Looking to liven things up over the weekend? You’ll be spoilt for choice at this all-new, all-fun destination, a mere 40-minute drive from Cape Town (off the N1). Once GoogleMaps gets you to the R45, simply look out for the Simondium Guild sign, hop across a set of tracks, and veer right towards the action where you’ll find a unique collection of artisans who are providing a fresh take on some much-needed summer fun.
While the location may seem a little odd at first, keep going. Like most hidden gems, this one needs to be discovered! In fact, the building where all the action takes place was the old 1920s Drakenstein Wijnkelder. And the original wine tanks are where five businesses have set up shop, side by side. Back then, before single-estate farms were popular, co-ops (co-operatives) were in vogue and this area was the wine collective.
With a throwback to that heritage, this new crop of artisans are working together to make the “user experience” as seamless as possible. So whether you’re keen to sip on a craft beer or taste some wine/gin/rum/Limecello, and enjoy a lip-smacking lunch while you do so, you’ll find it all here in one space.
And if the kids (or anyone really) need something more creative to do, there’s a glass-painting studio and a delightful play area to keep everyone happy. Plus, your pooches are most welcome to chill here, too.
Here are five reasons to visit Simondium Guild
Painted Wolf Wines
This boutique family-owned wine business is perhaps best known for its philanthropic endeavours (five percent of its turnover goes towards the conservation of African wild dogs, aka painted wolves) as well as its beautiful labels but, actually, it produces three wonderful ranges: The Den (and everyday range), The Pack (a premium selection) and Lycaon Pictus, a boutique collection of Rhône-style blends and old-vine chenin blanc.
Good to know The Pack’s Roussanne 2019 is a novel varietal with excellent ageing potential.
Opening times Sunday – Thursday, 10am – 5pm
Friday, 10am – 7pm
Saturday, 10am – 6pm
Cost Welcome to our Den: R50
Run with the Pack: R80
Alpha Tasting: R140
Contact 021 863 2492, sales@paintedwolfwines.com
Soul Barrel Brewing Co.
Meander into Soul Barrel and meet owner Nick Smith from New Orleans, whose chillaxed tasting space is all about “putting the soul back into brewing”. Soul Barrel’s credo: to make world-class, fascinating beer that makes South Africans proud. Nick is intent on showcasing the flavour of local ingredients, which he’s done in Cape Cone (all SA hops). Other items include Pale Farm, a hoppy ale that doesn’t overpower. And there are limited releases, too, like the upcoming Ale of Origin, a Lambic-style speciality. Their top-quality IPAs are definitely worth a whirl.
Opening times Monday – Thursday + Saturday + Sunday, 11am – 6pm
Friday, 11am – 7pm
Contact 083 600 8716, nick@soulbarrel.co.za
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