A Weekend In The Winelands

I often get asked what people should do and where they should eat when visiting the winelands. I have decided to compile a short post on a weekend in the winelands so that I can refer them all to one post. This is by no means everything one can do in this beautiful region of the country, but it is certainly my top list of things to do and places to eat.

Plan to land at Cape Town International Airport on Friday afternoon as early as possible. The traffic leaving town is quite hectic and it could take you an hour to get to your accommodation. I recommend that you stay at The Country Guest House at 96 Winery Road. We spent our 10th wedding anniversary there and the rooms are extremely well appointed and you can sit outside and enjoy a sundowner while taking in the spectacular view.

Book that night for dinner at 96 Winery Road. This saves you from having to travel any more on the day. Be sure to leave space for their famous crème brûlée which has been on the menu since 1974!

On Saturday morning breakfast will be served in the most beautiful setting and you will be offered a large choice of buffet items, as well as a hot breakfast. After you are done, head on down the R44 towards Stellenbosch. Stop at Cavalli Wine Estate to visit the art gallery and memorabilia rooms at the wine tasting centre. Don’t worry to do a wine tasting here. For your first wine tasting head on up the Allandale Road and follow the signs to Uva Mira. The wines are fantastic and the view is spectacular. After this drive through Stellenbosch and go to Warwick Wines. After your wine tasting have a picnic on the lawns or in one of the pods. Make sure to book and enquire to find out if you can do the tour of the vineyards. On your way back to your room, stop at Muratie. Even if you do not feel like another wine tasting, you need to try their port and see the cellar which is quite unique.

Dinner on Saturday night is going to be something special. Book at The Restaurant at Waterkloof Wines and if it is summer get there early enough to watch the sun set over False Bay. After 13 years I never tire of this! Sit by the fire if it is winter, or on the balcony in summer while you sip on your wine and look at the menu. It changes seasonally so I cannot recommend any one dish for you to try but so far I have only had fantastic meals when we dine there.

edit: the restaurant is now closed, but be sure to still pop in for a wine tasting.

Sunday after another scrumptious breakfast pack your cases and head out on the R310. Stop off at Spier to take in the Eagle Encounter. Lunch must be at Pomegranate Restaurant situated on the Vergenoegd Wine Estate where you will get to see the duck parade. Sit outside if the weather permits and you might even see a fish eagle flying above you. Michael makes an amazing duck dish which I usually always have. Be sure to have one of the estate wines with your lunch as they are the best of the bunch in my opinion. You are only about 25 minutes from the airport so book a late afternoon flight to get you back home.

edit: the restaurant is now closed but there are some lovely new ones on the R44 to try.

Disclosure: I have not been compensated in any way for this post. It has been done at my own discretion. If you do go to any of these places please let them know I sent you! This post is in line with my blogging policy.

What I blogged:

• one year ago – Avocado Gnocchi
• two years ago – Awards
• three years ago – Regional and Seasonal Challenge
• four years ago – Baba Ghannoush

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