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Valentine's in the Winelands
04 February 2010  by Peridot Communications
Romance is in the air with Valentine's Day just around the corner. The beautiful Stellenbosch winelands promises the ultimate venue for seduction and unforgettable experiences over the Valentine's weekend.
Visitors will be spoilt for choice as more than 60 members of the Stellenbosch American Express® Wine Routes will be open on Sunday, 14 February, with several offering special Valentine's packages.

Impress your loved one with a romantic picnic, a gourmet dining experience in a luxury restaurant, a sensual spa treatment or a relaxing outdoor experience such as a vineyard hike, bike trip or riding excursion. The Stellenbosch area offer a myriad of options to suit any mood and budget.

Gourmands can pick and choose between a wide selection of world-class restaurants. But early bookings are advisable. Nestled against the slopes of the Schaapenberg mountain with awesome views of Table Bay, Waterkloof restaurant is offering a special Valentine's lunch prepared in the kitchen of top French chef Grégory Czarnecki. The delectable menu includes a goat's milk cheese terrine with beetroot caramel, apples, nuts and melba toast, Cape salmon served with a mango and white balsamic reductions, pickled mushrooms, Springbok loin with eggplant caviar and aubergine. Masala cream with poached peaches in vanilla syrup or koeksister ice cream will present a sweet finale.

Bodega restaurant at Donier Wines present a wonderfully romantic Valentine's dinner with snacks on arrival and a mounthwatering three-course menu on Saturday, 13 February from 18h30. Costs are R350 per person or you can book for a scintillating food and wine pairing at R380 per person. Avontuur is hosting their Valentine's dinner on Saturday evening at 19h00 and will get the evening off to a sparkling start with a welcoming glass of MCC Brut on the deck followed by a romantic candlelight dinner in the estate restaurant. Alternatively, guests can book for a lovely champagne breakfast on Sunday morning.

Raphael's at Asara on the Polkadraai road just outside Stellenbosch promises an elegant celebration to a background of live piano music and special guest performance. The sumptious menu will tantalise the taste buds at R525 per person. For a more informal evening, a visit to The Bistro & Tapas is ideal with a special menu priced at R425 per person. Special weekend accommodation packages are also available. The ever-popular restaurant at the Spier Hotel will welcome lovebirds to a stylish celebration of love from 19h00 at R275 per person, which includes a welcoming drink, special gift and a 10% service charge.

Put a special sparkle to your Valentine's celebration with the House of J.C. Le Roux in the lush luxury of Devon Valley. The mouthwatering menu options vary between R79 and R235 per person and include a glass of bubbly, a chocolate heart and cupcake.

For an open air love affair, select an al fresco experience at one of the amazing picnic sites in the Winelands. For only R285 per basket, chef George Jardine from Jordan Restaurant will prepare a fabulous feast for two, which can be enjoyed with a complementary bottle of Jordan Chameleon on the luscious lawns overlooking the beautiful Stellenbosch kloof. Enjoy the floral splendour of Vredenheim with a Valentine's basket from Hudson's Restaurant at R290 per basket on Saturday or Sunday.

For romance under the stars, try the midnight picnic and movie at Overgaauw. Bring your own blanket, basket and lantern and enjoy the movie "A Good Year" from 20h00. Entry costs R120 per person and includes a cheese platter and a bottle of wine.

Renowned chef Bruce Robertson and Warwick wine estate have created a selection of interesting picnic options, including a winelands-style Big 5 4x4 safari through the vineyards followed by a romantic picnic in the mountains. A secluded picnic spot under the trees is ideal if you want to celebrate love with a group of friends and family or you can pick an informal spot on the river bank. The bistro-style restaurant is the perfect child-friendly option as kids can play on the jungle gym, while you enjoy quality time with your spouse.

For the ultimately unique Stellenbosch wine experience, don't miss a romantic and sensual Pinotage bath at Mont Destin. This intimate, outdoor bathing experience amongst the vineyards was conceptualised by owner Ernest Burgin. Join your partner for this incredible experience at R1500 per couple. The price includes the Pinotage batch, an award-winning bottle of Pinotage, dressing gowns, towels and a heavenly mountain shower.

Should you like to extend your romantic celebrations overnight, enjoy a luxurious stay-over at the Zorgvliet Boutique Hotel & Spa where you can enjoy a special Valentine's breakaway including five-star accommodations, sparkling wine and a cheese platter as well as a wine tasting at R2550 per couple per night.

Be the perfect Valentine and visit Stellenbosch. Visit www.wineroute.co.za of contact (021 )886-4310 for a full schedule of Valentine's offerings and contact details.
 
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