Ke-monate, which means “that’s nice!” in Sotho, is the Home of Signal Wines, aptly named as several restored canons surround the perimeter looking regal and somewhat out of place. That’s if, of course, you don’t know their history. The signal gun which stands guard at the entrance of Ke-monate on Hooggelegen Farm has sounded out for 300 years as part of the signal chain of the Dutch East India Company. Although there is no need to call to arms the Burgher Militia to defend the cape quite so often anymore, so it signals that all is well at Ke-monate on the first Saturday of every month and like Pavlov’s cat, your palate becomes inexplicably dry and you are craving the taste of Signal Wines.
The restaurant, wherein you will find the wine bar and bistro, is an old renovated farm house and was recently opened last year October (2010). It is here that I came when I was signalled. The cocktail menu has an armoury of options, all the regulars are there (martini, cosmo, pina colada, margarita, mojito, fruit daiquiri, long island) at a reasonable price of between R26 and R44. Also on the menu is Ke-monate’s secret weapon, their house cocktail, the Signal Gun Martini (R34) which features their Signal Gun Sauvignon Blanc. Something unusual that I found was the White Chocolate cosmo, sounds delectable and I bet it looks explosive. There is also a small battalion of shooters, and you should recognise the ever classy Sowetan Toilet and the patriotic Springbokkie. Interesting enough this is not the only ‘springbokkie’ you will spot at Ke-monate and I don’t mean on the menu – game such as eland, springbok, and zebra roam freely on the Hooggelegen farm.
Wine tasting takes place down a skinny, winding, nightmare-originating staircase that leads into the dark cellars below. At R15 to taste any 6 Durbanville boutique wines, I think this place is a steal. The restaurant has an excellent selection on their Tapas menu, I can recommend the chicken springrolls – like little crispy fingers of deliciousness! Also a nice touch from the kitchen is you can pre-order a picnic to enjoy on their lawns and take in the view while a stray springbok nibbles on the basket handle… As if Ke-monate didn’t have enough unique quirks, every full moon you can enjoy sundowners and a special menu.
See more on Ke-monate at www.ke-monate.co.za or call 021 976 7343. Ke-monate is located just outside of Durbanville off Vissershok Road.
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