Cape Town is known around the world for its award-winning wines, breathtaking mountains, and delicious food. With the weather finally warming up what better way is there to enjoy all of these than a picnic at one of these beautiful locations.
JORDANS WINE ESTATE
The private picnic pods on Jordan Wine Estate’s lawns have breathtaking views of the Stellenbosch Kloof Valley as well as the Stellenbosch Mountains.
You can book a pod that can accommodate 2-8 people, depending on how many you are. Set-up includes picnic blankets, cushions, an ice bucket, and a picnic basket for two filled to the brim with delectable treats from The Cellar Door at Jordan.
Pods are situated underneath trees and have plenty of shade, but be sure to wear sunscreen and bring a hat, especially if any youngsters will be running on the lawns and playing with their complimentary bubbles in-between enjoying their special kiddies baskets.
In the basket, you’ll enjoy a range of freshly baked bread, locally sourced charcuterie including Ryan Boon biltong as well as a selection of hard and soft cheeses. This will all be accompanied by olives, spreads, and homemade baba ghanoush, spiced apple chutney, smoked Snoek pâté, and savory whipped butter.
You will also receive a beetroot, thyme and mojo marinated free-range chicken tart topped with red onion marmalade and sesame seeds, and refreshing orange and parmesan salad with walnut, dried cranberries, with a poppy seed dressing. And finally, finish your meal on a sweet note with the Chef’s patisserie of the day.
When you collect your basket you can also purchase your choice of drinks for the day be that wines, beers, soft drinks, mocktails or hot beverages, there’s something for everyone!
Where: Stellenbosch Kloof Road, Vlottenberg, Stellenbosch
Price: R595 per basket, serving two. Kiddies baskets are R159 per child
Stocklists for Jordan Wine are: Wine Concepts: Kloof St & Newlands, Caroline’s Fine Wines: Sea Point & Tokai, Vino Pronto, Liquor City: Claremont, Chapman’s Peak Wine & Spirits, Woodstock Liquors, Constantia Wine & Craft, Norman Goodfellows: Garden Centre & Three Anchor Bay, Mooiberger Stellenbosch
Website: jordanwines.com | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 021 881 3441
Facebook: @jordanwines | Instagram: @jordan_wines
RHEBOKSKLOOF
Book a picnic basket at Rhebokskloof and enjoy a delicious lunch under the trees. Kick off your shoes, lay back, and relax in the beautiful Rhebokskloof landscape.
Enjoy time out with your family including activities for the kids – ranging from a jungle gym to a lawn to run free, play ball, or whatever they desire. Or if you’re looking for some peace-and-quiet, you can find a secret corner underneath the massive oak trees.
Whichever setting you choose, it will be accompanied by a spread to match the view including a Potato Niçoise Salad, Turkish spiced chicken salad a variety of preserves, the Chefs’ choice of three local kinds of cheese and charcuterie served with olives and caper berries all to be enjoyed with two freshly baked baguettes. As if that isn’t enough, your sweet tooth will be satisfied with a salted caramel fudge chocolate brownie.
All of this will be enjoyed while sipping on a signed bottle of Flatrock Red or White wine – named after the unique Flatrock viewpoint on the farm – also included in the picnic basket.
Where: Rhebokskloof, Noord Agter – Paarl, Windmeul, 7623
Price: R650 per basket, serving two
Note: Online bookings need to be made 24 hours in advance
Website: rhebokskloof.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 021 869 8386
Facebook: @rhebokskloofwineestate | Instagram: @rhebokskloofwineestate
LA BRI
Nestled in the imposing amphitheater of the Franschhoek valley, La Bri is the perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon taking in the beauty and history of the area.
As one of the first nine farms granted to the French Huguenots in 1688, safe refuge and peacefulness is part of the farm’s DNA. Picnics at La Bri can be enjoyed in a tranquil setting next to the old Manor house pond, surrounded by vineyards and the majestic Franschhoek mountains.
Tailor-made picnic baskets including cheeseboard, salad, meat and dessert can be ordered on request and enjoyed in their picturesque gardens. As one of the most celebrated wine farms in the region, its the perfect place to enjoy good food, wine and Franschhoek in all its magnificence.
Where: La Bri Estate, Excelsior Road, Franschhoek, 7690
Cost: R 650– per basket (serves 2 people)
Note: Picnics are weather permitting and require 48 hours notice to book.
Website: labri.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 021 876 2593
Facebook: @LaBriWine | Instagram: @labriwine
SIMONS RESTAURANT
Nestled in the fertile Constantia Valley on the oldest Wine Farm in South Africa, lies Simon Restaurant. In such a prime location along the oak-lined road, Simon’s celebrate the riches of the Cape Winelands by transforming the freshest ingredients into delicious, memorable meals.
They have created a unique, elegant, home away from home where you enjoy an alfresco meal on our terrace with panoramic views of the Groot Constantia vineyards or grab a picnic basket and find your own slice of paradise on the farm.
They pride themselves on transforming the best fresh ingredients into a great food experience with a selection of salads, cheeses, preserves, cured meats, desserts and more. You have the option to choose a Halaal or vegetarian basket of goodies, and there is even a kiddies option and menus for your furry friends too.
The best combination of beauty, history, and good food for the whole family!
Where: Groot Constantia Wine Estate, Groot Constantia Rd, Constantia, Cape Town
Price: R470 (basket for 2), R260 (single basket), R85 (kiddies basket)
Website: simons.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 021 794 1143
Facebook: @SimonsGrootConstantia | Instagram: @simons_restaurant
NORVAL FOUNDATION
Situated among vineyards and mountain views, Norval Foundation is more than a museum and art gallery. Their beautiful manicured gardens are a tranquil setting in which to enjoy prepacked picnic hampers from The Skotnes Restaurant.
Their family-friendly picnic hampers are ordered ahead of time, and the price includes admission to Norval Foundation’s museum and gallery spaces. Expect to find baskets brimming with fresh, local and seasonal produce, all in keeping with the Skotnes’ philosophy of supporting local, small-batch food suppliers. Baskets also include a range of desserts made by their in-house pastry chef.
Norval Foundation only takes 5 picnic bookings a day, so expect an intimate, curated offering with lots of privacy, overlooking the museum and sculpture garden. No crowds and no deli fridges – everything is prepared in advance.
Where: Norval Foundation Art Gallery, 1 Ou Kaapse Rd, Steenberg Estate, Cape Town
Price: A minimum spend of R150 is required to gain free garden access | Kids under 18 may enter for free
Website: norvalfoundation.org | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 087 654 5900
Facebook: norvalfoundation | Instagram: norvalfoundation
