It’s winter, and there’s nothing better to keep the cold at bay than a warm dish at a beautiful restaurant in the Cape Winelands. While you’re there, why not make the most of it and stay over? Several establishments are offering amazing discounts and budget-friendly packages.
Here is a host of specials in the Cape Winelands to keep the fires burning through the cold months.
1. Spier: Family friendly break
Spier Hotel on the lush Spier Wine Farm has tied up a family-friendly special.
From just R1 390 per adult per night, the two-night bed and breakfast Family Package includes a cosy Family Burger Night and an Eagle Encounters experience.
Kids stay free – up to two children under 12 can be accommodated with two adults in a room on a complimentary basis.
Even if you are not on holiday, be a digital nomad for a couple of days. The children are taken care of and you can get down to business. Comfortable workspaces and complimentary wifi unite to give you a restful workcation while the children are kept busy enjoying farm life.
If work is not on your agenda, sign up for the Disconnect to Reconnect offering and go for a family digital detox. No screen time, just quality family time together. Select any online package or rate and use the promo code RECONNECT to receive your special ‘switch off’ kit on arrival.
Colourful accommodation at Spier
Family time at Spier
Kids get special treatment here: there is a special children’s check-in with a complimentary juice, toy box for the room and colouring-in activities. They may not have time for all this, though. The Kids Clubhouse is perennially popular, offering secure childcare – giving the adults some downtime. Perhaps take the opportunity for a Segway tour of the vineyards or a treatment at the spa..
Spier offers a daily winter holiday programme of fun-filled, age-appropriate activities, including arts and crafts, storytelling and farm walks for children between the ages of 3 and 12.
There’s plenty of open space for them to explore and activities such as family biking in the organically grown vineyards and visiting the educational conservation project, Eagle Encounters. The winter special runs until the end of August.
+27 (0)21 809 1100 or [email protected] spier.co.za
2. Boschendal: Deli takeaways and accommodation specials
From soil to fork, The Deli at Boschendal looks first to what the farm has provided, from fresh herbs and vegetables from the lush food garden and the abundant fruit orchards, to the free-roaming livestock. It’s offering a call and collect option or it’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner – keep the magic going and book into one of the estate’s accommodation offerings: there is elegant country living in the Werf Garden Suites; and family-friendly self-catering options in the Orchard Cottages.
Fare from the farm at the Deli
One of the Orchard Cottages at Boschendal
Families and groups seeking exclusive villa accommodation can choose between the contemporary six-bedroom Mountain Villa and the historic Cottage 1685, built by acclaimed Cape architect Sir Herbert Baker. For those travelling with furry, four-legged family members, Trout Cottage on the flanks of the Simonsberg is pet-friendly.
South African residents get 30% off and there are also Weekday Delights discounts, on Sundays to Thursdays, with a minimum three-night stay.
+27 (0)21 870 4200 boschendal.com
3. Steenberg: Steenberg @ Home and other specials
The Cape’s first farm, established in 1682, has two dining options: Tryn, named for Steenberg’s 17th century founder, Catharina Ras (Tryn to friends and family), and Bistro Sixteen82, the cellar door restaurant.
Tryn Restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch daily, and in the evenings from Thursday to Saturday for early dinner with last reservations at 6.30pm. You can also pop in during the day for sweet treats from the coffee and pastry bar. Bistro Sixteen82 is open from 9am, with last reservations at 6.30pm.
Delectable Pork belly at Tryn Restaurant
How’s this for a takeaway?
For just R395 per person, Tryn offers a three course winter special of a starter, main and dessert of your choice. At Bistro Sixteen82 you can tuck into the Hearty & Homely menu at R315 for a three course lunch or tapas for two at R355. Think parsnip and spinach soup, pulled beef & bacon crumble, and a risotto of the day.
To find a way around the lockdown, chef Kerry Kilpin and her team at Tryn are also offering order-in meals on its Steenberg @ Home and Takeaway menus. Up for ordering are signature dishes such as Asian inspired beef tataki, ready-made restaurant-style to heat, plate and serve. For an uber-indulgent dinner at home, the five-course Moveable Feast leads to an effortless and unforgettable evening. Place your order by clicking on Steenberg @ Home or email [email protected]. Orders need to be in before 9am for same day collection.
Stay the night: South Africans can book for three nights and only pay for two until 30 September.
4. Lanzerac Wine Estate – affordable five star luxury
The iconic Lanzerac Wine Estate in Stellenbosch is steeped in history and has kept up with the times by offering the finest modern amenities while maintaining its unique heritage. Established in 1692 it is the third oldest farm in the region. It has been producing the finest wines since the early 1800’s and today it hosts an elegant luxury Country style hotel, acclaimed bars (the Craven lounge being our personal favourite), restaurants, Deli, and a remarkable tasting venue and a chic day spa.
Lanzerac Wine Estate
The Craven Lounge
Superior luxury at great value
With a recent upgrade to all accommodation, the variety of rooms is astounding. Each has its own unique theme of décor; five of the suites have their own private plunge pools and some have their own steam rooms – wonderful for winter.
Stay for R1750 per person sharing, including breakfast, wine tasting and a R250 per person food & beverage voucher. Offer valid from 01 May – 30 September 2021. Contact [email protected]
Win a luxury getaway with Lanzerac
To celebrate the Wine Route’s 50 illustrious years, Lanzerac is serving up the chance to win a luxury getaway to the estate worth R60 000. To enjoy this glorious experience with Lanzerac, purchase any wine from their premium range at their Tasting Room, online or at selected retailers – after alcohol restrictions are lifted, of course. Scan the QR code applied to the bottle to enter. The competition ends 31 August 2021 and T&Cs apply.
For more information, visit Lanzerac’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
5. A Luxury breakfast at La Cotte Farm in the quiet heart of Franschhoek
Now that dining is allowed to some degree, we thought we’d introduce you to our favourite breakfast spot in Franschhoek. La Cotte Farm is a quiet, secluded gem not far from the village’s busy main street – as you enter the farm an old mill and beautiful garden give you a sense that you’ve entered another world. La Cotte dates back to 1698 – one of eleven farms Huguenot farms granted to French Immigrants.
The restaurant at La Cotte looks out over sprawling gardens and mountain scenery
The mill at the entrance to La Cotte
The French flair has been enhanced with a contemporary feel. A seat on the lawn in front of the restaurant affords majestic views of the garden (where La Cotte grows its own ingredients) and mountains as the sun paints the slopes in golden hues. Morning meals are also a feast for the eye, open to the public only on weekend mornings, so book ahead. +27 (0)21 207 3907 [email protected]
Accommodation ranges from Orchard Cottages sleeping 2-6 guests to the exclusive Main House & Lake Cottage for groups up to 10. From R2 340 per room. +27 (0)21 207 3907 [email protected]
Compiled by Lorraine Kearney & Anton Crone
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