Our cellar
Wine Cellar
An award-winning selection of the finest wines from South Africa and across the globe.
Wine Cellar
Our Cellar
Chef Chantel and the Restaurant Mosaic team are privileged to be supported by our esteemed Wine Director, Cobus du Plessis, whose dedication to excellence ensures that our guests have access to some of the finest wines from across the globe. A pioneer in his field, Cobus was among the first in South Africa to be inducted into the L’Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne in 2013. In 2018, he was appointed as a Commandeur of the Commanderie de Bordeaux Afrique du Sud, the South African chapter of the Grand Conseil du Vin de Bordeaux, and has since been promoted to Vice-Maître—a testament to his commitment and expertise within this distinguished circle of wine connoisseurs.
Our wines are housed in cellars meticulously maintained at 13°C and 70% humidity, conditions that ensure each bottle is preserved at its absolute best. At the heart of our wine service lies a custom-developed computer programme designed exclusively for Restaurant Mosaic. This internal system provides our team with immediate access to every wine listed, along with detailed tasting notes, accolades, vintage information, articles, and images—enabling seamless and informed wine service at every moment
Our wine philosophy is rooted in a deep commitment to excellence, discovery, and timeless elegance. We believe that exceptional wines—particularly rare vintages and revered Grand Crus—should be both accessible and integral to the Mosaic experience. Each wine is selected not only for its heritage but also for its potential to elevate the dish it accompanies.
Central to this philosophy is the celebration of diversity in wine. We invite our guests to embark on a journey through regions, styles, and vintages—whether through carefully curated wine pairings or bespoke bottle recommendations. Each visit offers a new opportunity to discover and savour the vast and beautiful world of wine.
Our sommeliers are guided by the belief that every bottle should be enjoyed at the peak of its maturity—when structure, complexity, and expression find their perfect harmony. Serving wine at its optimal moment is both a responsibility and an art form, allowing every glass to unfold its story in full. At Restaurant Mosaic, wine is more than a pairing—it is a dialogue between time, terroir, and taste.
This extraordinary collection has travelled with us on an unforgettable journey—from our original home at Restaurant Mosaic at The Orient in Pretoria, South Africa, to our new home at Château des Tesnières in Brittany, France. Over the course of a four-year restoration of the château, great care was taken to preserve and protect this celebrated collection. From rare magnum bottles and hidden gems to older vintages layered with character, each bottle is a cherished part of our story.
Our passion for wine continues to flourish, and each year the collection is expanded with new vintages and discoveries. France and South Africa remain central to our curation, and we are especially proud of our exceptional range of Champagne and Burgundy wines—selected to complement Chef Chantel’s distinctive Botanical Cuisine.
Today, this distinguished collection resides safely in our purpose-built cellars at Château des Tesnières, where it continues to evolve. Our journey has always been guided by a profound reverence for wine, and at Restaurant Mosaic’s new home, this legacy continues—refined, enriched, and ever inspired.
While housed at Restaurant Mosaic at The Orient, our wine cellar was widely acclaimed as one of the finest and most comprehensive in the world, comprising over 80,000 bottles under 5,500 different South African and international labels. It received international recognition, along with numerous awards and accolades.
Our collection allows guests to craft their own journey of discovery and delight, with a world of wine available to them.
Best Cellar in Africa & Middle East for 4 years
HAUTE GRANDEUR GLOBAL AWARDS
- Best European Cuisine in Africa – 2020
- Best French Cuisine in Africa – 2020
- Best Hotel Restaurant in Africa – 2020
- Best Romantic Atmosphere in Africa – 2020
LALISTE INTERNATIONAL
- LaListe The Best Wine List 2019
- LaListe Top 200 International Selection 2019
- LaListe top 1000 International Selection 2017 – 2018
HAUTE GRANDEUR GLOBAL AWARDS
- Wine Spectator – Grand Award 2020
- Wine Spectator – Grand Award 2019
- Wine Spectator – Grand Award 2018
- Wine Spectator – Best of Award of Excellence 2014 – 2017
WORLD OF FINE WINE 2019
- Best Hotel Wine List
- Best Long Wine List
- Best Champagne & Sparkling Wine List
- Best Dessert & Fortified Wine List
- Best Spirits List
- Best By-the-Glass Wine List with Coravin
EAT OUT RESTAURANT AWARDS
- Chef Chantel Dartnall: Eat Out S.Pellegrino Chef of The Year Awards – Best Chef in South Africa – 2014
- Chef Chantel Dartnall: Eat Out S.Pellegrino Chef of The Year Awards – Best Chef in South Africa – 2009
- Restaurant Mosaic: Top 10 Restaurants in South Africa 2007 to 2018
- Restaurant Mosaic: Eat Out Service Award 2017
