There is always so much hype around Valentine’s Day that we can often get overwhelmed by the pressure of it all. Why not simplify things this year and enjoy a picnic on one of South Africa’s stunning wine farms? Listed below are 9 great options in South Africa’s winelands for you to choose from.
Stellenbosch
Overgaauw Wine Estate
Date: 14 February, starts at 19h00, movie at 20h30
Cost: R275 per couple (picnic and a bottle of wine included)
Join Overgaauw for their Valentine’s Day Midnight Moonlight Picnic and Movie. Laze back on your blanket and treat your Valentine to a picnic while watching the romantic comedy ‘The Holiday’ on the big screen in the garden. Bring your own glasses, blanket, cushions and a candle/lamp if you want. Popcorn and soft drinks available.
For reservations: tel 021-881-3815, email [email protected]
Eikendal
Date: 14th Feb, 18h00 until midnight
Cost: R40 per couple
Enjoy Valentine’s Day with your own picnic at the beautiful estate of Eikendal. Bring your own picnic basket and blanket and watch the sun go down over the water’s edge. Eikendal will supply the wine at special prices, play soft music and create a great ambiance overall!
For reservations: email [email protected]
Warwick Wine Estate
Date: 14 February, 17h00 – 21h00
Cost: R399 per couple
Warwick is hosting a romantic moonlit picnic live jazz and blues music playing in the background. Picnic baskets will have special personalized red velvet cupcakes and other extra goodies (such as strawberry dipped in chocolate and Thai Chicken skewers). All picnics include two glasses of MCC.
For reservations contact Faye Walker. Tel 021-884-4410, email [email protected]
Paarl
Noble Hill Wine Estate
Date: 11-13 February
Cost: R295 per couple (and R45 per child)
Chill with your special someone on the lawn and enjoy delicious treats packed into a wicker basket with linen and cutlery. Enjoy a complimentary welcome drink and a special Valentine’s Day treat in each basket. Choose between the Classic Basket (meat & cheese platter, salmon platter, chicken mushroom peppadew salad, pasta salad, seasonal salad, olives, bread, biscuits, chips, & dessert), or the Garden Basket that is suitable for vegetarians (cheese platter, Mediterranean mezze platter with hummus, couscous, pesto dip, spanakopitas, seasonal vegetables, mushroom peppadew salad, pasta salad, seasonal salad, olives, bread, biscuits, chips, & dessert). If you’re enjoying the day with your kiddies they can get their own Kids Basket that has a sandwich or hot dog, yoghurt, chips and a juice.
Advanced booking is required. Visit www.cosecharestaurant.com
Kleine Draken
Date: 14 February
Cost: R150 per person
Kleine Draken are offering a Superior Picnic Basket for Valentine’s lunch that comes with a free glass of Vin Doux (sweet sparkling). What will you find in this picnic basket? You will enjoy bagels, caramelised onion spread, spinach & feta quiche, tuna salad, smoked salmon trout, fried fish strips & pickled cucumbers, cheese & crackers, millionaire biscuit and fresh fruit salad. Picnic Baskets must be booked and fully paid for in advance by Friday 10 February. All food & wines on the Farm are Kosher. The farm is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
For reservations: visit www.kleinedraken.co.za
Wellington
Doolhof
Date: 12 – 14 February
Cost: R180 per couple
This year Doolhof has created a picnic basket for two that includes a free bottle of 2011 Cape Robin Rosé. All couples visiting the farm on 14 February can enjoy a free wine tasting. Visitors are also welcome to enjoy a 10-km walk through the vineyards. Doolhof, which is known for its mysterious hills and vales, is also home to many small mammals, including buck, porcupine, baboons and even leopard. Limited baskets are available and will be available upon prior reservation.
For reservations contact Susan Smit. Tel 021-873-6911, email [email protected]
Worcester
Overhex Wines International
Date: 11 February
Cost: R150 per person (includes picnic basket)
Overhex Wines is celebrating Valentine’s Day in style with local music sensation, Manouche and their amazing Gypsy Jazz sounds for an evening under the stars.Wine will be for sale and booking is essential.
For more information and reservations contact Ilze Marais. Tel 023-347-5021, email [email protected]
Durbanville
Diemersdal Wine Estate
Date: 14 February
Cost: R280 per couple (includes a bottle of wine and 2 branded glasses)
Enjoy a gourmet picnic basket for two whilst admiring the sunset overlooking the vineyards. Soft romantic music will set the ambiance for a romantic evening. Bookings are essential. Bookings and pre-payment to be made on/before 10 February.
For reservations contact Pierre-Benn. Tel 021-976-3361, email [email protected]
KwaZulu Natal
Abingdon Estate
Date: 14 February
Cost: R140 per person
KwaZulu Natal’s only boutique wine estate is offering a delicious picnic in the vineyards under the oak trees for Valentine’s Day. On arrival guests can enjoy a wine tasting, thereafter couples can choose their favourite bottle of wine to add to their picnic basket. Picnics include Italian meats, assorted cheeses, olives, hummus, scotch eggs, stuffed chicken, onion marmalade, figs, their
famous homemade bread and chocolate brownies. Picnic baskets and rugs provided.
For reservations contact Jane. Tel 083-463-8503, email [email protected]
