Café Merlot, previously restaurant of Het Vlock Casteel is situated on the Môrester Wine, Olive and Fruit Estate (better known as Het Vlock Casteel) in the fertile Riebeek Valley.

Café Merlot offers an intimate space especially suited for smaller function of up to 40 inside and up to 70 outside, overlooking the scenic and tranquil vineyards.

At the age of 11, Anne-Mart Vlok dreamed of one day opening a restaurant, coordinating weddings on the estate and entering a renowned cooking competition for high school students. During 2002 she realized one of her dreams when she became one of the Rooi Rose Toptienerkokke of South Africa. She readily admits that the Riebeek Valley was an inspiration in that competition. Since then she has studied at the acclaimed Chef School of Stellenbosch, ICA.

She went on to graduate with a degree in Psychology from the University of Stellenbosch and is completing an Honors Degree in Psychology at UNISA.
After managing the Restaurant for 2 years, while also hosting functions, her live is taking a different course. We wish her well with this new venture.
Although she will still be hosting functions, she has joined Soetlief, a social- and emotional skills development course for children. www.soetlief.co.za