Think cosy fireplaces, hearty winter comfort food, and the perfect winter reds. The winelands is the perfect destination for a winter escape. From Stellenbosch to Swellendam, we round up our top ten picks and winter accommodation specials.
1. La Petite Ferme (Franschhoek)
It's hard to beat the incredible views from La Petite Ferme's Manor House and Vineyard Suites. Overlooking the beautiful Franschhoek Valley, you can take in the views and relax in the picture-perfect paradise. La Petite Ferme offers award-winning cuisine and wines, it's where country-style luxury accommodation meets heart-warming hospitality.
The vineyards showcase the most spectacular changing colours this time of the year, and the luxury suites are geared toward the colder weather with fireplaces. Make the best of their Winelands Winter Escape Offer, valid from May to September.
Book within or up to 14 days before your stay and qualify for a discount of up to 50% on normal rates.
For more information and bookings, visit www.lapetiteferme.co.za.
A lounge in one of the vineyard suites at La Petite Ferme, Franschhoek.
2. Diemersfontein (Wellington)
Diemersfontein Wine and Country Estate's winter special is an easy-on-the-pocket option for a cozy breakaway. You will have to book soon, as the offer ends at the end of June, and you wouldn't want to miss out on their comfortable country-style accommodation for two at R990 per couple. Or opt for their mid-week special which includes accommodation for 2 adults in a garden room, including lunch and breakfast at R1290 per couple.
Winter is the perfect time of the year to enjoy Diemersfontein's famous Pinotages, accompanied by a fillet steak cooked to perfection at the Diemersfontein Restaurant. Also pop into PROE at Diemersfontein for local cheese, charcuterie and other delicacies from the Boland.
*A minimum two nights' stay applies to the Winter Special.
For more information and bookings, visit www.diemersfontein.co.za.
3. Brookdale Estate (Paarl)
At Brookdale Estate they call it hibernation season, and it definitely is the perfect setting to hibernate. Escape to a place of natural beauty, where the mountains are the only source of drama and the hibernating vines are a reminder to rest.
The Manor House is available on a per room and villa basis for up to 12 adults and 2 children. The Winter Escape offer is the perfect opportunity to explore and experience this new wine farm whose wines are the talk of the town. Get 20% off your stay in the Manor House, with breakfast included. The offer is valid from April to 30 September.
Also view their Stay 4 nights, Pay for 3 and Stay 3 nights, Pay for 2 specials. For more info and bookings, visit brookdale-estate.com.
Cosy accommodation at Brookdale Estate in Paarl.
4. Laborie Estate (Paarl)
Laborie Estate is rich in history, dating back to the 17th century. The estate is centrally located in Paarl and offers easy access to visitors who want to explore the Cape Winelands.
Various accommodation options are available on the estate, including seven double luxury rooms, two suites and the historical Jonkershuis Cottage. Guests can explore hiking and MTB trails, the tasting room, their newly opened Farm Grocer, and the Stoep restaurant.
Their Winter Special is calling, with a 2-night getaway, breakfast included, at only R1 900. Offer valid until September 2022.
*Immediate payment is required to secure your stay. Phone directly at 021 807 3095
For more info and bookings, visit www.laborieestate.co.za.
5. Jan Harmsgat (Swellendam)
Fancy a relaxing 5-star breakaway? Who doesn't! It can be yours with a stay at Jan Harmsgat Country House for as little as R1596 per room for 2 guests.
Less than a two-hour drive from Cape Town will transport you back to another era where open space and country charm and your comfort reign supreme. It's a great roadtrip opportunity and a chance to escape the city noise. Their accommodation consists of 10 exclusive rooms - double, twin and family rooms plus a romantic honeymoon suite.
They are running a great special for June, offering a 30% discount on their accommodation, so grab the opportunity to experience one of the oldest estates in South Africa
For more info and bookings, visit janharmsgat.com.
6. Lanzerac Wine Estate (Stellenbosch)
Lanzerac Wine Estate is the ultimate winter indulgence. Treat yourself to a luxurious Lanzerac experience, where you can enjoy the sensation of time slowing down as you step into this gloriously refurbished Estate.
The individually styled accommodation rooms and suites offer the very best of South African hospitality and blend of old grandeur and modern amenities. When you're not soaking up the comforts of your room, indulge at the spa, deli, Manor Kitchen, or Taphuis.
From October 2021 to September 2022, you can stay for 3 nights and only pay for 2.
For more info and bookings, visit lanzerac.co.za.
The Manor House at Lanzerac Wine Estate, Stellenbosch.
7. Steenberg Vineyards (Constantia)
Live your best life, or rather your best "five lives" with Steenberg's Five Lives Winter Package where you can enjoy five different experiences on their farm in the Constantia Valley, Cape Town.
The package includes:
- 1 Night stay for 2 guests
- 45min Back, neck and shoulder massage for 2 guests
- Breakfast at Tryn or Bistro Sixteen82 or in the comfort of your room
- Bottle of Steenberg Five Lives Red Blend in your room on arrival
- Dinner: Winter special menu for 2
- Steenberg Classic wine tasting
- Complimentary WiFi across the hotel property
- Use of mountain bikes to explore our 300-hectare farm
- Complimentary use of Relaxation Area and shower for early arrivals and late departures
Valid from May until 31 August, at R5880 per couple sharing, it's a dream getaway, set on a historic wine farm offering 5-star accommodation, a championship golf course, the finest restaurants and a stylish spa.
For more info and bookings, visit www.steenbergfarm.com.
8. Saronsberg (Tulbagh)
It's winter and you should be sipping copious amounts of
Saronsberg Shiraz anyway, so you may as well do it on-site at this landmark Tulbagh winery. Their winter midweek accommodation special is the perfect excuse for a trip to the countryside.
The Saronsberg Experience, priced at R1250 per couple, includes:
- 1 night stay in the self-catering Vineyard Cottages, with enough wood to keep the fire going all night
- Bottle of Saronsberg Provenance Shiraz and a delicious cheeseboard in your cottage on arrival
- Complimentary Saronsberg wine tasting & guided cellar tour
For more info and bookings, visit www.saronsberg.com.
A bottle and two glasses of Saronsberg Shiraz in front of a fireplace at Saronsberg.
9. Val du Charron (Wellington)
Did someone say 40% off a 4-star stay? That's the amazing offer valid until 31 August at Val du Charron Wine and Leisure Estate, situated in the picturesque Bovlei, Wellington, under an hour's drive from Cape Town.
With 16 en-suite rooms each with its own balcony, you can soak in the views while you enjoy a drink from the minibar or a gourmet coffee from the in-room drinks station.
The Coach House @ Val du Charron offers luxury 5-Star accommodation in the Cape Winelands. With only three spacious suites, each with its private patio with built-in wood-burning fireplace, the Coach House is your private space to unwind while overlooking the majestic winelands and mountains.
Choose between two eateries on the estate, The Grillroom or Pizza Vista, and indulge in some spa time to unwind and make the most of your stay.
For more info and bookings, visit vdcwines.co.za.
10. Sanddrif Resort (Cederberg)
Experience the unspoilt heart of the Cederberg at Sanddrif Resort, home of Cederberg Cellar and their much-loved Shiraz. While hiking and mountain-biking calls for camping under the stars in the summer, winter makes way for cozy nights in their beautiful cottages. If you're looking for a true escape from the city hustle and some real winter temperatures, Cederberg is a must.
The Planets Cottages and the Ou Sanddrif Cottages features underfloor heating which will help you brave the winter temperatures.
For more info and bookings, visit www.sanddrif.com.