When most Capetonians think of the winelands, they envision a sunny picnic under an oak tree, savouring a chilled glass of white while gazing at vineyard views. Though undeniably idyllic, the winelands reveal a different kind of romance in winter: rich red wines, sparkling bubbles, cosy fires and hearty cuisine.
We’re spoilt with a wealth of choices, but these destinations stand out, combining luxury, comfort, and tranquillity during the cooler months.
Jordan Wine Estate
Jordan Wine Estate offers a unique blend of first-class wine and breathtaking views of Table Mountain, False Bay, and Stellenbosch from its hillside vineyards.
Stay
Luxury suites, close to the winery, restaurant, and The Cellar Door, boast panoramic vineyard and mountain views. Each suite has spacious, individually designed interiors, making it ideal for a unique romantic getaway. Options range from Classic Rooms to Two-Bedroom Luxury Suites, many featuring fireplaces for the cold winter nights. The hilltop Villa provides the best view of the valley, overlooking the famous Nine Yards vineyard.
Dine
Breakfast or lunch at The Cellar Door is followed by a bespoke 360° tasting and vineyard tour. The Jordan Restaurant provides a memorable dining experience with a seasonal menu focused on farm-to-table and ethically sourced ingredients. Chef Marthinus Ferreira, with experience working alongside top chefs like Gordon Ramsay, offers exclusive tasting and wine pairing options.
Wine
Gary and Kathy Jordan have been crafting world-class wines since 1993. Their vineyards benefit from coastal fog and cool breezes, ensuring purity and balance in every bottle.
Explore
Jordan Wines offers a range of activities, including guided cellar tours explaining the winemaking process, private wine safaris to explore the vineyards, and luxury spa treatments in their state-of-the-art spa. Guests can also enjoy a fully equipped nail studio, single and couple treatment rooms, and a Hammam room for ultimate relaxation.
Visit www.jordanwines.com
Wildekrans Wine Estate
Set in the beautiful Bot River Valley, Wildekrans Wine Estate is renowned for its award-winning wines, olive oils, and dining experiences, making it a perfect retreat for nature lovers and biking enthusiasts to explore the Overberg region.
Stay
Featuring charming country cottages with breathtaking views, nestled within the beauty of the surrounding estate, Wildekrans provides a beautiful and tranquil escape.
Dine
The estate’s restaurant showcases Overberg's seasonal ingredients, offering both gourmet and casual family-friendly dishes. Guests can enjoy wine tastings at the intimate Tasting Room or on the terrace.
Wine
Wildekrans aims to create wines with personality and a sense of place. Their award-winning cultivars include the premium Barrel Select Reserve Range and the classic Estate Range, complemented by olive oil tastings and tours.
Explore
The estate offers trails for mountain biking, trail running, horse riding, and scenic bird-watching walks. Vineyard horseback wine tours are also available for guests of all experience levels.
Visit www.wildekrans.com
Babylonstoren
Babylonstoren seamlessly blends relaxed sophistication with rustic charm. Nestled among exquisitely presented fruit and vegetable gardens, this estate invites visitors to reconnect with nature.
Stay
Ideal for honeymooners, the Farmhouse and loft offer a cosy, romantic retreat. The Garden Cottages and newly built Fynbos Cottages capture the essence of an authentic farm stay, while the Fynbos Family House provides a serene haven for families and friends.
Dine
The flagship restaurant, Babel, delivers seasonal meals that speak to their farm-to-fork philosophy. The Greenhouse is perfect for tea and light lunches, while the Bakery serves Italian-inspired evening meals.
Wine
Reflecting simplicity and elegance, Babylonstoren's wines are crafted on the slopes of Simonsberg with a focus on the authenticity of natural processes.
Explore
Guests can indulge in the hot spa, featuring a sauna, steam room, indoor heated vitality pool, tropical rain showers, and a salt room. The gym, with its garden view and the farm reservoir, which doubles as a swimming pool, complete the experience.
Vsit www.babylonstoren.com
Rijk’s Wine Estate
Set in the tranquil valley of Tulbagh, surrounded by the Witzenberg and Winterhoek mountains, Rijk’s Wine Estate offers a romantic and relaxing escape.
Stay
The elegantly appointed Cape Dutch-style dwellings at Rijk’s offer breathtaking views of vineyards, mountains, and an eco-pool, making it the perfect setting for a romantic getaway.
Dine
The restaurant focuses on traditional Cape cuisine, showcasing local ingredients paired with Rijk’s wines. The setting, amidst vineyards and mountains, enhances the dining experience while heart-warmingly empowering the local community by upskilling them to produce exceptional food.
Wine
Rijk’s specialises in the production of Chenin Blanc and Pinotage, cultivars they believe are best suited to their climate and soils, while practising organic farming and hand-harvesting grapes at night.
Explore
Rijk’s features a natural EcoPool, juice bar, and various farm activities; including romantic vineyard strolls, fishing, bird watching and wine tasting.
Visit www.rijks.co.za
La Petite Ferme
Perched on the slopes of Oliphants Pass and Middagkrans Mountain Range, La Petite Ferme overlooks the Franschhoek Valley, offering charming accommodation and heart-warming hospitality.
Stay
Guests can choose from Manor House suites, Vineyard suites, and Winery suites, each offering traditional country-style luxury and breathtaking views.
Dine
The culinary team crafts a menu showcasing the rich seasonal bounty of the region. The Chef’s Table provides a unique dining experience, allowing guests to engage with the Head Chef and enjoy carefully meticulously paired food and wines.
Wine
La Petite Ferme produces exceptional boutique wines that reflect the Franschhoek terroir. Visitors can enjoy cellar tours and wine tastings by appointment.
Visit www.lapetiteferme.co.za