Chef Gary Coetzee and Winemaker Xander Sadie Swap Roles for One Night of Portuguese-Inspired Food, Wine and Storytelling
Paarl, South Africa — What happens when a chef leaves the kitchen and a winemaker steps behind the stove? Guests at Brookdale Estate’s The Great Turnabout Winemaker’s Dinner will find out on Thursday, 27 August 2026, when Chef Gary Coetzee and winemaker Xander Sadie swap their familiar roles for one very special evening at The Bistro at Brookdale.
The one-night-only experience promises an evening of Portuguese-inspired food, exceptional Brookdale wines, storytelling and plenty of good-natured banter as the two collaborators explore the close and often playful relationship between food and wine.
For the evening, Chef Gary will step away from the kitchen to take guests through the wines, while Xander leaves the vineyards and cellar behind to join the kitchen team. The result is an informal, open-kitchen experience designed to give diners a different perspective on the creativity, craftsmanship and passion behind both the food and the wine.
The menu draws heavily on Xander’s own experiences in Portugal, where he spent time working in the cellar at Luis Seabra Vinhos in the Douro. Inspired by the country’s food, wine and convivial dining culture, the menu brings together traditional Portuguese flavours with Brookdale’s distinctive approach to wine.
Each course has been carefully matched with a Brookdale wine, including several of the estate’s distinctive blends featuring Mediterranean grape varieties.
A Taste of Portugal at Brookdale
The evening begins with a Tabua de Pães, featuring toasted baguette, sardines, bacalhau fritters and marinated roasted red pepper, paired with Brookdale Sixteen Field Blend 2025.
Next comes Caldo Verde, a traditional Portuguese potato and kale soup served with grilled chorizo and matched with Brookdale Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2024.
The menu then moves to Asado ao Forno de Peixe, featuring roasted line fish paired with the Brookdale Bradbourne Estate Blend 2025.
One of the evening’s highlights is Arroz de Pato, combining shredded duck and rice with duck breast smoked over French oak, served alongside Brookdale Grenache Noir 2025.
The savoury finale is Beef à Portuguesa, featuring fillet of beef paired with Brookdale Twenty Field Blend 2025.
Dessert brings the evening to a decadent close with Abade de Priscos, a rich Portuguese caramel flan.
Together, the menu celebrates the bold, comforting flavours of Portugal while showcasing the versatility of Brookdale’s wines and the estate’s affinity for Mediterranean varieties and blends.
A Dinner with a Difference
Throughout the evening, Gary and Xander will share stories from their respective worlds, offering insights into the food, wines and experiences that inspired the dinner. Expect plenty of informal conversation, friendly rivalry and a few surprises along the way.
“The Great Turnabout is really about having fun with the relationship between food and wine,” says the Brookdale team. “For one evening, Gary and Xander get to experience each other’s worlds, and our guests get to come along for the ride.”
With limited seating designed to preserve the intimate atmosphere, early reservations are recommended.
The Great Turnabout takes place on Thursday, 27 August 2026, at The Bistro at Brookdale, at R1,150 per person, including the full wine pairing.
Reservations can be made through Dineplan.
Guests wishing to make a night of it can stay at the Brookdale Manor House, with accommodation priced at R3,525 per person sharing, including breakfast.
For more information, visit Brookdale Estate.
