Picnics at the Wineries
The Picnic Guide
The long days of summer in South Africa entice you to have an occasional picnic. Here you will find a selection of wineries that offer great picnics in beautiful landscapes.
Zevenwacht Wine Estate (Stellenbosch)
Order a picnic basket for R440 (approx. CHF 25) for a basket for two and enjoy it with views of the lake on the tree-shaded lawns of Zevenwacht Wine Estate. From snoek pâté to meatballs and strawberry cheesecake, there's something for every taste. You can even choose a Farmhouse Braai basket and host your own barbecue under the oaks. Vegetarian baskets and children's picnic baskets are also available.
Zorgvliet Wines (Franschhoek)
Bring a blanket and find a comfortable spot under the oaks while enjoying a picnic basket for two. There are various options, starting at R555 (approx. CHF 35) for the Silvermyn for Two basket, which includes all the tasty treats you would expect in a picnic basket, including a bottle of Silvermyn wine. Other options include the Meaty for Two (R570 (approx. CHF 37)), the Snack Basket for Two (R625 (approx. CHF 40)), and Zorgvliet for Two (R605 (approx. CHF 39)). There are also vegetarian baskets and children's baskets, as well as a family basket for four (R875 (approx. CHF 56)) – the latter, however, must be ordered at least 24 hours in advance. If these options don't appeal, you can also put together your own picnic basket.
From majestic mountains to spectacular vineyard views – these are the places to visit for a gourmet picnic in the Winelands.
The Cellar Door at Jordan (Stellenbosch)
Plan a trip to The Cellar Door at Jordan for a picnic on the lush lawns overlooking the breathtaking Stellenbosch Kloof Valley. The picnic basket for R595 (approx. CHF 38) for two adults includes a selection of hard and soft cheeses, charcuterie, including Ryan Boon Biltong, bread, olives, homemade jams and spreads, a pastry selection from the bakery, and a free-range chicken pie. There is also a children's picnic for R159 (approx. CHF 10) per child.
Boschendal (Franschhoek)
Enjoy breathtaking mountain and vineyard views under the trees of the pavilion at Boschendal Estate. Guests can choose between a table (please note that a limited number of tables are available), a picnic blanket and chairs, or they can bring their own. The Werf picnic basket is filled with freshly baked bread, green salads from the Werf Food Garden, beef and pork meatballs, smoked Angus beef from the Boschendal butchery, Dalewood Camembert, and one of their famous desserts. A single basket costs R320 (approx. CHF 20) and a double basket R620 (approx. CHF 40). There is also a children's picnic and a vegetarian option for adults and children. Be sure to book online – it's especially popular on Saturdays and Sundays when live music is part of the program!
Groote Post (Darling)
Charcuterie, salads, a quiche, and a local cheese selection, as well as a dessert, are what you can expect in an R225 (approx. CHF 14) Groote Post picnic basket for one person. For children under 10, there is also a special children's picnic. Book online to escape the city for a tranquil afternoon. Please note that baskets must be booked at least 48 hours in advance.
Hartenberg Wine Estate (Franschhoek)
Enjoy a picnic with local produce such as bread and spreads, cheese, charcuterie, the famous Scotch egg, and a lemon square for R300 (approx. CHF 19) per person on Hartenberg's sprawling lawns. Vegan, vegetarian, Halaal, and pork-free options are also available on request.
Hazendal Wine Estate (Stellenbosch)
The gently rolling lawns are ideal for a picnic in the Winelands, or book a picnic spot in the gardens or along the lush wetlands. Enjoy a Babushka picnic basket for R300 (approx. CHF 19) per adult and R140 (approx. CHF 9) per child, both of which can be booked online. It contains everything you could want in a picnic basket, including artisanal bread, snoek pâté, charcuterie, chicken skewers, salads, cheese, and the dessert cup of the day.
