Cape wine route estate farms are great places to stay or even visit for day trips to get away from the city and spend a picnic within their beautifully picturesque grounds and surroundings. These popular escapes are sprinkled around the Western Cape including Paarl, Stellenbosch, Franschoek and other areas in and around the mountains. We have put together four popular estates that are perfect to book a break at or to just escape to for the day.
1: Boschendal – Treat yourself to a French-style day in the country at the beautiful Boshendal Estate located on the R310 between Stellenbosch and Franschoek.
The cutely named Le Pique-Nique at Boshendal wine farm is an elegant leafy affair set under mature pine trees and shaded by large umbrellas. Guests can tuck into baskets of delicious goodies like smoked salmon tartlets, snoek pâté, red pepper hummus, rare roast beef with wholegrain mustard, coronation chicken, cheese and biscuits with pineapple chutney, and chocolate brownies. Boshendal estate is open every day.
2: Spier – The lovely lawns rolling down to the Eerste River at this famous wine estate and hotel are an idyllic choice for a great picnic and Spier is located on the R310, just 6km from the town of Stellenbosch.Relax under trees around the dam. Bring a blanket or grab a table and enjoy one of the pre-ordered baskets filled with Moroccan hummus, cold meats, smoked chicken and pepperdew salad, basil-mayo potato salad and other treats. Alternatively, you can browse the deli and make up your own choice of meal.
3: Bilton – Bilton Vineyards offers a treasure trove of fine wines and fabulous food, amid stunning scenery and is nestled in the Helderberg mountains, on the Annandale road.
Included in the picnic basket are delicacies such as a whole roasted chicken, olive tapenade and dark chocolate torte with berry coulis. There’s even a specially designed kids picnic box. It contains a savoury sosatie, fresh fruit and yoghurt. It even includes crayons and paper to help keep children occupied while you all enjoy the day.
4: Hazendal – Apart from the picnics, you can enjoy a glimpse into Russian culture at the fascinating Marvol Museum at Hazendal which is situated on the Bottelary Road between Kuils River and Stellenbosch.
Hazendal estate offers guests a blissful picnic atmosphere and wide open spaces. Grab a table with chairs or spread out your blanket and soak up the sun. Baskets are packed with gourmet picnic fare such as pâtés, quiches, salads, kebabs, snacks, fruit juice and dessert.
These places to get away for the day are ideal for family outings as they all welcome children. Be sure to visit one of these popular destinations for a picnic or break from the city, they are among some of the finest Cape wine route estate farms in South Africa.