South Africa’s winelands are beautiful and produce exquisite wines. Take wine tours, explore gardens, enjoy picnics, and dine at the farm-to-table restaurants, which are reputed to be the best in the country. Lanzerac Hotel & Spa, a posh place, consists of a 300-year-old manor house and winery among grassy grounds with beautiful mountain views. One suite even has a private pool. The service is impeccable. The deli and restaurant feature local foods, such as the South African Cheese Board and The French Monsieur, classic croque monsieur with karoo swiss & huguenot cheese and tomato jam.Segway tour through the vines at Spier Wine Estate. Other fun activities at Spier are a crafts market, open-air cinema, and live entertainment. You can also taste excellent Spier shiraz, cabernet, and red blends.Lanzerac’s vineyards and view of Stellenbosch town. Grape harvesting season in South Africa is January. Here it is autumn with the grapes already picked.I (Kelsi) am having lunch with the International Women’s Club at Vergelegen, a fine wine estate established in 1700. The bistro-styled restaurant is renowned for its great garden setting and mountain views while offering a variety of dishes, from Nicoise Salad and Steamed White Wine Mussels to Roast Chicken and Sirloin Burger.Ancient giant Camphor trees, planted in 1700, at Vergelegen.
Explore Babylonstoren Wine Estate, a Cape Dutch working wine and fruit farm, and immerse yourself in the smells of fruit, herbs, nuts, and spices at its three-hectare vegetable and fruit garden. Here I’m with Frances, The Giant Pumpkin.
Lunch at Babylonstoren
Enjoying the view
Hop on the Wine Tram at Franschhoek and enjoy several wineries for the dayFranschhoek, a beautiful valley encircled by mountains, was settled by French Huguenot families in 1694. The area has excellent wines, and the town gourmet cuisine.
Each wine estate has a unique wine and ambience. You’ll be guaranteed good food and beautiful views along the way!
