Bubbles & Sushi at Paul René | Robertson MCC Pairing

Saturdays in the Robertson wine valley have found a new rhythm. At Paul René, the boutique Cap Classique house on Wonderfontein Farm just outside Robertson, Saturday now means fresh sushi, chilled bubbles and long, unhurried hours on the lawns with the Langeberg mountains as a backdrop.

Bubbles & Sushi (or Sushi Saturday, as the farm calls it) has quickly become one of the most relaxed food-and-wine experiences in the valley. Here is everything you need to know before you go, and how to make a full weekend of it with Wine Valley Safari.

What Is Bubbles & Sushi at Paul René?

Every Saturday from 10h00 to 15h00, the courtyard outside the Paul René tasting room and the terrace spilling onto the wide lawns turn into a laid-back gathering spot. Owners Henk and Monica van Niekerk set out tables under white umbrellas, the sushi bar gets rolling, and the bubbly comes out of the ice buckets.

It is a walk-in affair. There are no bookings, so arrive early to avoid the queues and to claim a shady table in the courtyard or a spot on the grass. Bubbles are sold by the glass or bottle, and the food is ordered on the day.

Good to know

• When: Saturdays, 10h00 to 15h00

• Bookings: walk-ins only. Come early to avoid queues

• Where: Wonderfontein Farm, about 1 km outside Robertson on the McGregor road

• Families: kid-friendly food plus lawns, barrel swings and water features

• Contact: +27 23 626 2212 or admin@paulrenemcc.co.za

The Sushi Menu: Rolls, Oysters and Sharing Platters

The menu is bigger than you might expect from a wine-farm pop-up. It covers California rolls, maki, fashion sandwiches, hand rolls, nigiri, sashimi, salmon roses and rainbow rolls, plus a poke bowl and avo-and-cucumber salads. Oysters are served at market price, and non-sushi eaters can pick spring rolls, dumplings, tempura prawns, crispy chicken or calamari with chips.

Pricing is refreshingly gentle. On the current Paul René sushi menu, a vegetable spring roll starts at R30, six-piece maki from R38 and the poke bowl is R110. Sharing combos range from R150 for 12 pieces to R290 for 24 pieces. Prices can change, so check the menu or contact Paul René to confirm.

Meet the Bubbles: Paul René Cap Classique

Paul René is a true boutique Méthode Cap Classique (MCC) producer, and the bubbles are the reason to come. The Brut that started it all is 100% Chardonnay and spends no less than 20 months on the lees. The range now includes:

• Brut: 100% Chardonnay. Crisp, fresh and the classic match for salmon nigiri and sashimi

• Brut Rosé: 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay. A lovely partner for tuna and rainbow rolls

• Nectar: a Pinot Noir and Chardonnay blend with a sweet caramel finish. Try it with the chocolate spring rolls

• Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut: the newest release, made only from Chardonnay. Bone-dry and ideal with oysters

Why MCC and Sushi Work So Well Together

Cap Classique and sushi is one of those pairings that simply makes sense. Robertson's limestone soils give Chardonnay a bright natural acidity, and that freshness, along with the fine bubbles, cleans the palate between bites of rich salmon, creamy avo and soy. Drier styles such as the Brut and Extra Brut cut through tempura and mayo, while the Rosé's red-berry notes stand up to tuna. A little sweetness, like the Nectar, softens any wasabi heat.

A Family-Friendly Saturday on the Farm

With three school-age children of their own, Henk and Monica designed Paul René to work for the whole family. There are barrel swings, cooling water features and plenty of lawn for kids to run on while the grown-ups linger over another bottle. Picnic blankets, wicker couches and the view of the Langeberg make it easy to stay far longer than planned. And if you'd rather not drive home, ask Paul René about staying over in the Manor House.

Make a Weekend of It with Wine Valley Safari

Sushi Saturday is a wonderful finale to a weekend in the valley, and Wine Valley Safari takes care of the driving for the tasting days around it. Our tours run Monday to Saturday and depart at 10h00 from Blou Pieke Boutique Hotel, 48 Long Street, Montagu, and at 11h00 from Four Cousins, 54 Voortrekker Ave, Robertson.

• The Classic Golden Mile Wine Safari: from R650 per person, 13 wines across three estates on Robertson's Golden Mile

• The Golden Mile Deluxe Wine Safari: from R895 per person. Choose three of our curated pairing and Cap Classique experiences

• The Golden Ticket VIP Wine Safari: from R995 per person, 15 exceptional wines at Zandvliet, De Wetshof and Springfield

Want Paul René built into your day? Our private VIP Voyage tours can be tailored to the estates you love. Contact us to ask about including a Saturday stop at Paul René.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Sushi Saturday at Paul René?

Every Saturday from 10h00 to 15h00. Hours and dates can change over holidays, so contact Paul René on +27 23 626 2212 to confirm before you travel.

Do I need to book for Bubbles & Sushi?

No. It is walk-ins only, with no bookings. Arrive early to avoid the queues and get your pick of tables.

Where is Paul René MCC?

On Wonderfontein Farm, about 1 km outside Robertson on the McGregor road. It is roughly 90 minutes' drive from Cape Town and an easy hop from Montagu.

Is Paul René child-friendly?

Yes. There are kid-friendly menu options, lawns, barrel swings and water features, so it is a great family outing in the Robertson wine valley.

Plan Your Robertson Wine Valley Escape

Fresh sushi, beautiful Cap Classique and a long Saturday on the lawns. It is hard to think of a better way to end a weekend in Robertson. Find out more at Paul René, then book your Wine Valley Safari for the days around it and let us do the driving.