The Cape’s vibrant Durbanville region has welcomed a fresh culinary gem – Wilde Vy Bistro, located on the picturesque Hooggelegen Farm, the proud home of Signal Gun Wines. Officially opened on 23 January, this exciting new venture is the brainchild of South African chef Jürgen Snyman, alongside Ghanaian entrepreneurs Kwasi Osei-Kusi and Charles Bucknor, both based in Accra.
The trio turned to Design Build Collective (DB-CO) to craft an interior design concept that harmonises with the heritage of Hooggelegen Farm. Inspired by the meticulous process of wine production, DB-CO’s transformation of the previous restaurant space encapsulates not only the essence of wine but also the art of patient anticipation and the timeless beauty of its birthplace – the six-generation Hooggelegen Farm.
The intention was to honour the farm’s heritage by preserving existing artefacts and architectural elements, blending the restaurant seamlessly with the surrounding landscape using organic materials such as wood, rustic bricks, and sleek concrete, along with marble and brass to add contemporary detailing.
The menu has been carefully crafted to suit diverse palates and preferences – everything is simply delicious. Sections are divided into small plates, raw, salads, sea, fire grill, vegetarian, sides, dessert and kiddie’s menu.
A few dish highlights to whet the appetite include duck liver parfait, brioche and cherry granola, citrus cured overberg trout, ajo blanco, apple and cucumber, line fish, braaied bok choi, mussels and tikka masala, Côte de Boeuf, smoked aubergine, black garlic and steak sauce, chocolate, passion fruit, and granola’ – a dessert that will tempt even the most die-hard non-sweet tooth!