Hermanus has long been known as the jewel of the Overberg coastline, not only for its extraordinary whale watching season, which peaks in July, but also for its growing appeal as a destination where food, wine, and coastal relaxation meet in refined harmony. This month, travellers and food lovers alike are being offered something especially memorable. On Saturday, 26 July 2025, The Marine Hotel, one of South Africa’s most iconic oceanfront properties, continues its food and wine lunch series — this time in partnership with boutique winery Thorne & Daughters.
The pairing of fine food and wine in a setting as picturesque as this is no novelty, but the way it is executed at The Marine is far from ordinary. Head Chef Oelof Vorster has curated a four-course lunch that leans into rich, elegant flavours and seasonal ingredients, all thoughtfully matched with a selection of wines personally presented by Thorne & Daughters founder and winemaker, John Seccombe. The small-scale wine producer, known for its nuanced blends and precise craftsmanship, has consistently earned accolades for its unique expression of the Cape’s terroir, and this collaboration adds a welcome depth to the dining experience.
Guests will begin with a Ham hock terrine, followed by a plate of Confit duck. The main course — a Springbok tagliata — promises to be the standout dish, with its mix of rocket, fromage elements, parmesan, radish crudités, pine nuts and jus. Dessert is a classic Genoise sponge, layered with citrus components that round off the afternoon with brightness and balance. Each course, except dessert, is paired with a carefully selected wine, and lunch begins with a welcome glass on arrival. The all-inclusive ticket for this curated culinary experience is R495 per person, offering excellent value considering the calibre of both the food and wine being presented.
Taking place in The Pavilion Restaurant, the lunch promises more than just gastronomy. With its grand coastal views, old-world charm and refined service, the restaurant provides a fitting backdrop for a leisurely afternoon of indulgence. The space is known for its understated elegance — crisp linens, soft lighting and a gentle palette — that doesn’t compete with the view of the sea, where guests may even catch sight of southern right whales surfacing in the bay.
To enhance the experience, The Marine is offering an overnight package for guests who wish to extend their stay. For R4900 per couple sharing, visitors receive two seats at the food and wine lunch, luxury overnight accommodation in a double room, and a full breakfast the next morning — with the added touch of a morning glass of bubbly, Mimosa or Bloody Mary. Given the time of year, this also positions guests to enjoy the region’s famed whale watching in its full glory. The rugged cliffs just outside the hotel offer a prime viewing point, and guests can also consider a short walk or drive to Gearing’s Point or boat-based whale watching tours with operators such as Southern Right Charters for a closer look.
The event also serves as a showcase of the region’s increasing appeal to a more discerning traveller. With rising interest in slow travel, where experiences are savoured and itineraries are less rushed, destinations like Hermanus are seeing a resurgence in popularity among South Africans and international visitors alike. The Marine, part of the Liz McGrath Collection, continues to draw attention for how it seamlessly blends heritage hospitality with contemporary luxury — a hallmark of its charm.
Thorne & Daughters, based in the Western Cape, continues to push the boundaries of what boutique South African wine can look like. Their participation in this series allows wine lovers the opportunity to interact directly with the winemaker, gaining insight into his philosophy and process, something usually reserved for private tastings or vineyard visits. This rare access adds immense value for oenophiles or simply anyone curious about the stories behind the glass.
For those looking to make a weekend of it, the area offers several complementary attractions beyond the event itself. Creation Wines, just a short drive away in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, makes for an excellent next-day excursion, while Ficks Pool Bar, perched above the natural tidal pools of the Hermanus coastline, offers a casual yet scenic spot for tapas and sunset drinks. The Old Harbour Market also runs on weekends, showcasing local crafts, produce and artisanal fare for those seeking a relaxed stroll the morning after.
Events like the Saturday food and wine lunch series at The Marine mark a broader shift in how food and travel are intersecting in South Africa. With carefully designed experiences that celebrate regional ingredients, distinctive wines and natural beauty, Hermanus continues to show that it can deliver on high-end experiences without ever feeling pretentious. For anyone craving refined cuisine, excellent wine and the stirring sight of whales breaching just offshore, this is one calendar entry worth securing early.