Summer isn’t just a season – it’s an invitation to slow down, savour moments with loved ones, indulge in sumptuous food and wine, and soak up as much sunshine as possible before autumn arrives.
In the Cape we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to picturesque wine farms, making it hard to pick the perfect spot. That’s why I’ve curated a list of some of my favourite destinations that truly capture the magic of summer.
Idiom
The Bottega family proudly honours their Italian heritage while actively contributing to the South African community, creating a unique fusion of cultures that enhances every experience at Idiom. Guests are treated to world-class wine and culinary experiences, featuring flagship blends, signature Italian varieties, and a rare 900 Series wine collection.
The terrace invites guests to drink in the sweeping vineyard scenery, Helderberg mountains, and beauty of the False Bay coast. Whether savouring fine dining or a casual pizza, the outdoor seating enhances every visit with breathtaking views.
For an elevated experience, indulge in their Signature three-course menu, expertly paired with recommended wines from their collection. Starters include ostrich carpaccio, delicately spiced and served with parmesan curd and crispy artichokes, matched with the Idiom Grenache. For mains, the smoked pork belly, paired with creamy apple sauce, roasted apples, and buttered asparagus complements the Idiom Sauvignon Blanc. Dessert options, including roasted barley and blueberry panna cotta, add a sweet yet refined finish highlighting the estate’s creative blend of Italian and South African culinary traditions.
The restaurant’s modern vernacular design is complemented by an expansive 100-seater dining area, offering a welcoming atmosphere where guests can enjoy a harmonious blend of timeless flavours and contemporary culinary artistry. At Idiom, every dish and glass of wine reflects a deep commitment to culinary artistry and the Bottega family’s enduring legacy.
Cavalli
Voted South Africa’s most stylish restaurant at the Eat Out Awards, Cavalli Estate has quickly established itself as a must-visit dining destination in the Cape Winelands. Overlooking a tranquil dam set against the backdrop of the magnificent Helderberg mountain range, the restaurant offers a unique setting for guests to enjoy exquisite cuisine and breathtaking views.
With a focus on seasonal produce from the Cavalli garden and surrounding small farms, the restaurant champions ethical farming practices and sustainability. Head chef Lucas Carstens emphasises the use of fresh, whole foods prepared with modern techniques and a layered presentation style, where vegetables often take centre stage, allowing the natural flavours of the season to emerge. Inspired by the sea and nature, Carstens often incorporates locally foraged wild foods into his masterful culinary creations. Dishes include the rich Karoo wagyu with umami paste, brioche, and local manchego; and the delicate cured langoustine, paired with butternut and a smoked fishbone velouté.
Offering guests the opportunity to enjoy picnics in their beautifully manicured garden, overlooking the vineyards and the Helderberg mountains, Cavalli is perfect for a relaxing afternoon immersed in the natural beauty of the area.
Waterford Estate
Waterford Estate is a charming, family-owned wine farm nestled in the breathtaking Blaauwklippen Valley, surrounded by vibrant citrus orchards and fragrant lavender fields. Guests can enjoy wine tastings and exceptional dining in the estate's exquisite, historic courtyard, offering a unique view of the winery in full swing.
The estate features a diverse range of wine tastings, from a refreshing white wine summer experience to their indulgent signature Chocolate and Wine Pairing, curated in collaboration with renowned chocolatier Richard von Geusau. In addition, SALT, a celebrated Mediterranean-style restaurant led by chefs Craig Cormack and Beau du Toit, features dishes thoughtfully crafted to complement their exceptional wines.
With a focus on fresh, local ingredients, meals are a perfect pairing for Waterford Estate’s wine selection, elevating the food-and-wine experience to new heights. On their menu, you’ll find enticing dishes such as southern fried chicken with fermented hot honey BBQ sauce, served with creamy polenta and kale puree, perfectly paired with an Old Vine Project Chenin Blanc. Another highlight is the mussel and prawn fettuccine, featuring homemade anchovy grilled prawns, West Coast mussels, chili jam, and mussel velouté, paired with the robust Waterford Kevin Arnold Shiraz. They also offer a range of delectable desserts and handcrafted platters designed for thoughtful pairings, allowing guests to indulge in a well-rounded culinary experience that complements every sip of Waterford's exceptional wines.
Boschendal
Nestled between the picturesque mountain ranges of Franschhoek, Paarl, and Stellenbosch, Boschendal is an authentic working farm and historic treasure, committed to sustainability and regenerative farming. At its core, farming drives everything they do, with a purpose to nourish and regenerate the soil while cultivating local produce.
Dine at their spectacular restaurants, where sweeping views of the Werf Food Garden create a breathtaking backdrop. For a more laid-back experience, relax under the shade of majestic oak trees and savour the freshest soil-to-fork cuisine grown on the farm. The outdoor setting is serene and inviting, perfect for enjoying the vibrant flavours of their produce. Their famous Werf Picnics offer a leisurely day with baskets filled with farm delights, live music on weekends, and outdoor games – making it a memorable way to embrace the spirit of Boschendal.
Their nourishing, soil-to-fork meals are crafted by artisan chefs, butchers, growers, and bakers, celebrating the farm’s bountiful harvests and award-winning wines, all while enjoying spectacular views.
Boschendal is a place for family-friendly fun, offering award-winning wines, culinary adventures, and opportunities to explore the breathtaking landscape on foot, horseback, or bike. The farm is yours to explore, play, and discover, with guided tours, hikes, and mountain bike trails providing unforgettable ways to experience the best of farm living.
Grande Provence Estate
Set in a charming 18th-century manor house, Grande Provence blends history and state-of-the-art elegance. Featuring both a fine-dining restaurant and a relaxed bistro with alluring outdoor seating that invites guests to soak up the stunning vineyard views, the estate offers a perfect setting for savouring flavourful food, exceptional wines and the peaceful beauty of the surroundings. Under the expert guidance of Chef Anvor Fortuin, the menu celebrates South African heritage with refined, modern flavours, that celebrate local ingredients with elegance and creativity.
Guests can indulge in dishes such as the local line fish, elegantly paired with zucchini cylinders, lemon basil, yuzu, and an umami butter sauce – perfectly matched with the estate’s Chardonnay. For meat lovers, the beef fillet, accompanied by shortribkromeski, biltong, and truffled sweet potato, brings a strong South African flair, ideally complemented by the bold Grande Provence Shiraz. Each course is designed to illustrate the estate’s commitment to culinary excellence and its rich winemaking heritage.
With its dedication to showcasing the best of local culinary artistry, Grande Provence remains a timeless destination for those in search of unforgettable flavours and breathtaking views.
