Here’s our round-up of 30 kid friendly wine estates in South Africa.
If you’re looking for a hearty country experience, head to the wine estate on a hill overlooking the Overberg landscape. Whilst you enjoy no-fuss meals made from locally-sourced produce, the kids can run on the lawns, play by the pond or explore the box of toys.
Constantia
2. Constantia Uitsig
For laps of fun, the Bike Park at Constantia Uitsig offers mini- and macho-cyclists 2.8km of tracks to explore. The new Heritage Market, is a selection of artisanal shops (including slow-churned ice cream) that can be found in a row of quaint cottages, every day of the week.
Darling
3. Groote Post
Mark the family calendar for the last Sunday of every month in Summer and Spring, cause it’s road-tripping time. The Groote Post Country Market will let your kids discover their inner country-mouse with tractor rides, farm animals, Zorb balls, kiddies quad bikes and vast open spaces to let loose.
Durbanville
4. Nitida
There are two great eateries on this estate: a fancy restaurant (Cassia) and a relaxed café (Tables at Nitida). Both will ensure happy kids by offering you the option to dine outdoors, meaning endless running (or crawling) competitions on the surrounding lawns.
5. Bloemendal
Drum roll please, as Bon Amis, the restaurant at Bloemendal, takes podium position for having one of the most epic play areas in the winelands. Not only do they have an incredible jungle gym and sandpit next to the deck, but a state-of-the art mountain bike track for the whole family too.
Elgin
6. Almenkerk
Whilst everything on this farm is done in notably good taste, you won’t feel out-of-your-league. The outdoor sculpture garden doubles up as a play area for the kids, and they have a pretty cool climbing gym. It’s an Instagram-worthy outing with cool climate wine freshness guaranteed.
Elim & Cape Agulhas
7. Stanford Hills
Expect a warm, fuzzy feeling and small-town hospitality at this boutique wine farm, serving interesting meals from a chalkboard menu. There’s a jungle gym and lawns, but the highlights are paddling on the dam and hiking on the marked trails.
Franschhoek
8. Allée Bleue
“I’m not in the mood for a gourmet picnic on a French-inspired wine farm,” said no one ever. Settle in under huge oak trees, watch the young ones have a ball on the jumping castle, jungle gym and sandpit, whilst indulging in the epicurean treats. The kiddies basket includes pizza, beetroot crisps and ice cream.
9. Grande Provence
Who said wine tasting can’t be a family affair? Enjoy exchanging flavour-notes with your little lass and lad at Grand Provence as they become mini grape juice connoisseurs.
Important to note (and appreciate) is that the jungle gym has supervision. High five!
Franschhoek Top Tip: The local hop-on hop-off wine tram is a fun and carefree narrated tour, with six different routes to choose from. Your kids will love it!
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