The best places to picnic in the Cape winelands this summer

Summer days have finally arrived in Cape Town. If you’re looking for a fun activity that is suited to loners, couples and families, why not indulge for a picnic in the picturesque winelands?

Best places to picnic in the Western Cape winelands

Here are some of the wine estates offering picnic packages. 

Quoin Rock Wine Estate

Enjoy a set menu picnic, with vegetarian and vegan options, inspired by Head Chef Nicole Loubser and her creative team.

The picnic basket is priced at R400 per person, with a bistronomy selection of ambrosial items such as sustainable foie gras, panna cotta, cheese and charcuterie, with additional unexpected gastronomic surprises. Unlimited still and sparkling waters are included. Patrons can purchase award-winning Quoin Rock wine by the glass or bottle.

This offer is available on thursday through to Sunday, from 12pm to 5pm. Kids can enjoy a special lunch pack for R95.An additional option of MCC and Oysters are also available.

Country picnic at Grande Provence

Sit beneath the age-old majestic oak trees in beautifully landscaped gardens at the Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate. Their picnic baskets are packed with a range of artisanal foods, providing families with an escape of pure indulgence in the Franschhoek wine valley.

Picnic treats include fresh seasonal fruits, tomato basil & feta tartlet, estate made hummus, local cheeses and preserves, salad, Danish pastries, charcuterie, farm baked ciabatta and a decadent valrhona chocolate brownie. There’s a special basket for vegetarians filled with alternative mouth-watering eats including roasted vegetables and fresh seasonal fruit added to the mix.

The picnic basket comes with a bottle of Grande Provence’s popular Angels Tears wine as well as still or sparkling water.

Children will enjoy a specially catered basket of chicken strips, seasonal fruit salad & honey yoghurt, ciabatta, crisps, Danish pastries and a valrhona chocolate brownie. Appletiser & water are included too.

The Grande Country Picnic is available in the summer months until April 2020 at R700 for two people sharing or R350 for a single basket. The cost per child under the age of 10 is R150 for the kiddie’s basket.

Paul Cluver Wines

Paul Cluver Wines is tucked away in the heart of the Elgin Wine Valley and home to some of the country’s finest wines – and a perfect spot to enjoy a country picnic experience. Laze on the lawns in the shade of towering trees and tuck into a sumptuous spread featuring signature dishes from the estate restaurant, SALT, along with some picnic classics. 

Your basket – or in this case, your apple box – is packed with all of the delicacies you’d dream of for your perfect gourmet picnic, with local cheeses and artisan charcuterie, SALT’s famous tomato salad with wasabi cream cheese and basil pesto and pulled smoked lamb shoulder with rosemary and garlic flat bread. The rainbow carrot salad with harrisa dressing adds bursts of colour and freshness, and a selection of olives, cumin onion marmalade and chicken liver pâté round off the picnic feast. Finally, SALT’s banana rumbaba with crème pat muesli crumble and poached fruit rounds off the picnic.

Each picnic serves two and costs R450, which includes a bottle of still or sparkling mineral water. Or, opt to include a bottle of crisp Paul Cluver Sauvignon Blanc at R550 per picnic. 

Rather than simply drive through the winelands or visit the tasting room, take a moment to sit in the surroundings. Ground yourself, quite literally, in the beautiful landscapes of the region while you feast on some delicious treats. This is an activity suited to a day out of exploring, perfect for all sorts of travellers and one that should not be missed this summer season.