With spring rapidly turning to summer, Boschendal is a hive of activity and all the seasonal favourites are back.
Sections of the Franschhoek valley’s 1,800-hectare farm have been under construction recently, and Boschendal is ready to unveil its new look and feel with refurbished accommodation, new menus and new ways to enjoy their signature wines.
The Cellar Door has been given a fresh new look, ideal for indoor and outdoor wine and MCC tasting. Photo: Claire Gunn
1. The Friday Night Market
The Friday Night markets are back for the warmer months, a lovely weekend activity for the whole family. Photo: Claire Gunn
This popular market kicked off again in early September and will run every Friday all through the summer months. An idyllic way to end the week, Boschendal’s Friday Night Market is a true marker of spring in the Cape and with new stalls, new food offerings, and additional family-fun activities, there is something for every age and interest.
Children are entertained at the Tree House with a supervised programme including storytelling, stargazing, and an outdoor cinema with bottomless popcorn. Children ages 4 to 14 are welcome and the cost is R100 per child. Hours for the market are 6 – 9 PM.
Look out for Boschendal’s newly refreshed Deli, recently reopened and marked by a new menu.
2. Boschendal’s Seasonal Picnics Straight from the Farm
Only naturally grown produce from the estate, as well as locally sourced artisanal goods, are used in seasonal picnic baskets.
The in-demand picnics at Boschendal also started up again in September. Picnics are served in two beautiful areas within the farm: the Rhone Rose Garden and also near the Werf. The picnic area at the Rhone lawns has impressive mountain views and is surrounded by vineyards, the Rhone Homestead, the Cellar Door and Boschendal Winery, making this the classic winemaking hub of Boschendal. The Werf Farm Picnic is a more relaxed affair and guests are welcome to bring their own blankets, chairs and tables to enjoy a leisurely afternoon under the trees of the Pavilion lawn. These picnics are served on the weekends and local bands play throughout Saturday afternoon from the Pavilion.
3. Wine-tasting: Redesigned
Wine tasting under the oaks outside the Werf restaurant, an ideal spot to sip and nibble at the delicious farm plates. PHOTO: Lauren Dold
Boschendal has shaken up their offerings in what might have been a traditional affair, and is setting the bar high for unique wine tasting experiences. Visitors now have the option to have three different encounters with the estate’s wine: at the Cellar Door Wine Tasting Centre, on long tables under the oak trees in front of the Werf Restaurant, and premier wine tastings and pairing at the historic Manor House. The Cellar Door Wine Tasting Centre is a little more informal, and walk-ins looking for a relaxed experience are welcome.
Guests can even take part in the ‘Boule and Bubbly’ tasting where they can sip on Boschendal’s MCCs while playing the traditional French game. A brand new tasting is now taking place in front of The Werf Restaurant together with a delicious farm plate menu to accompany the tastings, perfect for a leisurely afternoon of sharing.
The recently refurbished Cape vernacular Manor House is home to the premier wine tasting, where guests have signature experiences presented from a private room and a Historic Tasting of 5 wines representing the history of Boschendal and a Connoisseur Tasting of 5 limited release wines.
4. Concerts on the Lawn
Look forward to concerts on the lawn starting up again in a few weeks time. PHOTO: Claire Gunn
The summer concerts will begin on 26 November. Visit boschendal.com for more information.
5. Luxury farm cottages
The Orchard cottages range in size from 2 sleepers to this 8 sleeper cottage. PHOTO: Lauren Dold
Beds at Boschendal can be found in various locations on the farm, from the Werf cottages close to the restaurant to the Rhodes cottage, Trout cottage, Bertha’s retreat and newly renovated Orchard cottages above the vineyards.
The stylish Orchard cottages are a 2km drive or cycle through pastures and fruit orchards, ideal for families or groups of friends. The cottages are spacious and comfortably furnished, with beautiful views of the valley. The atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable, with rolling lawns and a spacious communal fire pit and swimming pool.
The open fire pit at the Orchard cottages has plenty of room for family and friends to gather around. PHOTO: Lauren Dold
Stunning mountain views from the swimming pool at the Orchard cottages. PHOTO: Claire Gunn
Guests are spoiled for choice when it comes to dining. The Werf Restaurant, The Deli, Rhone Homestead or picnic area offer different dining experiences. One could also pop into the Farm Shop and butchery and prepare food yourself at the cottages.
Be sure to bring along walking shoes or mountain biking gear to explore the trails around the farm. (And a swimming costume for the pool, or even the dam in the summertime.)
