Indulge in homegrown hospitality when the picturesque Devon Valley, on the outskirts of Stellenbosch, enlivens its cultural charm with a feast of folksy fun during the all-new De Vine Run presented by The House of J.C. Le Roux on Saturday, 27 March.
With an action-packed programme of pre-booked social entertainment to suit all shapes, tastes and sizes, there is no reason for fun-seekers, not interested in taking part in the 16km run/walk through the vineyards and cellars of 7 of the wine farms nestled in the valley, to stay at home.
Clos Malverne
Bring the family and friends and spread the picnic blanket for a laid-back Mediterranean brunch at Clos Malverne, with Pepe dos Santos, the Portuguese Trumpet player, treating guests to his toe-tapping tunes. A limit of 50 people can be accommodated at R50 per head, excluding wine, so booking is essential.
Devon Hill
With the best views in the Devon Valley, hill-top winery Devon Hill allures those with a more eclectic taste to fresh oysters and flutes of Sauvignon Blanc on their terrace. This luxury indulgence costs R100 per couple and includes 1 bottle of Sauvignon Blanc and 8 oysters. Extra oysters and wine per bottle or glass are on offer. Bookings are limited to 60 couples only.
Meinert Wines
Meinert Wines calls on the culinary genius of Executive Chef Natasha Harris of 96 Winery Road, voted one of the top ten restaurants for 2004 by Eat Out Magazine, for a festive al fresco brunch of innovative yet unpretentious dishes in the lush vineyards, soothed with light contemporary jazz. Book early as chairs are limited for 50 guests at R150 per head.
The House of J.C. Le Roux
For a more upbeat day in the country, follow the winding tracks to The House of J.C. Le Roux, who’ll get the rhythms flowing with complimentary African drumming sessions, hosted by Drumbeat Interactive. South Africa’s leading house of sparkling wine also peps up the tastebuds with a hearty breakfast buffet and will open its doors to the public for cellar tours and tasting. Breakfast tickets are available at R75 per person, excluding bubbly.
Louisvale
King Louis invites devotees of a noble lifestyle to join him for a royal picnic feast at Louisvale estate, with graceful flute and harp sounds setting a stylish scene. There are 50 adult picnic boxes available at R110 each. Each box bursts with wholesome goodness from open smoked chicken and coriander sandwiches to crispy salads and dips while special kiddies meals packed in a delightful knapsack slung onto a fishing rod are available at R60 each. Louisvale also welcomes pre-booked visitors to a wine tasting and a wander through their mini craft market.
Middelvlei
Legendary Middelvlei epitomises a typical harvest day, when young and old can get down and dirty, picking and crushing their own grapes. A limited number of 30 people can jump on the bandwagon at R100 per person, which includes a delectable picnic basket packed with fresh farm produce including cold meats, salads, pate and bread, a selection of cheeses and decadent dessert. Booking is therefore essential. For those not participating in the harvesting, a picnic basket can be ordered to enjoy in the vineyards at R65-00 per person. Middelvlei is also open to the public for wine tasting while the younger crowd can get up, close and personal by feeding their animal friends on the farm.
SylvanVale
The Devon Valley Hotel, featuring one of Stellenbosch’s top restaurants, The VineLeaf, lures food lovers to their magnificent terrace for an exquisite a la carte tappas indulgence from their open-air kitchen and pizza oven, complemented by fine SylvanVale wines and vibrant jazz sounds. Guests will be accommodated on a first come first serve basis. The hotel also offers De Vine Run participants and spectators who which to extend their visit to the Devon Valley a special sleepover rate on the weekend of the race at R670 per double room per night, including breakfast.
Pre-bookings are compulsory and should be made at the farm(s) of choice:
Clos Malverne: +27 (0) 21 865-2022
Devon Hill: +27 (0) 21 865-2453
Meinert Wines: +27 (0) 21 865-2363
The House of J.C. Le Roux: +27 (0) 21 865-2590 extension 203
Louisvale: +27 (0) 21 865-2422
Middelvlei: +27 (0) 21 883-2565
Devon Valley Hotel & SylvanVale wines: +27 (0) 21 865-2012
Issued by: Gudrun Clark Communications
Contact: Leanne Loots or Gudrun Clark
Tel: +27 21 462 0520
Email: leanne@gc-com.co.za