When it’s cold or raining and you’re yearning to get out of the house and spend some time with family and friends, it’s time to head to your favourite wine estate. Here are our top picks for Western Cape wineries where you can enjoy romance, family lunches, or relaxed catch-ups with friends:
1. Constantia Glen, Constantia
Constantia Glen is one of the best winter wine tasting venues in the Western Cape, with both indoor and outdoor seating. It’s advised to book in advance as weekends can get rather busy. On cool, dry days, the outdoor setting overlooking the valley is exceptional, while the restaurant and wine bar offers a welcome retreat from the rain.
Why we ♥ it: The restaurant has a partially enclosed terrace, so you can enjoy the outdoors while still staying safe from the rain. Plus, you also don’t have to compromise on the views! We highly recommend pairing your wine tasting with a cheese and charcuterie platter.
Wine tasting: Weekdays: 10h00 – 17h00, weekends: 10h00 – 16h00
2. La Motte, Franschhoek
La Motte is situated in the beautiful Franschhoek Valley and offers a picturesque setting, delicious cuisine, and an old world charm identifiable with the Cape Winelands. The refurbished tasting venue boats a large fireplace for winter with seating at sofas or handmade tables, and views of the working and maturation cellars through the large glass panels.
Why we ♥ it: La Motte offers a Winelands Tea served on the stoep, in the garden, or in the restaurant weather depending. This special treat includes a selection of bakes from the La Motte Farm Shop and is definitely worthwhile!
Wine tasting: Monday to Saturday: 09h00 – 17h00
3. Devonvale Golf and Wine Estate, Stellenbosch
The Devonvale Restaurant at the Devonvale Golf & Wine Estate offers panoramic views of the golf course and vineyards of the Bottelary Valley in Stellenbosch. Sample meals from the diverse menu paired with a bottle of estate wine, or catch the game on one of the televisions in the restaurant and clubhouse.
Why we ♥ it: The Sunday 3-course set lunches are not to be missed!
Wine tasting: Every day except Sunday
4. Buitenverwachting, Constantia
The thatched Buitenverwachting Restaurant faces the Constantiaberg Mountains and offers superb vistas of the Constantia Valley and vineyards. The courtyard is a beautiful setting for dry winter days with its stinkwood trees and traditional Cape fountain, while the Coffee Bloc is wonderful for catching up with family and friends.
Why we ♥ it: With floor to ceiling windows, you can watch the rain falling from within your cosy enclosed paradise in the restaurant. The breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu is divided into various categories like Classic, Light & Easy, Rustic Affairs, Indulge, and Desserts so you can enjoy a meal for any occasion.
Wine tasting: Monday to Friday: 09h00 – 17h00, Saturday: 09h00 – 13h00
5. Waterkloof Wine Estate, Somerset West
Waterkloof is a captivating wine estate perched on the slopes of the Schapenberg in Somerset West. Waterkloof’s signature restaurant is situated in a glass box that extends from the wine tasting lounge and gravitational cellar out over the vineyards, and makes the most of the views from just about every angle. On cold days, a huge fireplace is lit to ensure a warm and cosy environment.
Why we ♥ it: The restaurant’s floor to ceiling windows make you feel as though you are sitting outdoors even when it’s raining! We also can’t leave without indulging in the wine and cheese tasting.
Wine tasting: Wednesday to Sunday: 10h00 – 17h00. Please note that the restaurant and tasting room will be closed from end of June – end July 2014.
6. Chamonix, Franschhoek
Set high above the Franschhoek valley, Chamonix offers a magnificent blend of unspoilt nature and warming hospitality. The Racine Restaurant is set at the foot of the Franschhoek Mountains, while the wine cellar has been cleverly converted out of the old Blacksmith’s Cottage, and offers an intimate indoor tasting, with optional cellar tours.
Why we ♥ it: The Racine Restaurant’s glass windows allow room for a large tree trunk to grow through it, making one feel as though they are eating outdoors no matter the weather. We also love the beautiful dam for brisk after-lunch strolls.
Wine tasting: Monday to Sunday: 09h30 – 17h00
7. La Vierge, Hermanus
La Vierge lies in the captivating Hemel en Aarde Valley near the town of Hermanus. Spend a leisurely day in the rustic and charming wine tasting venue, or enjoy lunch in the restaurant with its floor to ceiling glass windows that makes you feel as though you are dining amongst the vineyards themselves.
Why we ♥ it: The wine tasting venue has 360˚ view over the vineyards, which makes an afternoon of wine tasting that much more worthwhile!
Wine tasting: Daily: 10h00 – 17h00 (September to April), 10h00 – 16h00 (May to August)
8. Under Oaks, Paarl
Under Oaks is nestled on a working farm below ancient oak trees on the outskirts of Paarl. Visitors can look forward to boutique wines that are produced in small quantities, and various tastings, from wine to chocolate.
Why we ♥ it: The Under Oaks Pizzeria, housed in the original Jonkmanshuis, has picturesque views of the Drakenstein Mountains and the best wood-fired pizzas and pastas in town!
Wine tasting: Tuesday to Saturday: 11h00 – 16h00
LekkeSlaap encourages responsible drinking – so why not make a weekend of it and book accommodation near your chosen wine estate. Which wine estate is on your bucket list this winter? Let us know in the comments below.
Other similar posts you may enjoy include Food and Wine Pairings in the Western Cape, A Taste of the Constantia Wine Route, 3 Top Wine Estates in Cape Town, Top 3 Family Friendly Wine Farms, and Wine Tasting in Franschhoek.
Main image by Buitenverwachting
