The winelands region of South Africa combines beautiful landscapes with centuries old architecture and superb food and wine. A perfect escape from the busy centre of Capetown and less than an hour by car from the city.
Some of my favourite wineries, restaurants and accommodation in the Stellenbosch and Franschhoek area are listed below :
Leeu Estate
Nestled between the mountains and a river within the picturesque Franschhoek valley, Leeu Estate encompasses a winery, luxury 5 star accommodation and a spa situated on 170 acres of immaculately manicured vineyards. The accommodation options are spread around the gardens and there is a grand refurbished 19th-century Manor house which includes the main restaurant and wellness spa. The views over the huge expanse of lawn dotted with impressive bronze sculptures are breathtaking.
We stayed recently in one of the cottages at Leeu Estate, which was adjacent to the wine tasting room in a small enclave of approximately 6 cottages. The room and furnishings were divine. With a neutral colour palette and a picturesque view of the vine covered arbour, the vineyards, the huge oak trees and the swimming pool to the majestic mountain ranges in the distance, I thought the room was absolutely superb.
Franschhoek
The picturesque and quaint town of Franschoek is approximately five – ten minutes drive from Leeu Estate. Franschhoek is Afrikaans for ‘French Corner’. It is one of the oldest towns in South Africa and is the epicenter of the wine country. Wandering the streets is a charming way to spend a day. Gorgeous boutiques nestled amongst world renowned restaurants and galleries, the town is like a centuries old village. If you’re looking for a perfect day, consider hiring a push bike and cycling into town through the vines. Follow this with a long lazy lunch at La Petite Colombe then while away the afternoon strolling the enchanting streets of this beautiful village. La Petite Colombe is the sister restaurant to the world renowned La Colombe in Constantia, and is located in Le Quartier Francais Hotel on the Main Street of Franschhoek.
I would strongly recommend a visit to Manzart – a fabulous art gallery in the Main Street of Franschhoek. We purchased four amazing works there by Lisette Bambine Forsyth, a Namibian born model turned artist who has been exhibiting since 2004. Truly beautiful works!
La Residence, Franschhoek
Located in the beautiful Franschhoek valley on a private 30 acre estate, La Residence is also an exquisite hotel offering luxury accommodation and fabulous dining options.
The interior design at La Residence is nothing short of spectacular. With huge chandeliers, eclectic pieces of brightly coloured furniture, ornate antiques and extraordinary collectibles all housed under huge vaulted ceilings, the hotel exudes a feeling of nostalgic opulence and luxury. Peacocks wander quietly through the beautiful gardens flipping their tale feathers up in majestic displays of colour and beauty.
Lunch on the terrace overlooking the gardens and lake is an absolute must, and the food is simply superb. A perfect oasis after a long morning wine tasting in the Franschhoek valley.
Anthonij Rupert Wyne Estate
Anthonij Rupert Wyne was founded on the farm L’Omarins in the picturesque Franschhoek Wine Valley beneath the jagged peaks of the Groot Drakenstein mountains. Originally owned by the late Anthonij Rupert, the farm was taken over by his brother Johann Rupert in 2003 and the company renamed after him.
Now a state of the art wine making facility with two fabulous wine tasting rooms as well as a Motor Museum, the winery also includes a restaurant and farm shop. The wines are produced under several brands, including Protea Wines, Terra Del Capo Italian Varietal Wines, Cape of Good Hope Site specific wines, and the Anthonij Rupert flagship range.
A visit to the Rupert Winery is highly recommended, not only for the opportunity to explore the sprawling grounds and gardens, but also because they produce some of the best wines in South Africa. Definitely don’t miss the Rose – it’s one of my absolute favourites.
La Motte
La Motte is one of three wine estates owned by the Rupert family. The farm is owned by the Rupert’s daughter, Hanneli Rupert-Koegelenberg. Formerly one of South Africa’s leading mezzo-sopranos, she is also the inspiration behind La Motte’s programme of Classical Music Concerts presented from the Historic Cellar on the estate.
