With over two decades of experience advising several of Africa’s top lodges, Ingrid brings both depth of knowledge and a genuine passion for South African wines. She has been involved as a 5-star panel taster for the Platter’s Guide to South African Wine since 2006, as well as judging at the International Wine Challenge (IWC) in London. Ingrid is also an accredited lecturer for the Cape Wine Academy and the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), making her exceptionally well placed to guide our guests and staff through the world of wine. It’s through her guidance that our wine selection has evolved into something both refined and approachable: a carefully balanced collection that invites discovery.
 
“South Africa is now considered the most dynamic wine region in the world,” Ingrid shares. “Guests who enjoy wine either already know this, or want to find out.”
 
Our cellar reflects this sentiment. Compact yet considered, it showcases exclusively South African wines with the exception of French Champagne. Within it, guests will find a range of varietals, vintages and price points, thoughtfully selected to suit both seasoned connoisseurs and those simply curious to try.
 
Regular cellar audits conducted by Ingrid ensure that every bottle meets the highest standards, while ongoing staff training allows our team to confidently guide guests through the selection, sharing tasting notes and the stories behind each bottle.
 
For many, the experience is one of many pleasant surprises. “Our excellent Chenin Blancs often take pride of place in the pleasant surprise spot,” Ingrid notes. “Even winemakers from the Loire Valley admire them.” South Africa’s Pinotage also continues to intrigue, while Cap Classique and Chardonnays have quietly come into their own in recent years.

It is, however, in our multi-course 'Gastronomic Safari' evening that the pairing of local wine and cuisine becomes truly memorable. “I love the first pairing of wildebeest liver pâté with a sweet Noble Late Harvest wine,” Ingrid shares. "In the way of the French, followed by an unctuously sweet Vin de Constance with pannacotta for dessert. It's such a great start and finish to this sublime experience.”
 
From old favourites like Kanonkop and Klein Constantia to the likes of John Seccombe’s Thorne & Daughters and Peter-Allan Finlayson’s Crystallum, each wine is chosen to enhance both flavour and a sense place. And for those new to South African cuisine, Ingrid offers a simple yet evocative recommendation: “Pinotage with warthog carpaccio — it captures the spirit of the country perfectly.”
 
Set against the backdrop of the bushveld, these moments become something far more special than a meal: they’re a celebration of wine and wilderness, food and flavour, and of a country whose offerings continue to surprise, delight, and evolve.