Vineyard Hotel and Spa recieves Diamond Awards 2009

Receiving both Platinum awards last year, the upgrade to top Diamond status is a true feather in the cap for the two popular dining destinations. The past 12 months has seen the Vineyard Hotel & Spa passionately embrace its winemaking heritage with the launch in February of a small vineyard within its six-acre gardens, a symbolic gesture recalling the days when English adventurer Lady Ann Barnard owned the Vineyard farm of some 20,000 vines in what is now the heart of suburban Newlands.

The new vineyard on the banks of the Liesbeeck River is partnered with South African wine brand legends Meerlust, Warwick, Simonsig, Waterford and Klein Constantia. Under the direction of Gawie Marx, the Vineyard Hotel & Spa's food and beverage manager who is a qualified Sommelier as well as the hotel's recently appointed Sommelier Chris Wiehe, the formidable team have transformed The Square into an enviable city wine and dine address hosting monthly gourmet evenings that are booked up months in advance. Myoga, under the helm of chef Mike Bassett is a favourite amongst local Capetonians and was placed on the Conde Nast Traveller Hot List when it opened in 2008.

Adding further sparkle to the celebratory occasion, the Vineyard Hotel & Spa turns a landmark 115 years in 2009. Celebrating their own recent accolade as South Africa's Best Cap Classique by WINE magazine, Simonsig's Kaapse Vonkel 2005 premiers exclusively at The Square Restaurant & Sushi Bar until 31 October 2009.