All offer spellbinding views and, naturally, superb wine; some have stupendous farm kitchens where delicious dishes are concocted; others offer luxurious spas designed to elevate any wine-farm experience to the next level.
We’ve rounded up our favourites for a (p)lush getaway.
Delaire Graff
Setting: Inspired by the landscape, culture and natural splendour of its Cape Winelands setting, Delaire Graff Estate is a destination devoted to beauty and flawless hospitality. Created by renowned diamantaire Laurence Graff OBE, and positioned atop the Helshoogte Pass, the peace and serenity of its breathtaking setting are palpable. Exceptional facilities include Japanese-inspired Hōseki restaurant, headed by Michelin-trained chef Virgil Khan, Delaire Graff Restaurant featuring classic bistro favourites with fresh South African twists, award-winning wine, a luxurious spa, a striking sculpture garden, two boutiques, and more.
The lodgings: There are five luxurious accommodation options, each varying in size and splendour, namely Garden Lodges, Luxury Lodges, Superior Lodges, Presidential Lodges and the Owner’s Villa (which sleeps eight and is perfect for families). Each boasts panoramic vineyard and mountain views, leading onto its own private terrace with a heated pool. Inside is a fully stocked bar fridge, an LED TV, Bose music station, fireplace, luxury bathroom products, fine-cotton linen and a pillow menu.
Things to do: Aside from being an exquisite place to enjoy a superb wine tasting, Delaire Graff is the full package when it comes to fine-dining in the winelands. In addition to the superb day spa, there’s an outdoor swimming pool, gym, sauna and steam room.
La Residence
Setting: Nestled among sweeping vineyards, plum orchards and olive groves in the heart of the Franschhoek Valley, this 12-hectare estate is the epitome of countryside elegance. Elegant interiors curated by founder Liz Biden complement the breathtaking surrounds, while warm, professional service makes this hidden hideaway all the more desirable for a luxurious Winelands retreat.
The lodgings: There are 11 stylishly adorned Luxury and Superior Suites within the main hotel, each of which sleeps two. Outside, the five larger Vineyard Suites offer a secluded sense of privacy for families or friends travelling together. Suites are individually decorated with their own colour scheme, antiques, magnificent artworks and tasteful lashings of modern splendour, while Vineyard Suites each feature a private plunge pool and outdoor dining area.
Things to do: La Residence is home to two scenic swimming pools, a luxurious treatment room, a well-known restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, and a wine-tasting cellar. Keep an eye out for roaming wildlife, such as miniature horses, springboks, guinea fowl and strutting peacocks. Complimentary transfers are available for those looking to explore the boutiques, restaurants and art galleries in the town centre, or some of the neighbouring wine farms.
La Cotte Farm
Setting: An undeniable sense of peace and tranquillity (it’s hard to believe that a bustling town is just a short walk away), coupled with beautifully appointed lodgings, makes this country escape dating back to 1698 a firm favourite for people visiting the quaint village of Franschhoek. Aside from being an ever-popular wedding venue (one look at the scenic surrounds and you’ll understand why), this beautiful wine farm is also a sought-after destination for those seeking a quiet reprieve in a bucolic setting.
The lodgings: Surrounded by spectacular gardens, the Manor House Hotel – an elegantly restored Cape Dutch homestead – contains four Pool Rooms (opening onto the pool), four Mountain Rooms (overlooking the majestic mountains) and the two-bedroom Pool House, which has its own kitchen, living room and private veranda.
Things to do: Take a leisurely dip in the hotel pool, sunbathe on the luxurious loungers, enjoy a delicious breakfast or lunch at the La Cotte Restaurant or head to the view-drenched bar for afternoon or evening drinks. And of course, the many delights of Franschhoek are just a stone’s throw away.
Babylonstoren
Setting: This picturesque farm, dating back to 1692, lies in the Drakenstein Valley in the heart of the Cape Winelands, almost halfway between Franschhoek and Paarl. In addition to producing excellent wine, the farm is home to a five-hectare garden that supplies three restaurants, a serene Garden Spa, a modern wine-tasting centre, a boathouse with canoes, endless dirt roads (which guests can explore on the available mountain bikes) and a pervasive sense of tranquillity.
