Spice Route
Huge changes have taken place at the winery formerly known as Seidelberg (it was one of the first wineries I visited when I moved from the U.K). It now boasts chocolate, ice cream, coffee, biltong, pizza, huge burgers the size of your face, beer and of course wine.
Wine tastings come in 4 options and my favorite is the Flagship journey tasting of 5 wines from their single vineyards .
Spice Route is the perfect place for a large group of people who have an eclectic mix of requirements and if you are all feeling adventurous then you can try everything.
Laborie
Another winery that is expanding its offerings - Laborie now boasts killer Tapas on the the terrace (it has awesome views over the vineyards and has live music on the weekends) and Bar di Bar which is their brand new craft beer bar complete with 1975 classic Kombi that can be hired out to supply beer at functions - super cool.
Keen to try wine? Why not go for their new macaroon and wine pairing or have
some MCC.
They also have new accommodation so it really is a great weekend getaway location. (There is also sufficient space for kids to roam around, as well as a play area)
Spier
The emphasis Spier places on biodynamics, conservation, history and
earth-friendly farming methods is a true testament to their continued drawing
power. They are fixated on balance - business, nature and history.
Take a weekend to explore these themes with their Eagle Encounter, Eco
Segway tours of the farm, lunch in Eight (farm-to-table eating), picnics,
heritage walks...and I could go on.
My suggestion would be to disappear there for the weekend (they have some
cool accommodation packages) and take an early morning Segway tour - ridiculously fun - then go for a wine tasting in their sublimely decorated tasting room AND then grab a make-your-own picnic.
If you have children, the Eagle Encounter is a must and with vast picnic spaces
and boulders to clamber over, it's a great escape.
La Motte
Brilliant wines have a fabulous home at La Motte which is surrounded by amazing hiking trails, heritage sites and has a renowned restaurant.
For the culture vulture in you, there is the Jacob Hendrik Pierneef art
gallery to wander around and as La Motte’s owner Hanneli Rupert-Koegelenberg is
an avid music lover, there are monthly classical music concerts.
Those who love wine will be spoiled in the tasting room (the tasting staff are excellent) and often you can taste older vintages and purchase them at special prices. Shiraz is La Motte's speciality and I really recommend booking yourself into a Comparative Shiraz tasting to compare how different growing regions affect the end product.
Food lovers needs are met in the Pierneef à La Motte restaurant which offers
unique food styles and diverse flavours as well as a wine and food tasting and
a Wineland’s High Tea. You won't leave La Motte hungry.
Boschendal
With 2000 hectares of land, it's very easy to get lost in Boschendal and now with their new accommodation, deli and changing tasting room, a new era has begun for this Franschhoek winery.
If you down to Boschendal today you'll find the most delicious brownies in their deli; legions of ducks casually sauntering around; a new vegetable and herb garden that provides for their farm-to-table ethos; a new olive press and tasting bar as well as the most beautiful wedding venue ever.
Their picnics are still raved about and they now have two tasting rooms so feel free to lose yourself in the wine, food and landscape.