Wine Tasting and more
Seven beautiful bubbles await you at Villiera and you can even have them paired with Sally Williams nougat. Saturdays are always busy and I believe that's down to their amazingly passionate and knowledgeable staff...and of course, their brilliant wines.
Since 1996, Stellenzicht boasts a reputation as one of the top five farms in the Cape wine industry. They have recently revamped their tasting room so do you and check them out.
An inspiring range of award-winning wines is to be had at the Bergkelder, home of Fleur du Cap wines and a unique salt and wine pairing option is available for those who want something a little different. Make sure you book a tour of their cellar in the mountain.
Gary and Kathy Jordan have been making world-class wines since 1993 and you will be hard-pressed to beat the views from their estate. If you need further convincing, they have a bakery and a deli...full of things that go perfectly well with a bottle of wine.
If red wines are your thing, head to Alto Wine Estate, South Africa's oldest red wine estate, and sample their range of rich, elegant and very Stellenbosch-styled reds. They also offer a delicious combination three wines paired with three patés served on artisanal 100% rye bread made in the area.
Care to visit the home of the first commercially produced Pinotage? Lanzerac has been making Pinotage since 1959 (that was the first bottled vintage of the variety) and you can taste their latest vintages of this South African grape as well as other beautiful wines and even a chocolate and wine tasting at their estate.
The list of wineries to visit is actually endless and if you want something other than wine, Sansibar at Asara has an extensive collection of single malt whiskies and various gins.
Where to Eat
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and De Companje has all
your artisinal delights under one bustling roof. Freshly baked breads, honest
coffee, and yummy pastries are all up for grabs if you just want to pick
something and walk BUT, if you sit down to eat, their french toast with clotted
cream is to die for. Bring a healthy appetite.
From first hand experience, your tastebuds will love you if you dine at Tokara and devour Richard Carsten's food. Fantastic flavours, texture, seasonal ingredients and a restaurant with one of the best views around - I dare you to find a reason not to eat here.
When summer hits, a picnic by a lake might be just the ticket and Warwick offers gourmet ones from August onwards. The picnic areas are extensive and it's a great spot for families. If picnics aren't your thing, you might enjoy their winter warmer menu which offers dishes such as Slowly braised pork belly on apple puree with kimchi, caramelised onion & crackling - yeah, I said crackling.
Bistro 13 at Stellenbosch Vineyards is run by Roxy Laker and chef Nik van Wyk. Since opening last year, they've become one of the go-to spots for great dining in a space that is completely unpretentious. They change their offerings fairly regularly because they love experimenting with new flavours and combinations.
What to See/Do
If you're the outdoors type and love to get close to nature, do a vineyard
tour with a difference with Spier's Segway tours. Discover the biodynamic
nature of the farm with a guided tour - it's great for groups to do.
If you want to be more active, visit Jonkershoek Nature Reserve and choose
one of many hiking and biking routes which display lush fnybos, waterfalls, and
amazing terrain.
Fancy a round of golf? Why not try out the 18-hole championship golf range at Kleine Zalze which boasts a mix of parkland holes in a gorgeous setting; it's one of only 3 golf courses in the world that is amongst vineyards.
For a casual day out that consists of food, drinks, live music, crafts and a
bit of shopping, visit one of Stellenbosch's many markets. Oude Libertas houses
the Slow Market every Saturday and R44 market at Audacia farm has great things
for families and lots of space for relaxing and spending a lazy weekend.
Where to stay
If you fancy a little bit of luxury, away from the noise and rush of city
life, Jordan's new suites are just the place to lay your head. Each suite has spacious interiors that are
individually designed and uniquely decorated, making the Jordan Luxury Suites
an ideal choice for a unique Winelands getaway.
For undisturbed family vacations,
discrete executive workshops and elegant functions, Dornier's
Homestead is a lovely country mansion to escape to with plenty of space and amenities to make it your (better) home-from-home.
Momberg cottages on Middelvlei estate are close to the heart of Stellenbosch
but surrounded by vineyards and views of the Devon Valley, it's peaceful and
charming. The cottage offers a
bedroom with two three-quarter twin beds, en-suite bathroom with walk-in
shower, fully equipped kitchenette and a spacious living room with oversized
folding doors opening onto a shady veranda overlooking the swimming pool.