An enchanting, three-century
old wine estate (Anno 1691) on the edge of Stellenbosch, has risen like the
proverbial phoenix from the ashes over the past seven years to become one of the
Cape’s most exclusive wineland destinations. When the wine farm, Verdun, was bought by entrepreneur, Markus
Rahmann in 2001, the vineyards were fairly well established but the
outbuildings were in a run-down condition.
Today, the newly-named luxurious “Asara” with its latest 5-star hotel
addition, is almost unrecognisable. A 36
bed-roomed hotel opened on the estate in May, 2008, where guests can indulge in
five-star luxury accommodation, fine
wine tastings, superb service, and gourmet dining in either of the two
restaurants, Raphael’s and Bistro & Tapas @ ASARA. All of which boast spectacular views with their tranquil
waterside setting, backed by the grandeur of the Stellenbosch and Helderberg
mountains and vineyards all around providing an idyllic backdrop. Discreetly tucked away in the middle of the
vines of this working wine estate, one of Asara Hotel’s many attractions is its
warm, relaxed hospitality. Asara also make
use of the reduce,
reuse and recycle criteria within their hotel and venue. They also have a system in place to ensure
the correct amount of items are in stock and that all containers and cardboard
are sent to recalling therefore reducing the amount of waste collected weekly. All their plastic, glass and food items (wet
and dry) are collected by a recycling company weekly. Food items are collected by pig farmers
weekly. Solar panels ensure that the
hotel uses less electricity.
The name “Asara” derives from the names of the African gods of
Earth, Sun and Sky, and represents the harmony of nature reflected in the
estate’s range of award winning wines. The
entire concept is the brainchild of owners, Markus and Christiane Rahmann.
Buying a winery was never at the top of the Rahmann’s “To do” list, but a chance
trip to South Africa
on the back of a motorbike led to a whole new inspiration and direction in
life. This endeavor definitely has a
long term view. Going into the hotel and wine industry means time and much
investment. “We are here in the long term to add value to the wine and
hospitality industry”.
Both the restaurants and bar offer the option of Al fresco
dining overlooking the picturesque dams with its vast array of birdlife,
mountains and vineyards, and offer everything from affordable light meals to
fine-dining delights. Bistro & Tapas @ ASARA on
the waters edge offers a unique vibe with its wood and maroon décor, as well as
the individually created and prepared bite-size Mediterranean inspired dishes,
served up alongside typically informal bistro fare. Raphael’s, the continental-style, classical restaurant on the estate,
provides versatile dining room seating. With its timeless furnishings of
brocaded chairs, sparkling glasses and
crisp white tablecloths, guests can enjoy a whole range of
classic European cuisine, all perfectly prepared under the well-experienced
guidance of French-Alsacienne Executive Chef, Patrick Bischoff, either indoors
or on the outdoor veranda.
Patrick’s philosophy of “five-star cuisine in a world class
setting, incorporating local produce” can be complimented by Asara’s range of
award wining wines as well as the exclusive Vinoteque stock, offering 20 000
bottles of the finest and rarest local and foreign wines for the connoisseur’s
selection. The “Sansibar” Whisky & Cigar Lounge Bar (named after the bar on the island of Sylt, North West Germany),
has a great warm ambiance of its own, and is proving a favourite day-time or
after-dinner spot for guests looking to indulge in a cigar from the built-in humidor
feature, with a dram of the finest single malt whiskey.
There is no cutting of corners here at Asara. Everything is
simply of the best quality, be it from its carefully trained staff, the extra
spacious rooms with modern bathrooms, elegant décor, to the exquisitely
prepared and presented food.
Colour schemes, fabric selections and décor, are the result of
Markus and Christiane’s natural flair for elegance and quality. Simple, yet
exotic orchids, which are Asara created and registered, are perfectly placed
around the hotel. One of the most
characteristic features of Asara is its extraordinary lighting. The specially selected
Tiffany lamps and chandeliers, which are supplied from Markus’ own export lighting
business in China,
are quite exceptional, and these state-of-the-art designs blend in beautifully
as features of their very own. There
many things to explore and talk about at Asara. You may wish to taste of its
many outstanding wines in the Wine Tasting
Centre, browse through the range of
imported Asara brand clothing, buy some
fresh treats from the in-house Delicatessen & Confectionary to take home
with you. These attractions are situated around a beautiful small-village style
centre fountain courtyard, overlooking the spectacular Stellenbosch valleys and
mountains.
