It has been said of the Cape Winelands, that one could go out every weekend for a year to explore new estates on each outing and still not exhaust the extensive variety of places to be visited. They all offer up an exceptional quality of great wine, taste-filled dining and unique experiences.
There are few places on earth that can rival the Cape Winelands, it’s unique combination of culture, history and people, make it stand out alone with little comparison. Often called the “Gastronomic Capital of South Africa”, the Cape Winelands is where you come to feast on the beautiful landscape with your eyes and feed your soul with award-winning cuisine and wines, that can rival some of the best in the world.
FALL IN LOVE
Franschhoek, was founded by the French Huguenot settlers, who fled religious persecution at the advent of the French Revolution and found shelter under Dutch rule, in what was known as “Elephant’s Corner’. This quaint and romantic town plays host to some of South Africa’s most famed eateries and is surrounded by some of the region’s top wine estates. Other interesting places to indulge are the artisanal chocolatier’s boutique, art galleries, décor boutiques and the fine examples of Victorian and Cape Dutch architecture. Restaurants line the main street of Franschhoek and one is spoilt for choice. Both Boschendal and Vergelegen are the region’s best examples of original Cape Dutch estate living at its finest and are worth a visit.
DRINK
La Motte, Antonji Rupert Wines, Delaire Graff, Waterford, Ernie Els and Vergelegen are all names synonymous with luxury wine Experiences. Meet the winemaker at a private wine tasting at Delaire Graff Wine Estate or be treated to the two tasting rooms of Antonji Rupert or that of La Motte, both estates are award winning. A wine and chocolate tasting at Waterford as well as viewing their cathedral wine maturation cellar is a must.
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EAT
OPTION 1 – OVERTURE
Overture is situated on the foothills of the Helderberg Mountain, were it found a home at Hidden Valley wines. You will often find Bertus and the kitchen team, drawing inspiration from their childhood memories and Mothers recipes.
OPTION 2 – JORDAN RESTAURANT
One of the first signature chef restaurants in the Cape Winelands, the Jordan Restaurant with George Jardine brings top chef George Jardine’s brand of contemporary fare from city to country. The focus on the flavours of locally sourced, seasonal ingredients is evident from his kitchen vegetable and herb garden to wine barrel fish smoker and wood-fired oven.
OPTION 3 – THE RESTAURANT AT WATERKLOOF
The piquing excitement and sense of occasion conjured by the meandering drive up to Waterkloof – which jauntily perches atop the Schapenberg mountain – is rewarded by a decidedly otherworldly dining experience. Revered chef Gregory Czarnecki is gifted and has thus earned him and his restaurant global recognition – and the number one spot – for his unique style of artful simplicity. The Waterkloof degustation menu is one of a few tasting menus that is capable of melting your heart and bringing a warm smile to your face dish after dish. What sets chef Gregory is apart is his fearlessness. He’s not afraid to put risky ideas on the menu, and they always work. Dubbed the ‘cellar in the sky’, the restaurant is a striking glass and concrete cube atop a mountain, with unimpeded views of False Bay. The simple interior is awash with natural light, crisp white tablecloths and fynbos flower arrangements, adding a softness to the minimalist décor.
OPTION 4 – CAMPHORS AT VEGELEGEN
This is truly a destination restaurant. Situated in a vast and lush property, the historic Vergelegen Estate is a thriving well of inspiration for chef Michael Cooke, whose menu mainly comprises ingredients and fresh produce sourced or inspired by those surroundings. The menu is Michael’s endearing ode to seasonal produce. A freshly baked selection of bread is swiftly followed by a selection of seasonal ingredients from the estate, which showcases some of chef Cooke’s forages from the estate. But dishes such as the atchar-glazed East Coast hake with sweetcorn and pak choi (paired with the estate’s award-winning Chardonnay Reserve 2017) give patrons a glimpse into Michael’s genius mind. the almost maniacal obsession with seasonality and provenance is all him. No dish exemplifies this better than the braaied Karoo lamb with savoy cabbage and fennel paired with the estate’s Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2013 – a flavour profusion that feels decidedly South African. The manicured grounds and towering camphor trees offer a beautifully lush view from the patio seating.
OPTION 5 – WINELANDS PICNIC
Enjoy a private gourmet picnic overlooking a beautiful vineyard. Blankets, pillows are spread out for you, whilst local culinary delicacies and bubbly delight.
OPTION 6 – PRIVATE LUNCH IN REUBEN RIFFELL’S HOME
For a truly exceptional experience, Chef Reuben Riffel, one of South Africa’s top-chefs delights at preparing a private lunch in the ambience of his own in Franschhoek home. A local winemaker is called on to expertly pair wine to each of the dishes prepared. With an established collection of restaurants under his belt, Chef Reuben’s philosophy of fine food is brought to life in the most intimate of settings.