Just like a good bottle of red wine next to a blazing fire on a cold winter’s night, there is nothing nicer than a trip out to the winelands on a crisp winter’s day. Apart from getting out of the house and away from the dvd machine it gives you a chance to indulge in some fine fare. It also allows you to stock up on more wine for when you return.
Here are our choices of where to go in the Cape Winelands this winter for a good meal and a glass of wine.
Allée Bleue Wine Estate
Franschhoek
With its distinctive avenue of blue gum trees, this historic estate is at the centre of the famous wine routes of Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Paarl. Jazzed Up Sundays offers a winning combination of a generous ‘Sunday roast’ lunch buffet with live music for only R145 a person (R85 for kids under 10). From jazz and swing through to sultry Latin, the line-up on Sundays promises an authentic taste of the local music scene. Allée Bleue Bistro have also introduced a special winter ‘plat du jour’ menu, featuring real comfort food like Braised Oxtail with Potato Mash and Vegetables, Prawn Curry with Rice and Vegetables, Springbok Shanks with Celery Puree and Pumpkin, and Lentil Stew with Frankfurters. These Winter Hotties are a steal at just R75 a plate. Children are welcomed too with an outdoor play area and a kid-friendly menu. There’s never been a better time to round up family or friends and head out to Allée Bleue than this winter. Tel 021-874-1021, email [email protected], www.alleebleue.com
Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate
Franschhoek
Nestled within the Franschhoek Valley in the Western Cape, surrounded by 47-acres of lush vines, the Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate wears her 300-year history with style. Join them for Chef’s Table at The Restaurant, an exquisite three-course lunch or dinner in The Jonkershuis created by renowned Executive Chef, Darren Badenhorst, for just R250 per person. Dine on fine cuisine and sip on award-winning Estate wines beside a roaring log fire. (Please note this is only available for a minimum of 8 guests per table and reservations must be made in advance.) Tel 021-876-8600, email [email protected], www.grandeprovence.co.za
Goederust Farm
Franschhoek
The Farm Kitchen on Goederust Farm has a traditional country atmosphere, allowing you to relax and unwind while taking in the rich aromas and the spectacular scenery. Every Sunday they offer a spit-braai buffet lunch for R130 per person, including lamb on the spit with gravy, their very famous chicken pie, traditional roast potatoes, a selection of vegetables in season, farm bread with preserves, plus the dessert of the day. It is advisable to book to avoid disappointment. Tel 021-876-3687, email [email protected], www.goederust.co.za.
Jordan Restaurant at Jordan Wines
Stellenbosch
Take in spectacular panoramic views of Table Mountain, False Bay and Stellenbosch whilst enjoying a four-course set menu with 2 glasses of Jordan wine at R225 per person from Tuesdays to Saturdays. The menu’s change daily according to the best produce they can find, ensuring you get only the freshest and tastiest ingredients in your meal. This dining experience will satisfy all senses from sight through to palate, ensuring a memorable occasion on a cold winter’s day. Tel 021-881-3612, email [email protected], www.jordanwines.com
The Restaurant @ Clos Malverne
Stellenbosch
Nestled in the Devon Valley outside Stellenbosch amidst the vineyards and enjoying stunning views from its wraparound balcony, The Restaurant @ Clos Malverne has developed a loyal following for its fresh, seasonal and easy, contemporary cuisine. They have conjured up in an exclusive Winter Warmer Menu offering enthusiasts a three-course lunchtime food and wine indulgence of generous portions at a mere R158 per person. Each dish on this sizzling bill of fare is served with a matching Clos Malverne wine. Available Tuesdays to Fridays. Tel 021-865-2022, email [email protected], www.closmalverne.co.za
Tokara Restaurant
Stellenbosch
Positioned on top of the Helshoogte Pass outside Stellenbosch, Tokara offers its guests contemporary cuisine, award-winning wines and dramatic views over Stellenbosch and False Bay. The building housing the restaurant is a Cape architectural icon utilising glass, steel and stone, with the latest feature including a bar with a clear view of the hustle and bustle in the kitchen or the sun setting through a picture window. Tokar are offering a great winter special with four courses (two starters, a main and dessert) with a glass of wine for R250 until the end of September. Tel 021-885-2550, email [email protected], www.tokararestaurant.co.za
Read Sarah Duff’s review of the winter menu at Tokara
Makaron Restaurant at Majeka House
Stellenbosch
The focus at this classically French-inspired restaurant is to provide guests mouth-watering food in an elegant and comfortable environment. Experience it for yourself this winter with their Chef’s Tasting Menu, including a choice of 2 starters, 1 main and a dessert for R325 per person. If you fancy a truly indulgent day or weekend in the winelands, try the Majeka House packages starting at R1 252 per person, sharing. Includes accommodation at the 5-star Majeka House, spa treatments, breakfast, dinner and cocktails. Tel 021-880-1549, email [email protected], www.makaronrestaurant.co.za. For special offers at Majeka House tel 021-880-1512, email [email protected], www.majekahouse.co.za
Winter Gourmet Wine Evenings
The Plettenberg and The Marine
As winter starts to set in, The Collection by Liz McGrath wine evenings are the perfect opportunity to get cosy and drink some of South Africa’s finest wines expertly paired by some of South Africa’s leading chefs. The ever popular gourmet wine evenings will have you enjoying a five-course gourmet dinner during which the winemakers from each estate will be on hand to discuss each wine. R340.00 per person for the five-course dinner inclusive of wines. Or you may choose to make an evening of it by taking up the special wine evening accommodation package. Wine and dine to your heart’s content and then retire to a beautiful room with unsurpassable sea views and hospitality. On waking, enjoy a full English breakfast. R1 100 per person including a full English breakfast and the Gourmet Wine Evening dinner. For dates and reservations for The Marine contact Monique Oosthuizen on 028-313-1000, email [email protected]. For dates and reservations for The Plettenberg contact David Dix on 044-533-2030 or [email protected]
Need accommodation in the Cape Winelands? Getaway Accommodation has got you covered.
