Self-catering accommodation at Knorhoek Wine Farm outside Stellenbosch.
While it is famously popular during the spring and summer months, the Cape Winelands is a glorious region to explore year-round. In fact, in wintertime, it is one of South Africa’s most picturesque, invigorating destinations. In this post, we have compiled your ultimate guide to winter getaways in the Winelands.
Each of the featured estates offers either luxurious accommodation,special attractions (both indoors and outdoors) and incredible wines to keep you warm and revitalised during the Cape winter season!
Country escapes and outdoor adventure at Boschendal
This Franschhoek favourite is a dream to visit during the winter months. Boschendal offers everything from beautiful accommodation to on-site eateries, wine tastings and indoor and outdoor activities.
Calling all art lovers
Art enthusiasts can enjoy exploring the estate’s popular indoor art gallery. Situated within the historic manor house and run in partnership with the esteemed Norval Foundation, the gallery is an ever-changing source of art inspiration.
Galley exhibitions rotate often, featuring the very best in South African and African art. There is also a gallery shop, where you can buy take-home prints, gifts and other goodies.
The gallery is free to visit and is open Monday to Sunday.
Dining and shopping experiences at Boschendal
With a gorgeous farm and homeware shop respectively, guests can buy stunning, locally made farm fresh goodies, baked treats, homeware items and more.
Another obvious choice for Boschendal farm visits and overnight stays is a meal or wine tasting at this award-winning estate.
While Boschendal’s Farm Deli will regrettably be closed for refurbishments from 18 July - 2 August 2022, guests can still enjoy The Werf Restaurant and wine tasting facilities. Boschendal specialises in sustainable, soil-to-fork food so healthy, fresh meals are a given.
While you are on the farm, if the weather is fair: don’t forget to explore the estate’s beautiful gardens. These are particularly lovely near The Werf Restaurant and manor house.
Rain, rain stay away – so we can hit the trails!
For outdoor lovers, if the rain stays away – why not stop by the Trail Centre and purchase your permit for Boschendal’s MTB or hiking trails? Trails offer world-class Franschhoek views and Cape farm vibes.
For kiddies, Boschendal also has an excellent pump track, near the Tree House Playground.
Note: Rentals are limited so it is recommended that you bring your own bikes.
Blissful farm accommodation
Boschendal has a wonderful array of magical accommodation offerings, some of which are even pet-friendly!
Accommodation options range from the Mountain Villa to its luxury farm cottages. Best of all, the estate is running an unmissable winter warmer accommodation special.
When booking a winter getaway at Boschendal, overnight guests enjoy a selection of complimentary experiences. These include everything from guided hikes to outdoor kiddie experiences offered by the Tree House team.
The manor house at Boschendal in Franschhoek.
Fun for the whole family at beautiful Babylonstoren
Another Franschhoek farm made for year-round visits is Babylonstoren. This estate needs no introduction, as each day, guests clamour to enjoy its incredible gardens, restaurants and luxury farm accommodation.
Farm shopping at its best
No visit to this wine farm is complete without browsing its impressive Farm Shop.
The Farm Shop is split into a cheese room, bakery, meat room, and lekker room. Here, you can purchase a selection of locally produced, handcrafted goodies – from unaged full cream cheese to freshly baked sourdough bread.
Lose yourself in a labyrinth of gardens
While there is a small entry fee when visiting this working farm, Babylonstoren’s garden isotherwise free to visit and delights visitors of all ages.
The garden covers some 3.8 hectares and offers a mix of wonderful plants, flowers, fruit orchards and vegetable patches.
Guided garden tours take place daily from 10h00 and can be booked on their website.
Guests can also enjoy seeing farm animals roaming the gardens and paddocks and there is plenty to keep active little ones entertained here.
The garden is a joy to visit no matter the season or weather. If you dress appropriately, there’s nothing stopping you from enjoying this amazing farm garden in winter!
Workshops, wine tastings, and wholesome meals
Babylonstoren has two lovely farm eateries in Greenhouse Restaurant and Babel respectively. Both restaurants have indoor seating so they can be enjoyed in all weather.
Reservations are recommended for Babel and for group bookings at Greenhouse.
Babel Restaurant at Babylonstoren in Franschhoek.
On the wine front, Babylonstoren has a beautiful tasting room, which offers excellent wine tastings and cellar tours. Near the tasting room, they have also recently opened an exciting wine museum.
