Located in Franschhoek in the Valley of the Huguenots in South Africa is the Maison Estate, owned by Chris Weylandt. The villa type building houses the Tasting Room where a selection of limited edition wines may be appreciated and a restaurant called The Kitchen.
Throughout the interior, white walls, floors and ceilings dominate and come together to form an environment of serenity which represents a clean palate prepared to enjoy the fare of this down to earth establishment. As the Weylandt family is known as suppliers of designer furniture, the taste of the owner exerts a presence in the interior and the contrasting elements of materials and textures. Unvarnished pieces in roughly hewn wood stand together with vintage and contemporary. In The Tasting room, a solid timber table is accompanied by almost invisible perspex chairs stand under a ‘chandelier’ of suspended green bottles. Shelves of unvarnished wood hold an interesting selection of local pottery in a laid back environment which invites the visitor to enjoy a wine tasting experience without the often encountered snob like behavior associated with the appreciation of fine wines.
The Kitchen concentrates on local seasonal produce served in a space furnished in vintage, rustic and contemporary pieces and diners have the opportunity to enjoy their meal on a terrace or under the nearby oak trees on the lawn. A simple structure with a well thought out interior where the product can shine, results in a magical destination for wining and dining in the South African countryside.
