THE HOLDEN Manz Wine
Estate lies among the towering
Franschhoek mountains - and a
river runs through it.
This makes the estate one of the
best settings for what one should be
doing in the Cape summer: having a
picnic.
The 22ha estate (formerly known
as Kleingenot) lies next to the
Franschhoek and Stony Brook
rivers.
Picnic spots are situated along
their banks and lakes on large
grassy areas which lie in the shade
of towering oak trees.
Picnic baskets with all the
necessary crockery and glasses can
be purchased at the restaurant, but
be sure to bring your own blanket.
The romance on display could
not be subdued and as the rain
clouds swept in, we were relocated
to the beautiful Franschhoek
Kitchen restaurant which offers
fresh, tasty local dishes and great
service.
Chef Maryna Frederiksen will
soon have you coming back for
more of her wholesome and
flavourful fare.
The picnic spread consisted of
an assortment of brie, feta and olive
cheeses, succulent beef kebabs,
savoury mushroom quiches, liver
and salmon pâtés, olives, soft
homemade breads and a crisp salad
complete with lettuce, baby
tomatoes, carrots, peppers and red
onion.
At R160 a person it was an
absolute bargain for the quality of
the food it held.
At an extra cost your favourite
bottle of Holden Manz wine can be
added. The estate is well-known for
its rosé, shiraz, merlot, port and its
own premium blend, "Big G".
A tour of the cellar below the
restaurant, through wine casket filled
rooms, was an unexpected
surprise, as the resident wine
expert, John, explained to us the
manufacturing procedure and the
state-of-the-art equipment used to
produce their signature flavours.
The Holden Manz Wine Estate
picnic was a treat, and it was great
to have the choice of either enjoying
the sunshine in the vineyards or the
relaxing ambience of the
restaurant. - Liesl van der Schyff