The lodgings: Contemporary comforts on a historic working farm make this stylish hotel a Winelands favourite. Guests have the option of staying in either the Farmhouse, Manor House, Fynbos Cottages, Fynbos Family House or Garden Cottages. All units reflect an authentic Cape Dutch style and feature a beautifully curated collection of books in every room – plus wood-burning fireplaces, silky sarongs, sturdy wellies for wandering around, a delicious daily breakfast and complimentary bottles of Babylonstoren wine (best enjoyed at sunset on the picture-perfect private verandah in select cottages).
Things to do: Where to begin?! A destination in its own right, Babylonstoren boasts an abundance of attractions. Enjoy a farm-fresh breakfast at Babel Restaurant before taking a slow saunter through the Provençal-inspired garden, impeccably designed by Patrice Taravella. Lunch is served at the conservatory-style Greenhouse Restaurant, while a number of delicious goods, including freshly-baked delights from the farm’s bakery, can be found at The Farm Shop, which includes the Milk Room, Coffee Roastery, Gelato Room, Meat Room and Lekker Room (where you can find an array of sweet treats and roasted nuts). Scrumptious Italian-inspired meals are served in The Old Bakery on Monday, Tuesday and Friday evenings, and it also hosts Carnivore Evenings on Wednesdays and Sundays. There’s also a glass-encased wine-tasting centre, various regular workshops (from baking to foraging and soap-making) and a luxurious garden spa.
Lanzerac
Setting: Rolling vineyards, lush gardens and the Jonkershoek mountains surround this three-century-old wine estate in Stellenbosch, creating the kind of peace and quiet that can only be experienced away from the city. In addition to exquisitely refurbed rooms and a spa that knocks the socks off even the most well-heeled European resorts, this five-star destination boasts three dining venues – each with their own distinctive character – and a cutting-edge tasting room and deli. There’s also a cigar bar reminiscent of an old Victorian gentlemen’s club, featuring a roaring fireplace and a carefully curated selection of wines, craft beers and spirits, as well as a variety of small plates.
The lodgings: Lanzerac’s 54 rooms and suites are individually and stylishly decorated, with all the modern facilities and creature comforts needed to make your stay memorable, from a fireplace to a fully stocked minibar.
Things to do: The estate sits in the foothills of the Jonkershoek Valley, granting easy access to the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve and the smaller Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve. Guests can immerse themselves in the beauty of the region with guided walks and bike rides in the reserve, or explore the history of Stellenbosch with a guided walking tour of the town. The Manor Kitchen is where guests can enjoy an opulent buffet breakfast, dinner, afternoon tea or sumptuous Sunday lunch, while the Tasting Room and Deli is perfect for lazy nibbles under the trees.
La Petite Ferme
Setting: With arguably the best panoramas of the Franschhoek Valley and surrounding mountains, this intimate boutique hotel has always had a decidedly well-heeled reputation, despite its laidback ambience and the one-and-all appeal of its vineyard-facing front lawn. Perched on the northern slopes of the Franschhoek Mountains, all the rooms – as well as the charming glass-fronted restaurant – boast spellbinding valley and vineyard views.
The lodgings: There are 15 rooms in total – five Vineyard suites, each with its own private pool, five Manor House Suites that open onto a shared pool, and five Winery Suites overlooking their own shared pool. Not surprisingly, all rooms are decked out with the requisite mod-cons – from king-size extra-length beds to a living area, mini-bar with complimentary wine, smart TV and more.
Things to do: There’s plenty to do on the estate: pool-lounging, leisurely walks, strenuous hikes, mountain-biking on one of the estate’s fleet of bicycles, and a complimentary guided vineyard tour where guests can taste a selection of exclusive estate wines. There’s also a view-drenched onsite restaurant that serves a delicious selection of daily dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
To see the full list, click HERE.