The past months have seen the arrival of numerous exciting new visitor experiences in the Cape winelands, from innovative walking tours to an unconventional sherry cellar.
Durbanville
Restaurant at Groot Phesantekraal
Groot Phesantekraal’s recent upgrades included an updated tasting room and restaurant, the later headed by chef Germaine Esau. Its menu and décor seek to reflect the heritage of the three-century old farm. Housed in a restored 1767 stable, the space incorporates original features like a cobble stone floor and wooden troughs. Adoring the walls are historic photographs and custom-blue Dutch tiles. Hyper-seasonal menus showcase fresh produce with a specific focus on ingredients from the farm, including free-range eggs, dairy, venison, honey and olive oil, and when available, figs and quinces. It is open for breakfast and lunch, from Tuesday to Sunday. Book via restaurant@grootphesantekraal.co.za.
Franschhoek
Visitor centre at La Motte
The eagerly awaited re-opening of La Motte Wine Estate’s visitor centre features a “refreshed brand identity rooted in both the heart of the land and the soul of its community”. New additions include an updated tasting room, a family-friendly brasserie, a re-done farm shop, and an Ateljee, a creative hub showcasing art and crafts of local artisans. Info: info@la-motte.co.za or 021 876 8000.
Stellenbosch
Die Stoep restaurant at Vriesenhof
Until last year, the manor at Vriesenhof was the home of wine and rugby legend Jan Boland Coetzee. In November, it reopened as a tasting venue and restaurant. Classic décor features remain with key features being the indoor and outdoor seating areas with views of the Stellenbosch Mountains. On the menu are wood-fired pizzas, flame-grilled meats and fish. The venue is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 12:00. Info: 021 007 5591 or www.vriesenhof.co.za.
The Soil Room at Spier
Spier affirms its focus on healthy soils sustaining life with the opening of its Soil Room, which it describes as “more than a gift shop”. It retails plants including small trees and wreaths, crafts and eco-arts. The Soil Room adjoins The Cowshed Shop on the Spier werf and comes just ahead of the imminent opening of Spier’s new hotel and restaurant too. Info: www.spier.co.za or 021 809 1100.
Hermanus and Stanford
Walking tours by Creation
Two walking tours in Hermanus and Stanford launched earlier this year in a partnership between Creation Wines and a local guide. Their purpose is to tell the story of how rural, small-town economies are entwined with agriculture. Called The Creation Collaborators Route, it highlights the Hemel-en-Aarde farm’s hyper-local sourcing policy as well as its focus on wellness. Info: info@creationwines.com or guide Susan Mann on 078 239 9512.
Wellington
Smul restaurant at Diemersfontein
Smul is the new family-style restaurant at Diemersfontein. It gets its name from the Afrikaans, meaning “to savour”. The menu features classic favourites and dishes with contemporary interpretations. Generous portions are among its hallmarks as are fresh and local ingredients. It is open Monday to Friday, for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Info: 069 687 5904 or info@smulrestaurant.co.za.
Elgin
Bloem restaurant at Paul Cluver Family Wines
Part of the Bertus Basson group of restaurants in partnership with chef Carla Burger, the family-oriented Bloem promises “a culinary journey of local flavour”, characterised by fresh, seasonal produce. Seating is outdoors under London Plane trees as well as the stylish indoors, with views of surrounding mountains and orchards. It’s open for breakfast and lunch, with the latter menu comprising sharing cheese-and-charcuterie platters as well as tapas. Business hours are Tuesday to Sunday. Info: https://cluver.com/bloem-restaurant/ or 021 844 0607.
Saldanha
Adi Badenhorst’s sherry cellar
Winemaker and owner Adi Badenhorst of AA Badenhorst Family Wines can always be trusted to come up with zany ideas. The first product from one of his youngest projects – making sherry – was bottled just months ago having spent years quietly maturing in his unconventional cellar in Saldanha of all places. The dream of “making sherry sexy again” started in 2009. He uses 60-year-old barrels acquired from Monis and flor imported from Spain. The venue can only be visited when he’s there and during events like the long table seafood pop-up lunches hosted by chef Kobus Botha, next planned for November. Info on the “Boere-Bahamas” lunches: kobusbraai@gmail.com. Info about the sherry: 022 125 0116.
Calitzdorp
Tasting room at Boplaas
The veranda of this celebrated Klein Karoo winery that was home to a bistro has been transformed as an extension of its tasting room. Now lighter and larger, the tasting room also incorporates a lounge. Not everything has been thrown out in the transformation, however. Two stinkwood and yellowwood counters, that previously came from the Calitzdorp store of late shopkeeper Phil Katz, have remained. Info: 044 213 3326 or info@boplaas.co.za.
Helderberg
The Potting Shed at Vergelegen
Change afoot at Vergelegen now includes The Potting Shed, a gift shop that will appeal to lovers of plants, handmade items and interesting gadgets like a movement sensor that triggers a delightful recording of the morning chorus. The store is situated in a renovated thatched cottage beside the Rose Terrace Tea Room. Buy fresh flowers, handmade ceramics, home-baked treats, and an assortment of bottled farm produce too. It is open Monday to Sunday, from 09:00. Info: giftshop@veregelegen.co.za or 021 847 2111.
Slanghoek
Tasting room and restaurant at Marais Family Wines
Marais Family Wines at Breëland in Slanghoek added a tasting room and restaurant to its facilities, described on its website as “blend of modern aesthetics and rustic charm”. The tasting room is a modern, concrete-and-glass design with splendid views on the valley. The restaurant has a seasonal menu for breakfast and lunch. Both tasting room and restaurant are open It is open Wednesday to Sunday. Info: 023 344 3129 or tasting@maraiswines.co.za.
