WINE
Where to get the bacchanalian goods
STAY AT
Klein Genot Wine and Country Estate
Green Valley Road, Franschhoek. (021) 876 2738 www.kleingenot.com
Set in a peaceful corner of the Franschhoek valley, The Klein Genot Wine and Country Estate combines feng shui philosophy with farmstyle hospitality. Its beautiful guest house offers organic food, thoughtful service and a pampering Wellness Centre.
EAT AT
Kleine Zalze Wine Estate
Strand Road (R44), Techno Park turn-off, Stellenbosch (021) 880 0717, www.kleinezalze.com
Tucked away under century-old oak trees,
Kleine Zalze offers outstanding wines and
gorgeous views over the Stellenbosch mountains. This first-class restaurant features French-Mediterranean cuisine with a Cape twist – think duck pancakes with peppercorn and apple jam and braised belly of pork with shallot puree.
TAKE VISITORS TO
SOMETHING OLD
Lanzerac Manor and Winery
Lanzerac Road, Stellenbosch. 021 887 1132, www.lanzerac.co.za
This is the sort of place you may find debutantes and feel like one yourself. Lanzerac is located on a 300-year-old country estate that enchants visitors with its beautiful Cape Dutch architecture and its grand old charm. Take a stroll through their famous landscaped gardens below the dramatic Helderberg mountains or have a whisky in a comfy couch beneath a Dutch master.
SOMETHING NEW
Dornier Wine Estate
Blaauwklippen Road, Stellenbosch. 021 880 0557 www.dornierwines.co.za
Dornier Wine Estate has both superb wine and award-winning architecture. The loft-style winery with its curved roof, facebrick and reflecting materials is a good spot for archi enthusiasts and those with more modern, minimalist tastes.
STOCK UP AT
Getwine www.getwine.co.za
Buy quality labelled and unlabelled South African wine online at great prices and have it delivered to your door. Unlabelled South African wines came onto the market after the Rand strengthened and many top wine estates couldn’t export their annual harvests – these are the wines Getwine will get you. Shipping costs: free in Cape Town and surrounding areas; other cities/towns: R69.10 (12 bottles) or R98.68 (24 bottles).
10 ways to enjoy wine country … without the wine
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Horseriding through the vineyards at Spier
Stellenbosch. 021 881 3683, www.spier.co.za -
Olive Oil tasting at Tokara
Stellenbosch. 021 808 5900, www.tokara.com -
Cheese tasting at Simonsvlei
Paarl. 0860 66 22 22, www.simonsberg.co.za -
Eating at Constantia Uitsig
Constantia Valley. 021 794 1810, www.uitsig.co.za -
Golfing at Steenberg
Tokai. 021 713 2222, www.steenberg-vineyards.co.za -
The historic building tour at Groot Constantia
Constantia Valley. 021 795 5149, www.grootconstantia.co.za -
Safaris at Saxenberg
Stellenbosch. 083 656 3120, www.saxenberg.com -
Tractor tours through the vineyards at Neethlingshof
Stellenbosch. 021 883 8988, www.neethlingshof.co.za -
Classical music concerts at La Motte
Franschhoek. 021 876 3119, www.la-motte.co.za -
A picnic in the exquisite garden at Boschendal
Franschhoek. 021 870 4200, www.boschendal.com
Wine country without the long drive
DURBANVILLE WINE VALLEY
Just 20 minutes from the city centre, Durbanville has shaken off its suburban slumber to become our newest winemaking star. Take in these estates and their fine wines.
Altydgedacht, Tygerberg Valley Road, Durbanville (021 976 1295). Try the 2002 Barbera.
D’ Aria, Tygerberg Road, M13, Durbanville (021 975 5736). Try the 2005 Sauvignon Blanc.
Bloemendal, Race Course Road, M13, Durbanville (021 976 2682). Try the 2005 Suider-Terras
De Grendel, Plattekloof Road, Panorama (021 558 6280). Try the 2004 Merlot.
Diemersdal, Adderley Road, Durbanville (021 976 3361). Try the 2004 Private Collection.
Hillcrest Estate, Racecourse Road M13, Durbanville (021 975 2346). Try the 2005 Chardonnay.
Meerendal, Vissershok Road, Durbanville (021 975 1655). Try the 2003 Pinotage.
Nitida Cellars, Tygerberg Valley Road, Durbanville (021 976 1467). Try the 2004 Calligraphy.
CONSTANTIA VALLEY
Also 20 minutes away, this area is picturesque and decidedly mink and manure. Visit these great old favourites.
Buitenverwachting, Klein Constantia Road (021 794 5190). Try the 2001 Christine Red Blend.
Groot Constantia, Constantia Road, High Constantia (021 794 5128). Try the 2004 Pinotage.
Klein Constantia, Klein Constantia Road (021 794 5188). Try the Vin de Constance.
Steenberg Vineyards, Steenberg Road (021 713 2211). Try the Sauvignon Blanc Reserve.