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Spring, with its promise of renewal and growth, mirrors the spirit of innovation at Creation. As nature awakens from its winter slumber, so too do our vineyards, bursting with life and potential. It’s a time of fresh beginnings, when every bud holds the promise of exceptional fruit. As the days grow longer and the sun warms the earth, we anticipate another bountiful harvest, a testament to life’s enduring cycle, inspiring winemaking artistry to produce exceptional, terroir-expressive wines.

In Ayurveda, we call this time period – late winter to early summer – the Kapha season. Over the deep cold and hibernation of winter, the Kapha dosha (life force) qualities of Earth and Water accumulate in the environment and thus in our bodies to counterbalance the Air and Ether energies of the Vata season (late fall to early winter). Now, as we feel the seasonal shift starting to occur, we can sense that to balance the heavier, denser, thicker and oilier effects of the Kapha season, we must lighten, remove and refresh!

In terms of a healing spring diet, our choices should be focused towards foods that are:

PUNGENT (fire + air): cayenne, chilli pepper, black pepper, mustard, ginger, asafoetida (hing), onion, radish, garlic
BITTER (air + ether): bitter melon, turmeric, dandelion, aloe vera, fenugreek, neem, coffee (in moderation and only for those with obvious Kapha imbalance)
ASTRINGENT (air + earth): unripe plantain, pomegranate, chickpeas, yellow split peas, most raw vegetables

Based on these fundamentals, our chefs have devised a beautiful new Spring Pairing Menu, as always taking inspiration from nature (this is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet), sourcing the freshest local ingredients (over 80% from within an 80km radius), and using elements from our immediate surroundings (such as indigenous plants, rocks and shells) to elevate your tasting experience as well as your understanding of our terroir.

The new pairing menu is about 80% plant-based, but some of the ‘chapters’ (courses) also feature the freshest local fish and sustainably sourced beef, game and poultry.

Chapter 1 – ‘Minerality Rules!’ – is a celebration of early summer flavours, offering a light and invigorating pairing of our Creation Sauvignon Blanc with a Cucumber and Celery Gazpacho in which wild sorrel adds a refreshing zing.

‘ABC (Absolutely Brilliant Chardonnay)’ is the title of Chapter 2, showcasing Creation Reserve Chardonnay alongside either Trout or Agedashi Tofu with Waterblommetjies and a Celeriac, Vanilla and Orange Puree. The waterblommetjies and pea shoots create a harmonious interplay of flavours and textures with the celeriac, while wild garlic and coconut cream add complexity and balance.

Delicately perfumed and resplendent in red velvet, Chapter 3’s ‘Prince Charming’ is Creation Reserve Pinot Noir, matched either with Grabouw Lamb Loin, grilled on a Hibachi Grill, or King Oyster Mushroom, scored and fried, with Num-Num Gremolata, Herb Gremolata, Salted Kumquats, Miso Roasted Sweet Potato, Sauteed Zucchini and Spring Onions, finished with Tamari, Porcini Dust and Violas.

Chapter 4 is ‘Oh So Umami’, pairing Creation Syrah, Grenache with a 100% plant-based Mung Bean Bobotie topped by a Turmeric, Coconut and Cashew Nut Custard, with the inclusion of indigenous ingredients in the Sundried Tomato and Dune Spinach Salsa, and the Date, Ginger and Spekboom Chutney, not only highlighting South Africa’s rich culinary tapestry but also adding refreshing acidity and earthy depth to the pairing.

Chapter 5 is ‘Pure Joy!’ as the fine bubbles in Creation Elation Cap Classique elevate the creaminess of Honeybush Milk Tart Affogato, with Grilled Sliced Peaches and Naartjie Dust harmonising with the citrus notes of the wine while cinnamon and cardamom spices provide a warm and inviting finish.

You can expect a few other surprises, secure in the knowledge that Creation’s menus are all based on Ayurvedic principles, checked by an integrated medicine specialist, with ingredients chosen for their health benefits as well as their flavours and textures. There’s an alcohol-free pairing menu for those who are driving or abstaining, and the Kids Menu allows for plenty of creativity, such as build-your-own waffles, sweet or savoury. Not forgetting the à la carte menu and a delicious breakfast menu, too.

Creation’s Spring Pairing Menu can be enjoyed for R1285pp, and booking is essential, especially during the school holidays (20-30 September). Please email reservations@creationwines.com or phone +27 28 212 1107, specifying your dietary requirements.

Trust your palate and enjoy the journey!