Winemaker's Dinner with Chris Williams

On May the 4th, we welcome Chris Williams to Villa Pauli. Mr Williams is the head winemaker at Meerlust Estate in South Africa.

Chris Williams is the winemaker, who barely escaped a career as a lawyer when he instead followed his passion into the wine world.

After studying viticulture and oenology at Elsenburg College of Agriculture in Stellenboch, Mr Williams started as an Assistant Winemaker at Merlust in 1995 under the direction of Maestro Giorgio Dalla Cia.

In 1997, Mr Williams worked for the internationally acknowledged wine guru Michelle Rolland at Chateau Bon Pasteur in Pomerol, Bordeaux. In 2004, he was back at Meerlust Estate as a chief winemaker and technical director to increase the vineyard’s fine reputation even further. With many strings to his bow, Mr Williams is also preparing for a master degree in wine.

Hannes Myburgh is the eights generation owner of the elegant and prestigious Meerlust Estate, which was built in 1693 and has been owned by the Myburgh family since 1756. Meerlust, which means “sea pleasure”, is located on a small hill in the Eerste River Valley, just six kilometres from the sea. Because of the proximity to the sea, there is a constant cool wind sweeping over the vineyard during the whole period of growth. The maturity period is therefore extended and the cool winds give the grapes more character and they retain their natural fruit acidity. 

Both Chris Williams and Hannes Myburgh are very inspired by French wines, which certainly is reflected Meerlust’s wines. Rubicon is the best-known wine of Meerlust. It was the first South African Bourdeaux blend when the wine was launched in 1980 by Nico Myburgh.

Rubicon has a deep fragrance with a delightful hint of dark chocolate, cedar, stables and a touch of stringent elegance. It is a full-bodied wine with ripe tannins and a generous fruity acidity with a long elegant finish.

During our dinner, we will try the 2008 Chardonnay, the 2008 Pinot Noir, the 2005 Merlot, and two vintages of the icon wine Rubicon; 2006 and 2001.

Our brilliant head chef, will compose a five-course menu, which will go perfectly with the wines. Come and enjoy – start with a drink and mingle in the Pauli bar at 6.30!

The price for the evening is 1395 SEK.  Please make your bookings down below or phone: 0046 8 4465785

Welcome!

Sincerely,

Eva Weckström, Chief Sommelier

Booking: