Article The Indaba Tasting Room

The Indaba Tasting Room A Wine Lover’s Dream in Fourways.​

If you’re keen to sample, sip, and savour the wonderful world of wine, the Indaba Tasting Room in Fourways is your go-to spot! Nestled within the serene Indaba Hotel, this gem offers an unforgettable experience that brings the charm of the winelands right to the heart of the city.

Arrival

From the moment we stepped into the Indaba Hotel, we felt like VIPs. The warm welcome at reception made check-in a breeze. A delightful golf cart ride whisked us away to our stunning suite, which boasted a spacious layout, chic design, and a bathroom that dreams are made of, think his and hers basins, a walk-in rainfall shower, and a lavish bathtub. The room was kitted out with all the essentials, air conditioning, a mini-fridge, a tea and coffee station, a work desk and a makeup station. The cherry on top? A private balcony overlooking the lush gardens, perfect for those morning cuppas or evening wind-downs.​

After settling in, we rang up reception for a shuttle to the Epsom Restaurant, another on-site marvel. A quick bite later, we were back in our room, gearing up for the main event of the evening. Dressed to the nines, we hopped on another shuttle, this time bound for the much-anticipated Indaba Tasting Room.​

Venue & Atmosphere

Upon arrival, we were greeted with a refreshing flute of bubbly, setting the tone for the evening. The open-air seating area was abuzz with live music, creating a lively yet relaxed ambience. An array of delectable canapés made the rounds, with the standout being the pizza bites, crispy crusts, gooey cheese, and mouth-watering toppings, all prepared in the on-site pizza oven. Naturally, we couldn’t resist snapping some Insta-worthy shots at the chic bubbly bar, glasses of champagne in hand.​

As the sun dipped below the horizon, we were ushered into the tasting room. The space struck the perfect balance between spaciousness and intimacy, with walls adorned with an impressive selection of wines and quirky spots ideal for selfies. The room buzzed with chatter and laughter, a testament to the convivial atmosphere.​

Evenings Theme

The evening celebrated the launch of David Finlayson Wines’ two-month residency at the Indaba Tasting Room. One of the aspects we adore about this venue is its rotating roster of resident wineries, offering guests the chance to explore new wines and meet the masterminds behind them, a true win-win!​

David Finlayson Wines, hailing from Edgebaston Vineyard in Stellenbosch, is a family-owned winery with a rich legacy spanning three generations. Founded by David Finlayson, who boasts over 25 years of winemaking experience from renowned wineries worldwide, the estate emphasizes quality and environmental sustainability. Their diverse portfolio includes varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Rhône blends.​

Meals & Wine Pairing

With introductions out of the way, we embarked on a culinary journey that tantalised our taste buds and delighted our senses. Here’s a glimpse into the gastronomic delights we indulged in:​

Starter

David Finlayson Chardonnay paired with: Prawn & Fennel Croquette served with an Earl Grey Jelly and a garlic Aioli

The crisp, citrus notes of the Chardonnay perfectly complemented the delicate prawn and fennel croquette. The Earl Grey jelly and garlic aioli added a subtle, aromatic twist that left us craving more.​

Main

David Finlayson Cabernet Sauvignon paired with Karoo Lamb Cutlet & Grilled Beef Rib-Eye served with Potato Fondant, Roasted Root Vegetables & Green Peppercorn Jus

This hearty pairing was a match made in culinary heaven. The robust Cabernet Sauvignon enhanced the rich flavours of the succulent lamb and tender beef, while the potato fondant and roasted veggies provided the perfect accompaniment.​

Dessert

David Finlayson The Pepper Pot paired with Port-Poached Pear with Sticky Toffee Pudding served with Chai Tea Ice Cream.

Ending on a sweet note, the spiced nuances of The Pepper Pot wine beautifully echoed the warm flavours of the sticky toffee pudding and chai tea ice cream. The port-poached pear added a sophisticated touch to this decadent dessert.​ On a side note, we recommend that the Indaba make this Chai Tea Ice Cream in bulk and wholesale it, man oh man it was AMAZING!

Experience as a Whole

From the plush accommodations to the world-class tasting experience, our time at the Indaba Tasting Room was nothing short of spectacular. It’s an experience we wholeheartedly recommend and eagerly anticipate repeating.​

Staff

What truly set the evening apart was the exceptional staff. Each dish was presented with an insightful explanation from the master chef, and the wine pairings were introduced with engaging anecdotes from the winemaker. Every staff member we encountered exuded passion and knowledge, ensuring our experience was both educational and enjoyable.​

Final Thoughts

What we truly appreciate about the Indaba Tasting Room is its unpretentious, fun, and laid-back approach that makes everyone feel welcome. Best of all, they offer a wide range of tasting experiences to suit every palate:​

Wednesday Date Night: If you and your partner love wine, then there’s no better date than a romantic wine pairing. It’s intimate and you can take your favourite blend home as a souvenir. Date night includes a Wine & Chocolate Pairing for two as well as a Cheese & Meat platter to share. Only R445 per couple.
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Thursday Pizza & Wine: Join them every Thursday evening to enjoy delicious pizza and fine wine. For R350 per couple, you’ll receive a bottle of wine and one pizza from their menu.
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Friday Tapas & Wine: Every Friday evening, indulge in a tapas-style experience with a curated selection of wines. For R400 per couple, enjoy a delicious variety of small bites paired with a bottle of wine for two.
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Sunday Afternoon Wine Tasting: Join the Tasting Room on a Sunday for a fun Sip and Paint experience, where you can create a masterpiece with wine! Unleash your inner Picasso and let your creativity flow at their special ‘paint with wine’ event. No artistic ability or experience is required! All your art supplies will be provided. Enjoy a wine tasting featuring our partner wines, while your creative juices flow R275 per person.
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Would We Go Back?

Absolutely! The Indaba Tasting Room offers an unforgettable experience for wine lovers and food enthusiasts alike.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, planning a date night, or simply looking for a great night out, this hidden gem in Fourways is worth visiting again and again.

We would like to say a special thank you to Indaba Hotel, Spa & Conference Centre, the amazing Tasting Room, all the talented chefs and friend staff as well as the amazing team from David Finlayson Winery for an unforgettable and truly one-of-a-kind food and wine pairing experience.

We look forward to attending many more Indaba Tasting Room experiences and raising our glasses and forks with you again soon! 🙌

If you’re in Johannesburg and haven’t visited yet, add this to your must-do list, you won’t regret it! 🍷

Make sure to check out their website and social media platforms for more information and to be added to their exclusive invitation list!

🌐 Indaba Hotel
🌐 Tasting Room
👉 Facebook: @IndabaFourways and @indabatastingroom
👉 Instagram: @indabahotel and @indabatastingroom
✉️ indaba@indabahotel.co.za 📱 +27 (0)11 840 6600
📍 Location: Winnie Mandela Drive, Fourways, Johannesburg. South Africa

Please view Cludds Reviews on Facebook to read more about the dishes that we enjoy and what we have to say!