If you’re looking for a fun family outing in the Western Cape, then rest assured your little one(s) can frolic to their hearts content at the below wine farms. Leaving you time to savour, in moderation, the variety of vintages along Cape Route 62. Apart from each of the below wine estates offering wine tastings, you’ll find plenty of activities and sights to keep the whole family occupied.
- Spier
Having visited Spier often since I was a child, I can highly recommend this attractive and family-friendly wine farm, set within Stellenbosch. It is one of the oldest wine farms in South Africa, dating back to 1692, and has a fully-fledged sustainability programme. Known for lush, rolling lawns, numerous duck ponds with feathered friends to feed, as well as a fascinating birds of prey rehabilitation and education centre – Eagle Encounters – this is an ideal day-trip destination.
Spier’s Eight-to-Go deli is a family favourite, as you can make-up your own picnic basket from cold meats, salads, breads, patés, cheeses, dips, and wines, to enjoy outdoors next to the Eerste River; or sit down and have a meal at Eight, or Spier Hotel Restaurant. Eight is a farm-to-fork restaurant that has become quite popular in organic circles, as all ingredients are either grown on the Spier Farm, or sourced locally; Spier Hotel Restaurant is more elegant, and with the attached wine bar, it is a perfect option for supper in the winelands. Enjoy a wine tasting from 10:00 – 16:00 daily, or order your favourite wine online, and have it shipped anywhere in the world. To book a picnic basket, or enquire about accommodation, e-mail info@spier.co.za.
- Eikendal
Eikendal is an award winning wine farm, set in the beautiful Stellenbosch region with beautiful views of the surroundings. Their spacious playground, which includes a jungle gym, will allow children of all ages to enjoy the outdoors, while parents have time to themselves, while savoring some of the divine estate wines. The al fresco restaurant provides scenic views over the vineyard, and their two dams are fully stocked for anglers to enjoy an afternoon of fly-fishing. If you fall in love with the restful atmosphere, you can book a stay at their cosy accommodation, Eikendal Lodge.
While here, you can visit their Cheetah Outreach Programme, harvest grapes at the Eikendal Weintaufe in February/ March, go on a vineyard and cellar tour, or simply stop in for lunch at the Eikendal restaurant, which serves plenty of popular local cuisines.
- Allée Bleue
Set in the unofficial gourmet capital of Franschhoek, is Allée Bleue estate, my top family-friendly pick. Not only do they have extensive outdoor activities available for children, from feeding ducks, to trampolines, bouncing castles, and a jungle gym, but they also cater for children indoors if the weather takes a turn for the worst.
Enjoy a ‘Chicnic’ on the lawn or at the picnic tables set opposite the childrens playground. Chicnics are available all year round, weather dependant, and pre-ordering is required – book one by e-mailing info@alleebleue.com. You can also head to their bistro, which is wheelchair and child-friendly, and serves cuisines with distinct German and local influences.
For more child-friendly hot spots around South Africa, check out these 10 places.
What family-friendly wine farms have you been to?
Main image credited to Jenniferschwalm (Flickr)
