Enjoy food, wine and nature in this 3-day Cape Winelands itinerary. From the Breedekloof Valley and Robertson to Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, there is so much on offer, you will need to make a return trip to see it all.
Day 1:
Enjoy a pairing at the Botha Cellar
Situated at the foothills of the gorgeous Waaihoek Mountains, this unassuming cellar boasts some incredible wines, with 35 farms’ vintages on offer. Enjoy a unique wine pairing with toasties, a sweet treat or something more savoury, while the kids can get stuck into a kids’ tasting for just R35.
Stay at Bosjes
Just across the way from the Botha Cellar lies the architectural marvel that is Bosjes, which has become well-known for its beautiful chapel. But there is plenty to enjoy at this luxurious piece of heaven, from spa treatments and garden escapes to world class cuisine in the Bosjes Kombuis. It has to be seen to be believed and you need time to enjoy all that is on offer at this marvel of modern architecture.
Day 2
Lunch at Excelsior wine estate
The De Wet family has farmed at Excelsior Estate since 1859 and it shows in the running of the estate, putting the upmost care in their crops, utilizing sustainable practices that deliver incredible wines. This family-friendly estate is perfect for day trips – enjoy lunch at the deli, while the kids enjoy the play area. In summer, they can try their hand at fishing off the dam’s jetty.
Overnight, AfriCamps in Robertson
Based on the foothills of the beautiful Pat Busch Mountain Reserve, just outside of Robertson, AfriCamps Robertson is the ideal getaway for nature lovers who aren’t looking to ‘rough it’ too much. Ideal for folk keen for a hike, trail run or a ride along a mountain track, who are also apt to put their feet up afterwards with a glass of wine or beer in a luxurious glamping set-up.
Day 3
Experience Babylonstoren
Babylonstoren is so much more than ‘one’ thing, it is a multitude of experiences that can be enjoyed for hours on end, and in truth it would take more than one visit to unpack it all. For the purpose of this itinerary, start with breakfast at Babel Restaurant, which is a feast for the eyes and the… well stomach. The mix of Cape Dutch architecture and glass walls are an edgy intro to this estate, while the farm-to-fork philosophy lives up to the ‘pick, clean and serve’ philosophy of the estate. If you have time – we suggest you make some – make sure you enjoy the garden tour, which begins daily at 10am. A great way to work off the breakfast.
Lunch at Werf Restaurant
Now that you have walked off breakfast, treat yourself to lunch at The Werf Restaurant at Boschendal Estate. Located in the revamped manor house, the soil-to-fork menu uses only the best local, seasonal and ethically-sourced ingredients. The sharing plate menu includes the farm’s Black Angus beef, forest-reared Duroc pork as well as vegetables and herbs from The Werf Food Garden, which can be viewed from the conservatory. Magic!