This week sees the launch of the Cape Winelands section of our new website, so we thought it fitting to do some wineland themed Blog posts (more wine than lands). Rather conveniently, Ross spent five days there over Christmas, so watch out for some top tips, including a review of the recently refurbished Grande Roche hotel in Paarl and a Horny Grazer review of Bosman’s restaurant – recently voted the 4th best restaurant in South Africa by Eat Out Magazine.
“And I love to live so pleasantly, live this life of luxury, lazing on a sunny afternoon!”
Picture the family humming along to the Kinks’ melody, meandering along the vineyard clad roads of the Cape Winelands. Over our few days we certainly took advantage of our time by the pool at the Grande Roche, but we did venture out from time to time. Highlights included a trip to Franschhoek where we did some wine tasting at Chamonix wine estate (talk about a super quaffer – I can heartily recommend the Chamonix Rouge for just R38 a bottle) before a pretty good lunch in the courtyard at Reuben’s. The service was slack and the interior in need of a spruce up, but the food was still good. A starter of scallops with crispy pancetta served with a corn chowder was out of this world. Moroccan chicken was a little too sweet, but the cheese burger was excellent.
Another big winner was the gourmet picnic at Warwick Wine Estate near Stellenbosch (I think I should make this clear that we visited Warwick the next day) where we grazed unabashed, shaded by the leaves of the ancient Oaks and buffeted by bean bags, rugs and cushions. Of course we decided to do a little wine tasting there as well. Two whites and four reds. More swallowing than spitting – the perfect siesta inducing combo.
Warwick make good wines. They’re extremely fruity and a bit overpriced for me but good wines nonetheless. We splashed out on a limited edition Black label Syrah which I can’t wait to try.
There’s also the most perfect gravel courtyard if, like me, you fancy yourself as a bit of master boules player. My dream is to one day make boules an extreme sport featured on ESPN. And yes, the boules are available for hire.
Collect your picnic and head out to your chosen spot with some fine wines. Forget your ham sarnies and scotch eggs. The picnic hamper for two without drinks is R299, but it’s well worth it and includes freshly baked ciabatta, camembert and oak smoked cheddar with an apple, pear and pecan chutney, sliced charcuterie with a biltong, mushroom and brandy pate or hummus as well as homemade rooibos and oak smoked Norwegian salmon.
So there are a few cheeky tips from Ross’s holiday. What are your favourite Estates and favourite things to do in the Winelands?
Not only do we do day tours of the Cape Winelands, but we can tailor make an idyllic tour of the Cape Winelands incorporating some of South Africa’s finest hotels and restaurants, so don’t hesitate to contact one of our expert consultants today to plan your 2011 holiday!
