Being allowed to continue operations is a lifeline for the Cape wine industry. This is Delaire Graff in Stellenbosch. Image: Pixabay
No booze, no problem: SA wine farms won’t let you down over weekends
Winelands estates are not just open for tasting and sales, but offer plenty to see and do too.
Being allowed to continue operations is a lifeline for the Cape wine industry. This is Delaire Graff in Stellenbosch. Image: Pixabay
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s latest address to the nation saw him reintroducing restrictions on the sale of alcohol from retail outlets, which is now only permitted between 10:00 and 18:00 Monday to Thursday.
But this time, our beautiful wineries and wine farms were left alone and are still allowed to offer tastings and sales to the public for off-site consumption over weekends.
South Africa has no lack of spectacular spots for spending the day surrounded by gorgeous scenery, enjoying delicious food, and sampling and sipping some of the finest wines in the world.
From family-friendly farms in Stellenbosch and Somerset West, elegant estates in Franschhoek, and gems in Paarl and Wellington, there are plenty of amazing spots to head to over the weekend.
Wine Pairings and Foodie Experiences
Delheim Wine Estate has a decadent wine and cupcake pairing, which includes four combinations of homemade cupcakes with their award-winning wines.
Blaauwklippen has several interesting pairing experiences too, including a wine and chocolate pairing. Enjoy a range of artisanal chocolates paired with white wine, red wine, aperitif, noble late harvest and 10-year-old pot-stilled brandy. There’s even a red wine and fudge pairing.
Anthonij Rupert Wyne L’Ormarins Estate in Franschhoek offers distinct wine-tasting experiences and a spectacular high tea. There is a range of activities to enjoy on the farm, such as taking in the historic Cape Dutch manor house or sampling Italian-inspired wines at the Terra del Capo Tasting Room. There is also a Cap Classique and nougat pairing, and a Cape of Good Hope white wine tasting.
Black Truffles and Fine Wines
Head to the Altima Estate, another Anthonij Rupert gem, to experience the Altima Truffle Experience and tour. This involves being driven to the estate by private shuttle through Franschhoek via the famous Franschhoek Mountain pass.
On arrival, you will enjoy a talk about the cultivation and retrieval of black Perigord truffles, along with some wine tasting and an indulgent, four-course truffle-inspired lunch.
Oysters and Bubbly
If you’re looking for an elegant and luxurious pairing experience, this one is for you. Relax in the elegant sculpture garden at Grande Provence while you sample locally sourced, freshly shucked West Coast oysters topped with gourmet dressings accompanied by some of the renowned estate’s finest wines and MCCs.
You can also try your hand at wine blending. A wine ambassador will take you through the process of blending three varietals, showing you how and why some harmonise better than others. After corking your bottle, you can take it home to open on a special occasion.
