Step into the cosy season with our selection of winelands experiences that would make perfect day trips this autumn. Relaxing winelands spa days, nostalgic farm-style dining, wine lounges with breathtaking views, family-friendly picnics, exclusive wine and food pairing dinners… Take your pick from our list of magical autumn experiences in the Cape Winelands.
Farm-style fine dining at Clara’s Barn
A modern farm kitchen rooted in South African heritage food – that’s what awaits at Clara’s Barn. Founded by Bertus Basson, Clara’s Barn is a restaurant in the oldest barn in the Western Cape at Vergenoegd Löw. Picture a refined, fine-dining venue with two roaring fireplaces and farm-style dishes. Think Chalmar sirloin, braised hoekkraaltjie goat shoulder, yellowfin tuna and sago pudding, all expressed in Chef Drikus Brink’s contemporary way.
- Where: Clara’s Barn, Vergenoegd Löw, Cape Town
- When: Lunch: Tuesday - Sunday, 12h00 - 14h30 & Dinner: Friday - Saturday, 18h00 - 22h00
Unwind at dreamy Lanzerac Spa
Are you looking for the perfect way to unwind and relax with your girlfriends? Look no further than Lanzerac Spa. A sanctuary hidden away in the vineyards on Lanzerac Wine Estate, the spa has luxurious treatments, one-of-a-kind facilities, and highly trained therapists. Choose from an array of massages and beauty treatments, and warm up in the indoor heated swimming pool or bubbling jacuzzi. And just like that, you’ll feel all your worries disappear.
- Where: Lanzerac Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
- When: Monday - Sunday, 09h00 - 18h00
Dinner at Spier’s Manor House
Right at the very heart of Spier is the Manor House that’s been beautifully restored to host intimate food and wine experiences. Every Friday night in April and May, Chef Phil Carmichael presents his series of special dinners at the manor with The Manor House Food and Wine Experience at Spier. Creating culinary masterpieces from his open hearth kitchen, he will serve five-course feasts, expertly paired with Spier’s 21 Gable wines.
- Where: Manor House, Spier Wine Farm, Stellenbosch
- When: Every Friday in April and May, 18h00 - 21h00
Click HERE to find out more.
Pizza and wine at Stellenzicht Wine Pod
The eco-friendly Wine Pod on the Stellenzicht estate is an experience like no other! This unique tasting room was designed to bring nature into the structure. Because of this, you’ll feel as if you are miles away from town when enjoying a glass of elegant Stellenzicht wine and a delicious pizza at the pod. With spellbinding views of the Stellenbosch and Helderberg mountains all around, it’s a place where you can go to relax and unwind.
- Where: The Wine Pod, Stellenzicht, Stellenbosch
- When: Wednesday - Friday, 10h00 - 18h00 & Saturday - Sunday, 09h00 - 17h00
Brunch with a view at Postcard Café
Head to Postcard Café for the ultimate foodie indulgence with magnificent views of the valley and mountains. The café is situated on the picturesque Stark-Condé wine estate, nestled in the Jonkershoek Valley. Whether you sit inside or on the shaded verandah, overlooking rolling lawns and a dam, you’re guaranteed a memorable time. Brunch favourites include French toasted brioche covered in an apple and berry compote, Turkish eggs, and carrot cake.
- Where: Postcard Café, Stark-Condé Wines, Stellenbosch
- When: Monday - Sunday, 09h00 - 16h00
Indulge your senses at Babylonstoren Garden Spa
Immerse yourself in ultimate relaxation. Like everything else at Babylonstoren, the Garden Spa is inextricably linked to the garden and the ever-changing seasons. It's a hidden treasure set within a forest with tranquil greenery and leiwater channels to set the tone. Housed in their pavilion constructed of bamboo, it comprises a hammam, chill room, treatment rooms, and gym. The quintessential Garden Spa experience, though, is the hot spa. The indoor-outdoor experience includes a sauna, vitality pool, salt room and heated swimming pool.