The restaurant at La Motte is called Pierneef a la Motte. With a strong focus on seasonal and sustainable, locally-sourced artisan ingredients, Chef Eric Bulpitt presents a seasonal selection of starters, mains and desserts, reflecting his modern interpretation of heritage cuisine. The restaurant also offers a garden menu which is served at tables under the majestic oak trees in the warmer months. A perfect spot for a delicious lunch and a lazy stroll around the gardens and vineyards.
Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch is another beautiful and historic town in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. It is surrounded by the Vineyards of the Cape Winelands, and is well known for being the home of Stellenbosch University.
The towns oak-shaded streets are lined with cafes, boutiques and art galleries. Stellenbosch became known as the ‘City of Oaks’, due to the large number of oak trees planted by its founder Simon van der Stel. It is the second oldest European settlement in the Province after Capetown, and the Dutch architecture and the period houses and gardens give a sense of South Africa’s Dutch colonial history.
The Stellenbosch Wine Routes are the largest and oldest in the country and encompass more than 200 wine and grape producers in the region. A perfect way to spend a few days, exploring the area, visiting wineries for tastings, and enjoying beautiful restaurants and delicious food. Not too hard to take !!!
Delaire Graff Estate
This is one of my favourite wineries to visit in the Stellenbosch region. The estate is nestled between picturesque mountains and vineyards, and the views from the restaurant are utterly breathtaking. There are two restaurants, wine tasting rooms, a luxury spa and a superb boutique to visit, in addition to Lodges offered for accommodation. I haven’t stayed at De Graff Estate, but it is definitely on my bucket list. The winery and restaurants, however are well worth visiting. Absolutely divine! And the scenery is just incredible. Don’t miss it!!
Waterkloof Wine Estate
Waterkloof Wine Estate is based in Somerset West, approximately 45 minutes drive from Capetown. The winery is perched high on a hill and features a dramatic and modern building with a huge glass promontory housing the signature restaurant and with views over the surrounding mountains and down to False Bay.
Within its walls, Chef Gregory Czarnecki whets the appetite with contemporary classics, complemented by the estate’s elegant wines. The food is classical cuisine with a modern French twist, and the views from the restaurant through the sweeping glass walls are indescribably beautiful.
My favourite restaurant in South Africa for sure!! And I’m not alone. Waterkloof recently took out the number one restaurant in South Africa at the 2018 Eat Out Mercedes Benz Restaurant Awards.
Quoin Rock Wine Estate / Gate Restaurant
Gate Restaurant is located at Quoin Rock Wine Estate on the slopes of the majestic Simonsberg Mountain adjacent to Stellenbosch. This is a once in a life time culinary journey, the likes of which I have never experienced. From the moment we arrived and were greeted by staff dressed in tan leather aprons which housed all manner of kitchen equipment and culinary accoutrements I had a feeling we were in for a unique and unforgettable experience.
Chef Rikku O’Donnchu, who previously worked alongside Heston Blumenthal and other Michelin starred chefs, presents a menu at Gate which is unique and theatrical. The food presentation is avant- garde and quirky. A good example is the bread course served as a cigar with an ashtray . Utterly realistic and equally divine in flavor. Each course is a show stopping spectacle, and I suspect Gate may well be in line to take top honours in future restaurant awards both in South Africa and internationally. Watch this space – I’ve got a feeling this one may take a posi in the top ten restaurants globally!!
Birkenhead House, Hermanus
If you have had your fill of the wine country, and you’re chasing some salty breezes and beach time, the seaside town of Hermanus is just one hour and fifteen minutes from Franschoek. Hermanus is renowned for being the best land based whale watching destination in the world. It’s also known for its wild natural beauty and quaint town filled with boutiques, markets and galleries.
Birkenhead House is an 11 room boutique hotel situated on an exhilarating cliff top overlooking the whale watching paradise of Walker Bay. Birkenhead House is part of The Royal Portfolio Group who own La Residence in Franschoek and Royal Malawene in South Africa’s Greater Kruger National Park.
The Winelands region of South Africa is rich in history, spectacular in its natural beauty, and bountiful in its production of world class wines and cuisine. It makes for a perfect escape from the fast pace of the city of Capetown. I love it and plan to return for some long lazy days sipping Rose under the Oak trees!! Cheers!!