We realised that the devil is in the detail!” And there’s no shortage of eye-catching detail in the chic new space, where organic elements of wood, stone and water play off against the sleek leather banquettes and striking vineyard views. Come evening, the Wine Lounge transforms into one of the most exciting new restaurants to hit the winelands in years; Gåte. Executive Chef Rikku Ò’Donnchü presents an international aesthetic and boundary-breaking cuisine across a 16-course menu that melds tradition and science.