South African hospitality guru's Ian and Lise Manley share their suggestions on where to feast, quaff and chill this holiday season.
1) LA PETITE FERME
La Petite Ferme offers chic country cuisine, boutique wines and luxurious accommodation synonymous with the Franschhoek Valley, add to that the great service, hospitality and spectacular views.
For more enquiries call 021 876 3016; send a mail to [email protected] or visit www.lapetiteferme.co.za
2) ALLÉE BLEUE WINE ESTATE
The historic Allée Bleue Wine Estate near Franschhoek has a plethora of enticing offerings to keep family and friends happy and busy over the holiday season.
For bookings call 021 874 1021; send an e-mail to [email protected] or visit the www.alleebleue.com
3) ALTO ESTATE
Heritage and tradition, married with evolution and innovation. These are the hallmarks of Alto Wine Estate in the heart of the world-famous Stellenbosch winelands.
Booking is essential for groups of 6 or more. To book a tasting visit https://www.alto.co.za/taste-our-wines or call 021 881 3884
4) PLAISIR DE MERLE WINE ESTATE
The beautiful Plaisir de Merle Wine Estate is situated at the foot of the Simonsberg Mountain between Paarl and Franschhoek. The wines produced here are inspired by the harmony of a rich history, the fertile soil and lush vineyards.
For more info call 021 874 1071; send an e-mail to [email protected] or visit www.plaisirdemerle.co.za
5) OLDENBURG VINEYARDS
“Heritage, careful planning, and a large amount of good fortune have allowed us to be custodians of a small corner of Stellenbosch, tucked away in the mountains in an area known as Banghoek.” Gifted with some of the finest terroir in South Africa, Oldenburg Vineyards handcraft small quantities of boutique wines.
For more info call 021 885 1618; send an email to [email protected] or visit https://www.oldenburgvineyards.com/
6) DE TOREN PRIVATE CELLAR
This award-winning private cellar offers a unique insight into the craftsmanship of their world-renowned wines, the viticulture process in pursuit of excellence and their winemaking philosophy. Tastings are conducted by senior personnel only to give you an exclusive experience. De Toren Private Cellar tastings are available weekdays only. Every tasting is an hour and a half and includes a walk through the vineyard, cellar, maturation room, and finishes off with a tasting of their luxurious wines.
Tastings are by appointment only.
To book your visit call 021 881 3119; send an e-mail to [email protected] or visit www.de-toren.com
7) INDOCHINE RESTAURANT AT DELAIRE GRAFF ESTATE
Indochine offers Asian-inspired cuisine in an evocative, fine dining food theatre, where delicate flavours come alive and each dish is synonymous with vitality, wellness and healthy living. Discover Asian tapas introduced by Chef Virgil Kahn into an art form, or experience a tea ceremony – everything is served to create an all-sensory dining experience. Spend the festive season in the winelands and dine under the stunning Swallows in Flight art installation, sculpted by Lionel Smit and Andre Stead, where over 1000 swallows become part of the incredible views that stretch across to Table Mountain.
For bookings call 021 885 8160; send an e-mail to [email protected]; or visit http://www.delaire.co.za/dining/indochine/
8) MAKARON RESTAURANT AT MAJEKA HOUSE & SPA
The design chic Majeka House & Spa offers a boutique hotel, restaurant & spa in the Stellenbosch winelands. With super chef Lucas Carstens leading the kitchen at Makaron restaurant, guests are provided with delectable small plates with an emphasis on local produce in an elegant and comfortable environment designed by sought-after interior designer Etienne Hanekom.
For bookings call 021 880 1549 or visit www.majekahouse.co.za
9) TERROIR RESTAURANT AT KLEINE ZALZE ESTATE
Award-winning Stellenbosch eatery Terroir at Kleine Zalze Wine Estate has introduced a new summer menu that offers fresh, light and uncomplicated dishes that have been precisely created to tantalise diners during our hot African summers. Make a stop on your Winelands route at this must-visit destination this festive season to ensure a relaxed, exquisite and honest Winelands dining experience.
For bookings call 021 880 8167or visit https://www.kleinezalze.co.za
10) HAUTE CABRIÈRE CELLAR RESTAURANT
Nestled inside a stone cellar, the Cellar restaurant dining room overlooks Haute Cabrière’s maturation cellar on one side, and a breath-taking view of Franschhoek on the other. During summer, lunch is served on the terrace enjoying the views of the valley. The food philosophy of chefs Nic van Wyk and Westley Muller inspire bold flavours and classic technique, ensuring a menu that is unique yet comforting.
For bookings call 021 876 8500 or visit www.cabriere.co.za