Cape Town’s wine farms need no real introduction. For many, the Cape Winelands are the very reason why they end up booking flights to the Western Cape. Most people think that going to a wine farm means wine, wine, and more wine, but the reality is that you can enjoy a fine dining experience at the very same time.
We take a look at five of our favourite SA wine farms that provide exceptional culinary experiences.
- Beyerskloof Wine Estate
- Joostenberg Wine Estate
- Lanzerac Wine Estate
- Rust en Vrede Wine Estate
- Jordan Wine Estate
If Beyerskloof is your favourite brand of wine, you will be happy to learn that the estate’s Red Leaf Bistro offers gorgeous views of the vineyard and a variety of sumptuous meals to pair your favourite glass with!
The restaurant is ideal for the whole family and offers delectable meals which are served from 10am to 3pm.
Joostenberg is a wine estate steeped in history while still being aesthetically charming. The estate restaurant, The Kraal, is situated in the farm’s old cattle Kraal and is as rustic as restaurants come, with bench style tables dotted amongst fruit and olive trees. While every meal is beyond mouth-watering, there is a set lunch menu that changes weekly; so don’t plan your meal choice ahead of time!
When visiting the estate, you can enjoy 3-course meals paired with your favourite Joostenberg wines between midday and 2.30pm, on Sundays only.
The Manor Kitchen restaurant at Lanzerac Wine Estate is a complete treat to the senses. The recently re-opened restaurant (it previously burned down in 2017 and was rebuilt in 2018), is hosted on the third oldest farm in all of Stellenbosch. Glittering chandeliers, massive windows and lots of space make this particular venue a masterpiece.
Every morning The Manor Kitchen serves a breakfast spread from 7am, and classic fine-dining dinners from 6pm-10pm. The Kitchen also offers an indulgent afternoon tea on Saturdays between 2pm and 5pm, and is open every Sunday, 12pm-3pm for Sunday lunch.
If you are looking for something a little more laid back, pop across to the Lanzerac Deli, which serves up home baked breads, juicy sandwiches, cheese plates, and all-day breakfasts. While on the farm, you should check out the wine estate’s pub, Taphuis, which serves a variety of beverages and gourmet-style pub food, from 6pm to 10pm.
The restaurant at the Rust en Vrede Estate creates perfectly crafted meals to match each and every wine produced by the estate. The cuisine is French inspired, delicious, and creatively presented. All menus offer 4 or 6 courses, so arrive hungry. The best news of all for foodies is that the restaurant only employs the most highly rated chefs in the country.
For those looking for something a little lighter, the Lunch Room area offers a 2 piece meal consisting of salmon and steak. The tables are arranged outdoors, under the old oak trees, and nature sets the perfect scene for you to enjoy your wine and delectable meal. Visit the Rust en Vrede restaurant Tuesday to Saturday from midday until late evening.
Jordan Wine Estate has a reputation for being one of the most beautiful in Stellenbosch and is a great reason to consider booking flights right now! There’s an air of professionalism and elegance from the moment you arrive at the estate. And the restaurant atmosphere is no different. The Jordan Restaurant presents well-planned local and seasonal fine dining meals that will satisfy almost any appetite, and an extensive range of South African cheeses which are all displayed in the walk-in cheesery where you can join the chef to make your own selection.
Whether you are visiting the estate to enjoy baked goods for breakfast at the Bakery at Jordan, or a languid dinner in the Restaurant, you won’t be disappointed. The Jordan Restaurant is open every day from midday until 2pm and then from 6.30pm until 10.30pm.
Booking Flights to a Wine Farm Destination
The Western Cape plays host to some of the country’s most renowned wine estates and fine dining restaurants. The fact that some of the wine estates have combined the experience of fine dining and exclusive wine tasting, is a major win for those looking for a holiday that features a culinary delight.
Are you ready to start booking flights to SA’s finest wine farm destinations? Use our flight search feature to make your bookings and then consider overnighting among the vineyards to really make the most of your time in the Cape Winelands.
