Step into the cosy season with our selection of winelands experiences that are perfect for autumn. Nostalgic farm-style dining, wine lounges with breathtaking views, family-friendly picnics, exclusive wine and food experiences… Take your pick from our list of magical autumn experiences in the Cape Winelands.
Farm-style Fine Dining at Clara’s Barn
A modern farm kitchen rooted in South African heritage food – that’s what awaits at Clara’s Barn. Founded by Bertus Basson, Clara’s Barn is a restaurant in the oldest barn in the Western Cape at Vergenoegd Löw. Picture a refined, fine-dining venue with two roaring fireplaces and farm-style dishes. Think Chalmar sirloin, braised hoekkraaltjie goat shoulder, yellowfin tuna and sago pudding, all expressed in Chef Drikus Brink’s contemporary way.
Where: Clara’s Barn, Vergenoegd Löw, Cape Town
When: Lunch: Tuesday – Sunday, 12h00 – 14h30 & Dinner: Friday – Saturday, 18h00 – 22h00
Unwind at Dreamy Lanzerac Spa
Are you looking for the perfect way to unwind and relax with your girlfriends? Look no further than Lanzerac Spa. A sanctuary hidden away in the vineyards, the spa has luxurious treatments, one-of-a-kind facilities, and highly trained therapists. Choose from an array of massages and beauty treatments, and warm up in the indoor heated swimming pool or bubbling jacuzzi. And just like that, you’ll feel all your worries disappear.
Where: Lanzerac Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
When: Monday – Sunday, 09h00 – 18h00
Dinner at Spier’s Manor House
Right at the very heart of Spier is the Manor House that’s been beautifully restored to host intimate food and wine experiences. Every Friday night in April, Chef Phil Carmichael presents his series of special dinners at the manor. Creating culinary masterpieces from his open hearth kitchen, he will serve five-course feasts, expertly paired with Spier’s 21 Gable wines.
Where: Manor House, Spier Wine Farm, Stellenbosch
When: Every Friday in April, 18h00 – 21h00
Pizza and Wine at Stellenzicht Wine Pod
The eco-friendly Wine Pod on the Stellenzicht estate is an experience like no other! This unique tasting room was designed to bring nature into the structure. Because of this, you’ll feel as if you are miles away from town when enjoying a glass of elegant Stellenzicht wine and a delicious pizza at the pod. With breathtaking views of the Stellenbosch and Helderberg mountains all around, it’s a place where you can go to relax and unwind.
Where: The Wine Pod, Stellenzicht, Stellenbosch
When: Wednesday – Friday, 10h00 – 18h00 & Saturday – Sunday, 09h00 – 17h00
Sip Back and Relax at Suzanne
If it’s drinks with friends you’re after, head to Laborie’s new restaurant. Suzanne is the best place in Paarl to enjoy a chilled glass of wine or a whimsical cocktail. Named after the wife of Laborie’s first owner, Suzanne is a welcoming and relaxing space that serves breakfast, small bites, easy lunches, and tapas. The full bar serves wine, cocktails, beers, and more.
Where: Suzanne, Laborie Estate, Paarl
When: Mon – Thu, 07h00 – 21h00; Fri, 07h00 – 23h00; Sat, 08h00 – 23h00 & Sun, 08h00 – 17h00
Picnics at The Manor Lawns on Nederburg
Make the most of the warm autumn days and chill out under the age-old trees at Nederburg. The Manor restaurant’s picnic baskets are beautifully prepared and includes bitterballen, BBQ chicken wings, sweet and sour pork ribs, salads, freshly baked bread, and brownies. Blankets, cushions, crockery and glasses are all provided along with a bottle of Cuvée Brut bubbly, or any wine from The Winemasters collection. Plus, there is a fun playground with a jungle gym and ziplines for the kids!
Where: The Manor, Nederburg Wine Estate, Paarl
When: Monday – Sunday, 09h00 – 16h00
Foodies, experience true countryside hospitality at Hope Restaurant, the latest addition to Diemersfontein Wine and Country Estate. Chef Dylan Smith and his team carefully crafts contemporary bistro food that draws inspiration from all over the world. The restaurant has an amazing new pairing menu, with delicious combinations like ginger and tomato risotto and Sauvignon Blanc; oxtail tortellini and Pinotage; smoked chocolate mousse and Thokozani SMV; and more.
Where: Hope Restaurant, Diemersfontein Wine and Country Estate, Wellington
When: Monday – Saturday, 12h00 – 21h00 & Sunday, 12h00 – 15h30
Discover Nature-Inspired Elegance at Paserene
Derived from the word Passeriformes, which refers to the largest order of birds classified by their perching habits, Paserene boasts an impressive portfolio of elegant wines. Relax in the comfort of their contemporary swallow nest-inspired tasting lounge overlooking a beautiful dam while indulging in their food and wine offerings. Their small plates range from organic olives to classic bitterballen. For those with a bigger appetite, the Paserene Platter – a selection of their small plates – will hit the spot.
Where: Paserene Winery, Franschhoek
When: Monday – Sunday, 10h00 – 17h00
La Motte’s Artisanal Bakery & Garden Café
There’s something very welcoming, familiar and comforting in the smell of freshly baked bread and this is at the heart of the offering at the Artisanal Bakery & Garden Café. The menu is seasonal and includes options like croissants, mosbolletjies, mieliepap, open sandwiches, lemon meringue tart and ystervarkies, to name but a few. Hosted in the estate’s Jonkershuis, the bakery opens into the calm of shaded gardens. Young and old are invited to explore these gardens with their ancient oaks, stretched lawns, and tranquil pond.
Where: Artisanal Bakery & Garden Café, La Motte Estate, Franschhoek
When: Wednesday – Sunday, 08h00 – 16h00
Dazzling Food and Wine Experiences at La Petite Ferme
Indulge your inner gastronome this autumn and snap up a seat at one of the exclusive wine and food experiences presented by La Petite Ferme in Franschhoek. As you take in the autumn views from the restaurant at this mountainside wine estate, savour sublime dishes with local and international wines. Be prepared to be dazzled!
Where: La Petite Ferme Restaurant, Franschhoek
When: Selected dates from April – September 2023
Click HERE for all the details.
