The tantalizing aroma of marinated meats wafting through the air, the sizzle of juicy steaks hitting the grill, and chatter amongst friends. These are the quintessential sights and sounds of a - South African Braai

We're proud to honor this beloved South African tradition at Vendome Toluca Lake. 

THURSDAY May 2nd 6:30- 9:30 PM Limited Seating by RSVP $59.99 (Includes braai and all wines) Purchase 12 bottles of wine, and we'll credit the $59.99 towards your purchase.

The word "braai" is derived from the Afrikaans language, where it simply means "barbecue" or "grill." The practice of cooking meat over an open flame has ancient roots in South Africa.

Today, National Braai Day is a celebration of South Africa's multiculturalism, bringing people from all walks of life together to share a meal cooked over an open flame. This is where YOU come into the picture! We'd like to invite you to join us on this day, and savor the flavors, stories, and warmth of the braai tradition.

In the Round We will have several groups of 4 to 6 people, rotating throughout the wine bar in 30 minute increments. Each group will taste and discuss the wines with each winemaker, before rotating to the next station do so the same thing. This including a visit to the braai to experience first hand, the magic of this South African tradition. There will be plenty of food throughout the entire wine tasting, food will not be limited to your visit to the braai.

South African Wine History

It boasts a 350+ year history of winemaking. Soils date back over 500 million years, making it some of oldest viticultural soils in the world. The French and Dutch settlers brought vines from Europe and established vineyards to provide wine to the Dutch East India Trading Company. 1659 was the Cape’s first recorded vintage. Located at the tip of the African continent, the Cape winelands are nestled between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The Cape’s mild Mediterranean climate, tempered by cooling ocean breezes, is ideal for quality wine production. It contains over 20,401 plant species. That is approximately 7% of the world’s vascular plants. 2/3 of these are endemic. South Africa is leading the world in producing ecofriendly wines. Wineries are united in farming sustainably and protecting the biodiversity heritage.

Meet the South African Wine Makers

Vendomes braai will host some of the most important wineries from South Africa.

Gavin Slabbert Raats Family Wines Mvemve Raats Bruwer Vintners

Raats was hailed by Wine Spectator as a “top-notch Cabernet Franc producer.” This winery is solely focused on crafting world class Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc. His limited production Cabernet Franc earns consistent 90+ WS ratings.

The Wines

Raats 2022 Original Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc Raats 2019 Coastal Region Red Jasper Bordeaux Blend Raats 2021 Stellenbosch MR De Compostella Red Blend B Vintners NV Stellenbosch Red Blend

Danielle Coetsee Boschendal

Boschendal is nestled in one of the most picturesque valleys in the Cape winelands, surrounded by the dramatic Drakenstein mountain landscapes, lush gardens and vines. As one of South Africa’s original wine farms, we boast a winemaking tradition spanning over 330 years. Established in 1685, the land was originally granted to French Huguenot émigré, Jean Le Long, who escaped France’s religious persecution to seek sanctuary in the Cape. Today they are making world class wines while honoring their heritage.

The Wines

Boschendal NV Western Cape Brut Boschendal 2020 Black Angus Stellenbosch Red Blend Boschendal 2020 "1685" Pinot Noir Boschendal NV South Africa Brut Rose

Heinrich Venter Kanonkop

Kanonkop is considered to be the South African equivalent of a Premier Cru or First Growth. Not only will Kanonkop have current vintages, but they will also be showing Library wines such as Paul Sauer 2006 and 2009. Kanonkop was the first South African winery to receive 100 points.

The Wines

Kanonkop 2016 Estate Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Kanonkop 2020 Estate Stellenbosch Paul Sauer Red Bordeaux Blend Kanonkop 2021 Estate Stellenbosch Pinotage Kanonkop 2023 Estate Stellenbosch Kadette Rose Pinotage

Tania Careme Terre Brulee Domaine Vincent Careme

Terre Brulee and Domaine Vincent Careme are owned by Vincent and Tania Careme. This is a unique experience to take the same grape from the same winemaker, but both from France and South Africa. Domaine Vincent Careme is located in Vouvray, and was awarded the Wine & Spirits top 100 wineries in 2015, 2017 and 2018. Their passion for Chenin is infectious.

The Wines

Domaine Vincent Careme 2022 Vouvray Les Clos Chenin Blanc Domaine Vincent Careme 2020 Vouvray Spring Chenin Blanc Terre Brulee 2018 Swartland Le Rouge Cinsault-Syrah Terre Brulee 2022 Swartland Chenin Blanc

Petri Venter Taaibosch Le Chant

Taaibosh is situated on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain in Stellenbosch, it’s story began in the early 1690’s when the property was first surveyed and granted to early settlers. In the mid 1990’s the property began producing its own wines under the name Cordoba, and they quickly gained fame. They now have become a cult brand, and an icon of South Africa. It was the first Cabernet Franc driven Bordeaux blend to be produced in South Africa.

The Wines

Le Chant 2022 Stellenbosch Blanc Le Chant 2022 Stellenbosch Rouge Taaibosch 2019 Crescendo Stellenbosch Red Blend

More than a barbecue A braai is a social event and a part of the culture in South Africa, and we're having one at Vendome! Americans love to grill and barbecue, especially during the warmer months of summer. In contrast to South Africans, where a braai is a celebratory or social occasion, where people gather around the fire to watch the host cook the meats. The braai is such an important part of South African tradition, and for this reason, braais commemorate holidays, birthdays, graduations, special occasions, and any reason under the sun - like an amazing South African Wine Tasting and braai at Vendome. So, what do say... Are You In?

RSVP