96 Winery – Natasha Wray

Executive Chef Natasha Wray

Has been at the helm of the Kitchen brigade at 96 Winery Road from just a short while after the restaurant opened its door in 1996.

A passionate purist, whose culinary inspiration remains loyal to ‘real food’, big flavored, unpretentious cooking, with nothing less than fresh and seasonal ingredients.

Silwood trained, Natasha is committed to the fundamental basics of classical cooking methods and believes cooking is all about using six senses all at once, the last being that instinctive ability to create just the right flavour combinations.

She draws inspiration from people who are enthusiastic about food, and from cuisine styles around the world, always ready to tweek an idea to create delicious satisfying dishes. Infused with South African influences, which enhances the overall 96 Winery Road dining experience by offering an elegant yet homely affair with a touch of local flare.

96 Winery Road Restaurant

Iconic wineland restaurant, 96 Winery Road is celebrating 16 years of real food this year. The restaurant first opened its doors in May 1996 and has since established itself as a food and wine gem in the Heart of the Stellenbosch Winelands.

Partly owned by wine personalities Ken Forrester and Martin Meinert., together with Allan Forrester and executive chef, Natasha Wray.

We use local and organic produce as far as possible, and we believe that consistency is the key to our continued success. Most of our team has been with us since 1996, making them more like family than co-workers. And that is what we aim to be a family restaurant, where you can share good times, great food and some world class wines.”

Old-time favourites, like the classic Gatriles Duck & Cherry Pie as well as the ‘Hollandse’ Pepper Fille and the legendary Crème Brûlée still has pride of place on the menu, but seasonal highlights are added regularly. The restaurant also offers a “What’s for lunch” special menu, offering quick and lighter bites for those who need to lunch in a hurry. The “Fresh Seasonal & Inspired” menu changes daily.

96 Winery Road received the honour of being the first South African restaurant to be given an “Award of Excellence” for their wine list by the United States published Wine Spectator Magazine in 2007, an honour bestowed on them in 2008, 2009 and 2010. The wine list is also recognised by the Diners Club International wine list competition, receiving a Diamond award in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010.

96 Winery Road is open from Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner and Sundays for lunch only, and is located on Zandberg Estate, Winery Road, off the R44 between Stellenbosch and Somerset West