It’s the perfect place for a special occasion. Not only could
you get married here in sumptuous style in the Grand Ball Room, you may even
place your wedding register here at the Estate’s kitchen emporium “High End
Kitchens @ Asara”. A stay in the fairytale three storey Avalon honeymoon suite,
complete with spiral staircase, a bath under a huge chandelier, specially
created for this very unique room is a treat of its own. It’s a place to celebrate!
Asara Wine Estate & Hotel, a 2009 member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux Association, is ideally located in the heart of the Winelands, close to
numerous cultural, historical and culinary attractions, as well as award
winning golf courses, all a mere 20 minutes drive from Cape Town International
Airport.
Our function hall can accommodate up to 160 people with a dance
floor (if you feel like dancing the night away), and 180 without. There is also
a large lawn area outside the hall with views over our vine yards and dams in
which we can arrange a marquee tent that will be able to seat up to 500 guests.
If you are looking for a smaller, more intimate affair feel free
to utilize one of our smaller restaurant venues – Raphael’s, the Bistro &
Tapas, or even the Sansibar lounge with its veranda overlooking the stunning
mountains and vineyards. The choice is yours...
Allow our talented chefs to create a menu for your big day,
tailored to suit your individual needs and tastes, and, of course, all of our
fabulous food will be perfectly complemented by a selection of our very own
ASARA wine. Leave all the stress and planning to our experienced staff, which
can ensure that you walk away with the greatest memories. After the reception, treat yourselves to a
night or two in our stunning three storey honeymoon tower – the Avalon Suite.
With its winding staircase and romantic Victorian bath it is the perfect way to
begin your new life together.
Creating
the wedding you both desire can be a very stressful endeavour. Our professional
staff will make your planning worries and stress disappear while you maintain
control of your day. We will help you
create your vision of a personal and memorable wedding by reducing the stress
involved in the planning. Here are a few things to remember!
12 to 6 months in advance
Get the
date
Plan your
budget
Arrange
your ceremony time, day and year
Meet the
marriage officer
Plan your
first guest list
Call ASARA
wine estate to get the perfect venue – ask for a ceremony location on the vine
yards
Decide on
Bridesmaids and Groomsmen
Find and
meet a photographer
ASARA is
working with one of the best wedding planners in Cape Town to assist you in all your
planning
and organisation
Get a
folder where you can put all your wedding papers inside:
Your ID
Books, if you have been married before: Divorce decree,
if you are
a widow or widower: Death certificate;
if you
intend to enter into an ante-nuptial contract this must be concluded prior to
the day
of the
wedding.
If you are
not South Africa,
certified copies of your passport picture page and visa page (the
marriage
officer is also a Commissioner of Oaths and will be able to certify your
copies)
6 to 4 months in advance
Bride and
Groom wedding attire and accessories
Bride maids’
dresses and suits for groomsmen
Buy your
ring pillow
Videographer
and photographer (if not already planned)
Menu and
beverages – make an appointment with Patrick Bischoff, Executive Chef at ASARA
Order your
Wedding Cake at ASARA Wine Estate & Hotel
Source
Decor for reception venue and ceremony – ask ASARA for recommendations
Musicians
or DJ at ceremony and/or reception – ask ASARA for recommendations
Meet your
favourite Florist
Get your
wedding ring
7 31/09
3 to 1 month in advance
Visit dance
classes
Organise
Gift Registry
Hair and
Make-up Artists - make rotational appointment
May be
visiting a tanning salon
Stationery
- invites, menus, table seating plan, order of service
Guest book
Honeymoon
planning incl. getting your papers, booking hotels and flights, immunization
Give the
Pre-Nuptial Agreement
Try on your
brides dress; see if it needs to get resized
Book or
confirm the accommodations at ASARA for out-of-town guests
Ceremony
rehearsal
Transport
of elderly guests to the wedding
Setting up
of reception room on the day
Ceremony
readings
Picking up
of Suits, Wedding Dress and Bridesmaids outfits
Introductions,
order of events, toasts, first dance, bouquet toss, etc.
Gifts for
bride maids and parents
After the event
Have a
wonderful private breakfast at ASARA Wine Estate & Hotel with your guests
Thank notes
or videos / photos for the guests