At The Story of Wine museum, enjoy a self-guided, complimentary museum tour, as you unearth fascinating stories of wine making and humanity’s centuries-old love for wine. The museum is open daily and is free to explore.
Throughout the year, Babylonstoren also offers a wonderful selection of hands-on farm workshops for both kiddies and adults alike. Booking is essential for all workshops. Slots fill up quickly so keep an eye on their social media and website for announcements.
Linger longer at beautiful Babylonstoren
For those who wish to enjoy a true winter getaway at Babylonstoren, the farm offers dreamy accommodation – ranging from hotel offerings to spacious family houses and cottages.
Hotel guests enjoy certain perks as part of their stay – like pool, spa and full garden-access and more. Young guests can also join in on the fun by helping to feed the donkeys, collect farm fresh eggs or help in the bakery.
Until end August 2022, Babylonstoren is running a great winter offer: stay for four nights, only pay for three.
Steal away to Knorhoek Wine Farm for a cosy, secluded winter experience
With a lovely tasting room, luxurious accommodation and beautiful, free-to-enjoy farm trails, Stellenbosch stunner Knorhoek Wine Farm makes for the ultimate winter getaway in the Stellenbosch Winelands.
Knorhoek offers luxurious accommodation and their guests receive a bottle of bubbly upon arrival.
Enjoy good wine and platters by the fire
With both indoor and outdoor seating available at its tasting room, Knorhoek provides visitors with a special wine tasting experience. They offer three main wine tasting options and a selection of tasty platters to enjoy.
If the weather is mild, sit out in the sunny courtyard. Alternatively, if you need to keep the cold at bay, cosy up by the fire, as you sip on quality wines.
While their restaurant is currently closed due to renovations, guests can enjoy lunch or dinner at the suave Quoin Rock Wine Estate, located just down the road. (Please book in advance.)
Stay a while in the Stellenbosch Winelands
Knorhoek Wine Farm offers both tranquil bed-and-breakfast and self-catering units, as well a lovely farm experiences forovernight guests to enjoy.
Their guesthouse suites and self-catering units are positively dreamy and perfect for a cosy, family-friendly winelands getaway.
Best of all, provided you notify them in advance and ensure your pet behaves, they are also pet-friendly to cats and dogs.
Explore the farm trails for free
In good winter weather, Knorhoek has some stunning farm trails that guests and the public can enjoy for free during estate opening hours. Please just note that the estate kindly asks that you notify reception before setting out on the trails. While you are there, pick up a free trail map.
Trails are suitable for MTB lovers (they don’t cater to professional MTB riders but they are ideal for families and beginners), hikers, and trail runners alike.
There are four trail options, ranging from 2 – 7 km in distance.
The beautiful view from one of Knorhoek's trails.
While away the hours at the delightful Klein Roosboom Boutique Winery
Situated in old concrete wine tanks, Klein Roosboom's cosy, elaborately decorated wine caves ensure the ultimate winter wine tasting experience.
The tasting room at Klein Roosboom Boutique Winery in Durbanville.
Cosy up with your partner or friends in your individual cave and enjoy sampling this estate’s beautiful wines. Caves vary in style and decor and can seat anywhere from 1 – 8 guests per cave.
During their tasting, guests can order a selection of tasty snacks and gourmet platters to savour. Alternatively, grab a bite to eat before or afterwards at the popular Jéan Restaurant & Deli.
Wine tastings are available from Tuesday to Sunday and booking is recommended.
Dine among the vineyards at Jéan Restaurant & Deli
This hugely popular restaurant and deli – which lies tucked amid the vineyards – offers a daily menu filled with everything from freshly baked bread to divine sweet treats.
Alternatively, for a selection of takeaway food and drink options (including craft beer), stop by the farm’s nearby food trailer, Di’Vine’tjie.
Book a party bike or explore the farm trails
If the weather doesn’t rain on your parade, guests can also enjoy the estate’s three walking trails (these are free to enjoy, with the longest some 3km in distance) – or book a memorable party bike experience.
The party bike can be booked on selected days, for a maximum of two hours.This paid experience is weather dependent and excludes food and drinks. These can, however, be purchased from the estate deli before departure.
For more information or to book accommodation or on-site offerings from any of the featured estates, please visit their websites or contact them directly.