Cape Town is quite easily the most beautiful, exciting city in the world to live in, but even we Capetonians need to get away once in a while – even if just for a day. Luckily for us, the Winelands is on our doorstep, enticing us with her fruit of the vine and lack of wind! So whether you’re a resident or simply down for the holidays, here are a few good reasons to leave the Mother City for a day and head to the Winelands.

Van Loveren, Robertson

Van Loveren was recently voted the Best Child-Friendly Venue on a Wine Farm and received the award for Best Food and Wine Pairing at a Cellar Door at the Klink Awards, so when the infamous South Easter interrupts your beach plans, you’ll be glad to have this Robertson winery in your back pocket. Only 90 minutes from Cape Town, Van Loveren (home of the famous Four Cousins wines) has a new tasting venue, open gardens, and a range of outdoor activities for the whole family to enjoy, 7 days a week.

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  • Wine-tasting: There’s something for every palate with the 6 exquisite wine ranges. The collection comprises Van Loveren, Christina Van Loveren, Papillon, Five’s Reserve, Four Cousins, and the eco-friendly range, Tangled Tree.
  • Food and wine pairings: The sessions are as educational as they are fun! Among the delicious offerings is the pairing of a Van Loveren Blanc de Noir Shiraz with Sally Williams Cranberry Nougat, and Five’s Reserve Brandy complemented by an orange zest dark chocolate.
  • Daily cellar tours include tank and vat tastings.
  • Christina’s Bistro is renowned for its thin crust, wood-fired pizzas.
  • The on-site deli is stocked with regional produce such as olives, olive oil, cheese, and meats – perfect for a family picnic.
  • A guided stroll through the gardens uncovers fascinating family stories and important historical events.
  • Picturesque 15km and 6km mountain bike routes across the river and through undulating vineyards. You can bring your own bike or rent one on the farm.
  • The Fish Eagle hiking route is the best way to enjoy the views and birdlife.

For more info, visit www.vanloveren.co.za or follow Van Loveren on Twitter @vanloverenwines or @4CousinsWine.

Summer Fun at Hartenberg, Stellenbosch

For 7 days a week, from now until Easter, Hartenberg Estate in Stellenbosch invites you to make the most of the laid back summer days by exploring all the farm has to offer.

Hartenberg

  • Be guided through the multi-award winning wines.
  • Enjoy a canapé and wine pairing with 5 wines, including the Bordeaux blend, The Mackenzie. For R100 per person, it is an ideal pre-lunch appetiser.
  • Lunch is served alfresco on the terrace, with daily blackboard offerings that include grilled Karoo lamb chops, salmon trout salad, and a trio of savoury tartlets. A summer special includes a free-range chicken breast paired with crispy smashed new potatoes and a Chardonnay wild mushroom cream, served with a glass of Chardonnay.
  • Tuck into a beautifully packed picnic basket on a table under the trees or on cushions on the lawn. The locally sourced ingredients are free-range and complemented by home baked breads. Picnic baskets cost R150 per adult, including a bottle of estate wine to share between two, and R50 for children under 12s.
  • The children’s play area, boules, strolls in the wetlands, and bird watching round off a perfect day.

For bookings and info, contact +27(0)21 865 2541 or email info@hartenbergestate.com

Apricot Picking at De Kranz, Calitzdorp

If you’re looking for an excuse for a little weekend family road trip along Route 62 (it’s a 4 and a half hour road trip), De Kranz Wine Cellar in Calitzdorp has opened its orchards for apricot picking from now until 7 December 2013.

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  • Apricot picking is available Monday to Saturday, from 8am – 4pm, and costs R4.60/kg of apricots. Visitors can bring their own containers or purchase them for a nominal fee at De Krans.
  • Not only is Route 62 the world’s longest wine route, De Krans is also home to some of South Africa’s award-winning ports, so come and taste these ports and value-for-money wines!
  • As part of their annual fundraising projects, the Vygieshof Home for the Aged will offer visitors an appetizing braai at De Krans on 27 and 30 November, and on 4 and 7 December. These meals are extremely popular, so book beforehand to avoid disappointment.

For bookings and info, contact +27(0)44 213 3314 or e-mail dekrans@mweb.co.za

This list is barely a grape on the vine of things to do in the Winelands this summer! There are so many more beautiful estates to see and adventures to be had. So let us know, what’s happening in the Winelands?

 

Images supplied