We can all agree that 2022’s been quite a year. As the days grow longer and the sun gets hotter, it’s time to get together as a team and clink a few glasses. What better way to end off 2022 than with an awesome year-end party?
From sophisticated private dining to adrenaline-filled winelands adventures, here are some ideas for fun and memorable year-end functions on wine farms in the Western Cape.
1. Dine at one of Steenberg's restaurants
Celebrate this year’s achievements at one of Steenberg’s restaurants: Bistro Sixteen82 or Tryn. You can either opt for one of their beautiful private dining rooms, or take a seat in their main dining spaces for smaller, a la carte groups. With delicious food and wine in a tranquil setting, no space could be more inspiring to toast to your successes.
To book your year-end function with Steenberg in Constantia, Cape Town, email them on events@steenbergfarm.com.
2. Wine experiences like no other at Klein Roosboom
Klein Roosboom in the Durbanville Wine Valley is ideal for smaller teams, as they only cater to small, intimate private gatherings. You can enjoy a wine tasting like no other in their wine tasting caves, share a farm-fresh meal at Jéan Restaurant, or go on a party bike adventure through the vineyards.
To book or find out more, contact Klein Roosboom on info@kleinroosboom.co.za.
3. Picnic or fine dining at Jordan Wine Estate
Jordan Wine Estate, located in the heart of the Stellenbosch Winelands, is a great location for your end-of-year get-together. For groups between 16 and 40 people, they recommend a picnic lunch on their lush lawns surrounding the dam. Picnic baskets are filled to the brim with locally sourced cheeses and charcuterie, freshly baked artisanal breads, scrumptious salads, sweet delights, and more!
Thinking of an evening event? Their onsite fine-dining restaurant, The Jordan Restaurant, can cater an exclusive 3-course dinner. And don’t forget accommodation is offered on the estate in the Jordan Luxury Suites sleeping up to 30 people sharing.
Email events@jordanwines.com or phone 021 881 3441 with your enquiry.
4. Share a meal at The Table at De Meye
Always a treat, the oh-so lovely The Table at De Meye just outside Stellenbosch not only offers beautiful scenery, but exceptional farm-to-table food served family style. If you’re looking to take your staff out of the city for an unforgettable culinary experience, this is the place.
Book your table via email on bookings@thetablerestaurant.co.za, or phone 072 696 0530.
5. Lunch and lawn games at Hoopenburg Wines
Hoopenburg Wines, situated in the Greater Simonsberg area, is offering an exclusive end-of-year function package this season. Enjoy a delicious three-course meal, a traditional braai with three different meats, or a relaxing picnic. They will also throw in a wine tasting and lawn games, namely boules, tug of war, and table riddle.
To make your booking, send an email to Heidi at booking@harvest-house.co.za or WhatsApp her on 064 537 9855.
6. Spier’s farm adventures
Stellenbosch wine farm Spier is a wonderful winelands destination for your year-end celebration, offering a variety of activities to suit everyone’s tastes. Their year-end function options include Segway tours of the farm, picnics, serviced outdoor lunches, self-harvests in the garden, and crafting experiences.
Contact the expert team to seamlessly coordinate your event, by emailing Spier on groups@spier.co.za.
7. Quad biking at Morgenhof
For an adrenaline-filled year-end function, quad biking at Morgenhof Wine Estate in Stellenbosch is a great option. The trail is easy to moderate and their tour guide will ensure your safety and enjoyment. Linger longer and end the day with a picnic on the lawn in front of the historic manor house, surrounded by breathtaking views.
To enquire about quad biking and other adventurous activities, contact Morgenhof on 021 001 9416.
8. Garden walks and lunch in the Greenhouse at Babylonstoren
Babylonstoren in Franschhoek is a great place to share special moments with staff after a year of hard work. After taking a stroll through the farm's amazing garden, treat them to a delicious lunch at the Greenhouse, where all the food is served picnic-style, highlighting fresh and seasonal ingredients inspired by the garden. Perfectly paired with Babylonstoren wines! Babylonstoren also has several other venues available to accommodate groups of varying sizes, from the Spice Garden to the Old Cellar.
Contact Babylonstoren to find out more by emailing enquiries@babylonstoren.com.
9. The Werf picnic at Boschendal
Celebrate the summer with an outdoor picnic at Boschendal Estate, Franschhoek. Only the best available seasonal and ethically sourced ingredients are used, and each guest receives a basket filled with delicious eats and treats – ready to share in one of the most picturesque wineland settings.
To find out more or book a picnic, contact them on functions@boschendal.co.za.
10. Braai by the dam at Wildeberg
Wildeberg is a truly hidden gem in the Franschhoek Valley. Visitors to Wildeberg always rave about the scenic beauty, mesmerising views, and outstanding service.
Their 'Damhuisie' venue, with its cosy indoor tasting area and braai deck overlooking the dam, rivals anywhere in the world for rugged beauty. The venue is ideal for smaller year-end functions for a group of 14. Think wine tasting followed by a braai with delish sides and treats, all prepared by Wildeberg's own in-house chef.
Contact them to discuss options on how Wildeberg can be part of your celebration: lin-mari@wildeberg.co.za.
11. Rotisserie lunch at Leopard’s Leap
Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards celebrates family, and it handles work functions in the same way by making the experience special. At this Franschhoek wine estate, there are many options to choose from: wine tastings, a rotisserie roast-chicken lunch at their Rotisserie Restaurant, and more.
Contact Leopard’s Leap and let them take care of the details: manager@leopardsleap.co.za.
12. Tasting and lunch at Spice Route
Spice Route in Paarl is your one-stop destination with adventurous experiences, exciting tastings, and leisurely lunches for you and your team to enjoy. Their tasting options include Spice Route wine tasting and pairing, CBC craft beer tasting, Wilderer gin tasting, and De Villiers chocolate tasting. Plus, they have three restaurants: Barley & Biltong Emporium, Jewell's Restaurant, and La Grapperia Pizzeria.
Choose between the Spice Route Passport (ideal for group tastings) or the Spice Route Explorer Voucher (includes 3 x Halaal-friendly tasting options) and enjoy a relaxed lunch at your choice of restaurant.
13. Escape to Leipzig Country House
For a luxe country escape, Leipzig Country House & Winery invites you to celebrate a memorable year-end with them in the Nuy Valley. They have four different packages to choose from: an informal braai; a bubbly or gin bar with decadent canapés; a decadent luncheon; or a wine and dine affair! You can also combine it with fun activities like a trailer and tractor sundowner drive or wine tasting. Plus, there’s no need to drive back, as they have accommodation available on site.
Contact them at info@leipzigcountryhouse.co.za for more information.
14. Viljoensdrift River Cruise
Head to the Robertson Wine Valley for an unique and memorable year-end activity with your team: The River Cruise at Viljoensdrift. This 50-minute cruise down the Breede River on the Uncle Ben 2 riverboat boasts incredible views of indigenous Yellowwood and Wild Olive trees teeming with a variety of bird species, setting the scene for a leisurely riverside experience. Take some delicious picnic food along, available from the wine farm's deli, as well as a couple of bottles of Viljoensdrift’s fine wines - and you're all set.
Email rivercruises@viljoensdrift.co.za to book your cruise.