Nothing says “summertime and the living is easy” quite like an alfresco meal. Fortunately, we live in a city that’s blessed with a dreamy climate and spectacular natural beauty, so throwing down a blanket and unpacking a hamper is as easy as pie.
Talking of pies… few things compare to the thrill of unwrapping lovingly packed nibbles, and clinking a chilled glass of wine, as you stretch out under a tree with a bunch of friends.
And if you’re looking for a no-mess-no-fuss solution, you’re in luck. Many wine farms have cottoned onto the idea of convenience, offering ready-packed picnic hampers full of delicious goodies, so that all you have to do is call, book your spot, and pitch up on the day.
Picnics in Stellenbosch and Somerset West
Quoin Rock
The setting
On the slopes of the Simonsberg Mountains, Quoin Rock is a serene sanctuary with lush gardens sprinkled with mystical sculptures. Eight custom-built picnic pods, spaced 10 metres apart, are where picnickers can enjoy excellent cheeses, game fish, Russian-style potato salad and beef fillet on proper crockery (vegan and vegetarian hampers are as well-stocked). Yes, everything in your basket is marvellously plastic-free. And, you can call your waitron on a walkie talkie if you need a top up!
What’s in the basket
- freshly baked baguette
- Namysto sweet wine butter
- biltong pâté
- cashew pesto
- carrot purée
- Dalewood Camembert
- Dalewood Gruberg
- boerenkaas
- Jewell’s bresaola
- Jewell’s squashed Italian salami
- creamy garlic prawns
- sweet potato and butternut ribbon
- burrata
- citrus salad
- pork-belly confit
- lemon posset
- unlimited still and sparkling water
The vegan, vegetarian and kiddies’ baskets are as well-stocked, too. A deposit will secure your booking. Quoin Rock recently launched three new gazebos for the events and functions – two can accommodate up to 100 people; the third is an outdoor bar counter, where guests can order cocktails and wine.
Jordan Wine Estate
The setting
The illustrious Stellenbosch wine estate hosts a truly gourmet picnic amid majestic scenery. Eight individually named private picnic pods (seating two to 10 people each) are set in secluded spots around the dam with gorgeous valley views. All set up with blankets, cushions, an ice bucket and picnic baskets for two, the pod is yours for the day to stretch out, relax, soak up the scenery and enjoy a basket overflowing with fresh goods from the Cellar Door at Jordan.
What’s in the basket
- wood-fired ciabatta, focaccia and Cape seed loaf baked in-house·
- locally produced cheeses such as Dalewood Camembert, Brie, Klein River Stanford and De Pekelaar Boerenkaas
- charcuterie such as Parma ham and biltong
- smoked hake and fennel paté
- petite butternut, leek and feta quiches
- Jordan estate olives
- homemade preserves, spreads, aubergine atchar and whipped butter·
- homemade pita filled with slow-cooked pork, slaw, Greek yoghurt dressing
- salad of the day
- something sweet
Booking is required at least 48 hours ahead. Vegetarian and vegan options are available.
Spier Wine Farm
The setting
Founded in 1692, the family-friendly Spier Wine Farm has wide lawns, old oaks, boulders, a dam and a stream. It offers an array of child-friendly activities, making it an ideal spot to throw down your blanket. Seasonal and sustainably sourced produce is a given and there’s a plant-based option, too.
What’s in the basket
- A selection of cheese with preserves and lavash
- Roast Farmer Angus beef rump and pickles
- Country pâté with a baby salad
- Chicken drumstick with a harissa dressing
- Vadas baguette with white bean hummus and butter
- Roast Spier Food Garden Veg Salad with herb pesto
- Spier Food Garden tomato salad with feta and basil
- Vadas Pasteis de Nata
Picnic collection is between 12pm and 3pm and picnic baskets need to be returned by 4.30pm. Beverages can be ordered from the Spier Café.
Picnics in Franschhoek
Boschendal
The setting
Set under the trees of the pavilion lawn, with chairs, blankets and loads of space to enjoy a delicious alfresco feast, picnics at Boschendal epitomise exemplary Winelands entertainment. Expect delights such as roast beet and fennel salad, Angus beef meatballs, crispy baguette, and a moreish strawberry crumble, all made fresh on the farm by Boschendal’s team of bakers, butchers and chefs. The estate – which lies in whitewashed splendour between Franschhoek and Stellenbosch – is committed to sustainability; as such, glass jars and compostable, biodegradable packaging is used.
What’s in the basket
- farm-baked ciabatta wit butter, garden hummus and local marinated olives
- Werf green salad with shaved parmesan and garden herb vinaigrette
- coronation roast cauliflower
- honey-mustard roast chicken
- marinated mushrooms with spring onion and coriander
- honey mustard roast broccoli
- shaved Angus beef, Duroc pork and pickles
- meringue bites
- chocolate tart with salted-caramel popcorn
Baskets can be collected between 12pm and 2pm. Vegetarian and kiddies’ baskets are available, too.
Picnics in Paarl
The Manor at Nederburg
The setting
Just outside Paarl, Nederburg Wine Estate is home to a slew of wonderful experiences set against a backdrop of the Drakenstein Mountains and the farm’s vineyards and gardens beyond. The Manor restaurant, which celebrates the estate’s rich heritage through innovative food-and-wine events, offers lovely garden picnics served under the shade of towering oaks.
What’s in the basket
- a selection of locally sourced cheeses and preserves
- amasi-fried chicken sliders with roasted vegetables
- garden salad
- crisp and tangy slaw
- rosemary vegetable crisps
- coconut koeksisters
Laborie Estate
The setting
Dating back to 1691 in the heart of Paarl, the historic Laborie Estate sets a relaxed mood for a quintessential summer picnic. Find a shaded spot on the lawns with long mountain views and browse the wooden picnic crate full of locally sourced treats from the estate’s Farm Grocer deli. As well as lazy picnic lunches, you can opt for sunset picnics, watching the golden glow on the mountains with a chilled glass of the estate’s wine to hand.
What’s in the basket
- selection of charcuterie
- selection of local cheeses
- freshly baked baguette
- preserves and pickles
- crudites with hummus and tzatziki
- smoked snoek samosa
- mushroom arancini
- sticky chicken wings
- marinated citrus olives
- homemade fudge, Turkish delight, chocolate brownie, crispy treat
Booking at least 24 hours in advance is required. A vegetarian option is available.
For the rest of the list, click HERE.