- Where: Babylonstoren Garden Spa, Babylonstoren, Simondium
- When: Monday - Sunday, 08h00 - 17h00
Sip back and relax at Suzanne at Laborie Estate
If it’s drinks with friends you’re after, head to Laborie Estate’s new restaurant. Suzanne is the best place in Paarl to enjoy a chilled glass of wine or a whimsical cocktail. Named after the wife of Laborie’s first owner, Suzanne is a welcoming and relaxing space that serves breakfast, small bites, easy lunches, and tapas. The full bar serves wine, cocktails, beers, and more.
- Where: Suzanne, Laborie Estate, Paarl
- When: Mon - Thu, 07h00 - 21h00; Fri, 07h00 - 23h00; Sat, 08h00 - 23h00 & Sun, 08h00 - 17h00
Family-friendly picnics at The Manor lawns on Nederburg
Make the most of the warm autumn days and chill out under the age-old trees at Nederburg in Paarl. The Manor restaurant’s picnic baskets are beautifully prepared and includes bitterballen, BBQ chicken wings, sweet and sour pork ribs, salads, freshly baked bread, and brownies. Blankets, cushions, crockery, and glasses are all provided along with a bottle of Cuvée Brut bubbly, or any wine from The Winemasters collection. Plus, there is a fun playground with a jungle gym and ziplines for the kids!
- Where: The Manor, Nederburg Wine Estate, Paarl
- When: Monday - Sunday, 09h00 - 16h00
Food and wine pairing at Diemersfontein
Foodies, experience true countryside hospitality at Hope Restaurant, the latest addition to Diemersfontein. Chef Dylan Smith and his team carefully crafts contemporary bistro food that draws inspiration from all over the world. The restaurant has an amazing new pairing menu, with delicious combinations like ginger and tomato risotto and Sauvignon Blanc; oxtail tortellini and Pinotage; smoked chocolate mousse and Thokozani SMV; and more.
- Where: Hope Restaurant, Diemersfontein Wine and Country Estate, Wellington
- When: Monday - Saturday, 12h00 - 21h00 & Sunday, 12h00 - 15h30
Discover nature-inspired elegance with a Paserene wine tasting
Derived from the word Passeriformes, which refers to the largest order of birds classified by their perching habits, Paserene boasts an impressive portfolio of elegant wines. Relax in the comfort of their contemporary swallow nest-inspired tasting lounge while indulging in their wine offerings. Discover their premium wines with a tasting of one of their ranges: Paserene (Chardonnay, Union Syrah and Marathon Cabernet Sauvignon); Elements (Rosie rosé, Bright Chardonnay, Emerald Sauvignon Blanc, Dark Syrah and Midnight Cabernet Sauvignon); or The Shiner (a vintage-specific selection of wines). To elevate your experience, there are also lovely wine pairings to choose from.
- Where: Paserene Winery, Franschhoek
- When: Monday - Sunday, 10h00 - 17h00
La Motte’s Artisanal Bakery & Garden Café
There’s something very welcoming, familiar and comforting in the smell of freshly baked bread and this is at the heart of the offering at La Motte's brand new Artisanal Bakery and Garden Café. The menu is seasonal and includes options like croissants, mosbolletjies, mieliepap, open sandwiches, lemon meringue tart and ystervarkies, to name but a few. Hosted in the estate’s Jonkershuis, the bakery opens into the calm of shaded gardens. Young and old are invited to explore these gardens with their ancient oaks, stretched lawns, and tranquil pond.
- Where: Artisanal Bakery & Garden Café, La Motte Estate, Franschhoek
- When: Wednesday - Sunday, 08h00 - 16h00
Dazzling food and wine experiences at La Petite Ferme
Indulge your inner gastronome this autumn and snap up a seat at one of the exclusive wine and food experiences presented by La Petite Ferme in Franschhoek. As you take in the autumn views from the La Petite Ferme Restaurant on the mountainside estate, savour sublime dishes with local and international wines. Be prepared to be dazzled!
- Where: La Petite Ferme Restaurant, Franschhoek
- When: Selected dates from April - September 2023
Click HERE for all the details.
