With all the long weekends and school holidays coming up, there's no better time to discover all the exciting family-friendly activities that our local wine estates in the Western Cape have to offer. We have compiled a list of family-friendly wine farms to visit this autumn season. These farms offer fun things for adults, teenagers and children to do.
Warwick Wine Estate
Bring your family and spend the day at Warwick Wine Estate, Stellenbosch. Drink some Warwick wine or settle down for a picnic on the lawn or in a private picnic pod while the kids have fun on the playground. Dogs are welcome, too. Another family-friendly activity is going on a Vineyard Safari, a fun Land Rover trip that takes you on a scenic mountain journey through the vineyards. It’s great for families, as adults get Cap Classique along the way and kids get non-alcoholic beverages.
Koelenhof Wine Cellar
Enjoy a day of family fun at Koelenhof Wine Cellar outside Stellenbosch. The KOEL-park kiddies play area will keep the little ones entertained, while parents can unwind with a glass of wine from the KOEL-tainer. The play area has John Deere play tractors and an incredible jungle gym, sure to keep the kids happy for hours. If you're feeling peckish, you can order Koelenhof's legendary roosterkoeke or a cheese platter. You can also head over to the tasting room where there are many tasting options to choose from, like a chocolate and wine pairing, bubbly and treat pairing, and kids grape juice tasting.
Vergelegen Wine Estate
The gorgeous gardens at Vergelegen Wine Estate in Somerset West can be enjoyed throughout the seasons. There are 17 themed gardens to explore, from the historic Octagonal Garden to the Children's Adventure Garden with a jungle gym for the little ones. After wandering through the gardens, take a seat on the tasting room's stoep that overlooks the Sundial Garden – a octagonal hedge maze with an operational sun dial in center position – and sample some Vergelegen wines. There are also two restaurants on the estate, Stables Restaurant and Café Fleur.
Boschendal Estate
The perfect playground for both young and old alike, Boschendal in the greater Franschhoek area has all you need for a fun-filled family farm outing. There is a magical tree house playground and pump track for little adventurers and lawn games for teens and adults. Foodies can choose between several dining, picnicking, and wine pairing options. Dog parents can bring their furry kids along and chill on the lawns or take to the farm's picturesque trails. Adrenaline junkies can explore the trails on mountain bike or horseback. And the list goes on...
Perdeberg Cellar
Situated at the foothills of the Paardeberg Mountain in Paarl, Perdeberg Cellar is a great spot for a family lunch in the winelands. Eat @ Perdeberg, the winery's country kitchen-style restaurant, serves breakfast and lunch. Choose from a selection of home-style dishes and enjoy a glass or two of Perdeberg’s award-winning wines. Young children are entertained by a fun garden play area and jumping castle, while parents can sit back and relax beneath the trees. There are also fun kids' pairings and cookie decorating sessions.
Spice Route Destination
Spice Route is the ultimate family destination in Suider Paarl. You can easily spend an entire day here, as the estate offers plenty to eat, taste and do. Dine at one of the three restaurants; taste Spice Route wines; sample a selection of craft beer or gin; do a chocolate tasting; or shop eclectic pieces at the gift shop. Spice Route also has a range of kids activities, such as different play areas, a Spies Route spy adventure game, and ceramic painting at Môigoeters. And Spice Route is pet-friendly too!
Du Toitskloof
Du Toitskloof Wines in Breedekloof Valley is a fantastic destination for a relaxing family-friendly outing. The winery has a tasting room, a café, and mountain biking and hiking trails. Ou Meul Bakery and Café is the perfect spot for brunch or coffee (they serve Bootleggers coffee). Parents can sit back and enjoy some of Ou Meul's famous bakes while the kids play at the outdoor play area, situated within view of the outdoor seating space. What's more, your furry friends are welcome too. The Ou Meul team loves them so much, in fact, that they even offer them tasty dog biscuits!
Capaia Wines
If you're looking for a quiet and peaceful place to just go and relax with the fam, this is it. Visit Mariella's Restaurant at Capaia Wines and enjoy mouth-watering food with a view of the beautiful rolling hills of the Swartland. Your children can play on the lawn and jungle gym while you sit back and unwind on the deck. The menu, prepared by Chef Brendan du Preez, is simple and unpretentious, and offers both lunch and dinner. Capaia also has MTB and running routes for the adventurous.
