One of South Africa's latest and hottest Relais & Chateaux destinations is Asara Wine Estate and Hotel on the edge of Stellenbosch where the views are to die for, and the hospitality and comfort simply unforgettable.

So enjoy a holiday of a lifetime (or a day or two away from it all), nestled in one of South Africa's most stunning wine estates and revel in a cookery experience that is hard to beat.

French executive chef, Patrick Bischoff, with a CV almost as long as Asara's drive-way, makes things happen: certainly when it comes to giving guests a ‘Masterchef’ experience in one of the world’s most exclusive destinations.

Imagine a whole day spent with a celebrity chef whose most recent credentials include being Executive at Chef at La Cigale in Qatar; the Hilton Resort & Spa in Mauritius; Oasis Beach in Dubai, and the Royal Mansour in Casablanca Morocco.

At Asara you can reach your 'culinary' dream… A day with Patrick Bischoff and his team means an early-morning memorable trip to nearby Gordon’s Bay harbour with the novelty of watching the fishing boats arrive and being able to select the freshest catch of the day.

Returning home, after visiting local farms and produce markets searching for only the freshest of ingredients, this hands-on experience is only just starting!

The novice chef can now experience a cookery course second to none in a state-of-the-art kitchen and functional showroom where the equipment equals the best in the world. This 'live' cooking experience with Patrick and his team can cover one or two days for individuals or groups of up to six participants. It covers the preparation of a three-course meal utilising the fresh produce and includes an in-depth session in the pastry section with the master pastry chef, as well as an introduction to hot and cold Tapas.

Another culinary innovation is Asara's winter chocolate courses on Sunday nights with Bernd Strauss, Asara's internationally experienced, award-winning pastry chef.

The three-hour course into the indulgent world of chocolate-making will cover the basic techniques of how to make your own pralines and truffles and do a comparative tasting of dessert wines matched with the finest Swiss and Belgian Chocolate.

The courses are being held during the winter months on certain Sunday nights from 6pm to 9pm.

And great for the little ones — an enjoyable three-hour special children’s cooking program, perfect for keeping little hands busy, while mum and dad relax. Or make up a party with mum and dad, and gran and gramps, and join Asara's pastry chef, Bernd Strauss, who will show you how to make the animals of Africa — in marzipan!

Guaranteed fun for all ages! This also includes a break of half an hour with yummy hot chocolate and home-made cookies, before heading home with their very own marzipan animals to enjoy and show to their friends (if they don’t get eaten first!) Minimum two persons and a maximum of six.

Asara has established itself as the home of a new flagship branch of “High End” kitchens where the best of everything is available.

Kitchen connoisseurs will appreciate the brands that include Le Creuset, Tafelstern, Staub and the luxurious coffee machines from Sprada in Switzerland.

Aspiring chefs will delight in being able to work in South Africa's finest, fully-working Miele Demo kitchen where the celebrated Patrick Bischoff will showcase some of his finest recipes and tricks of the trade.

Asara Wine Estate & Hotel is situated on the Polkadraai Road (M12), Stellenbosch. Telephone +27 21 888 8000, Facsimile +27 21 880 8001, www.asara.co.za