The Manor at Nederburg (Paarl)
In addition to breathtaking views of the Drakenstein Mountains and the farm's vineyards and gardens, enjoy a delightful garden picnic for R540 (approx. CHF 35) for two people. The baskets include a selection of cheesy bites paired with wines from the farm, followed by lamb sliders, chicken wings, vegetable spring rolls, and a salad, and ending with something sweet from the chef's selection. Each picnic includes a bottle of MCC or wine, and a vegetarian option is also available. Reservations must be made at Nederburg at least 24 hours in advance.
Mont Rochelle Hotel & Winery (Franschhoek)
Enjoy a picnic by the dam. A cheese selection, charcuterie, homemade bread, fish cakes, salads, arancini, and truffle-flavored malva – the Chardonnay basket costs R490 (approx. CHF 31) for two adults. For R590 (approx. CHF 38) for two adults, you can opt for the Miko basket, which includes all of the above plus pork skewers, a beef teriyaki salad, and dark chocolate brownies. There is also a children's basket for R140 (approx. CHF 9) per child, as well as vegan and vegetarian baskets. All other dietary requirements can also be accommodated – just inform them when making your reservation.
Mooiplaas Wine Estate (Stellenbosch)
Enjoy a picnic in the historic gardens of Mooiplaas for R400 (approx. CHF 25) for two people, or choose a cheese platter for R85 (approx. CHF 6) for one and R165 (approx. CHF 11) for two guests. The gourmet picnic includes freshly baked baguette, cheese, a pasta salad, beef or chicken wraps, spreads and jam, a sweet treat, and a bottle of wine. The cheese platters include a selection of crackers, salami, olives, jam, fruit, and, of course, two types of cheese.
Quoin Rock (Stellenbosch)
Enjoy a stylish picnic in a picturesque natural setting. Picnic prices are R400 (approx. CHF 26) per person and R180 (approx. CHF 12) per children's basket. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free dietary requirements are catered for. Picnics include freshly baked baguette, spreads, cheese, charcuterie, salads, beef fillet, and dessert, as well as unlimited still or sparkling water. Book online for an elegant picnic that truly pulls out all the stops.
The Restaurant at Grande Provence (Franschhoek)
Spend a summer day under majestic oaks in Franschhoek. Individual picnic baskets cost R350 (approx. CHF 22), while a double basket costs R600 (approx. CHF 38). They include freshly baked ciabatta with spreads and jam, a seasonal vegetable salad, roasted chicken and rosemary pâté, trout and corn arancini, charcuterie and cheeses, and a glass with seasonal fruits and chocolate brownies for dessert. There is also a vegetarian version of the picnic, as well as a children's picnic for R150 (approx. CHF 10) per child under 10 years old.
Rhebokskloof Wine Estate (Paarl)
Experience a picturesque picnic in the historic Paarl Valley, surrounded by the hills of the Paarl Rock Mountains. A basket for two people costs R650 (approx. CHF 42) and includes a bottle of red or white wine to enjoy with your feast of salads, cheese and charcuterie, and bread and jam. A vegan picnic option is also available. Book online, grab a picnic basket and a bottle of wine, and just relax!
Spier Farm Kitchen (Stellenbosch)
Enjoy a picnic where the food is packed in 100% biodegradable and compostable containers. Bring a blanket and enjoy the delicious food on the lawn by the lake or under the oaks. Book online. Picnics cost R295 (approx. CHF 19) per person and include a variety of delights such as beef meatballs, chicken drumsticks, potato salad, cheese, and charcuterie. Vegan and vegetarian options are also available.
Warwick Gourmet Picnics (Stellenbosch)
At Warwick, there is a wide selection of picnic spots, each offering a different view and experience. The gourmet picnic for R550 (approx. CHF 35) is for two people (R300 (approx. CHF 19) for one person) and includes Warwick's famous biltong pâté, homemade bread, a charcuterie box, and a Cape Honey Cheesecake. For children, there is a basket for R150 (approx. CHF 9), and vegan and vegetarian options are also available. House wines, MCCs, Champagne, and non-alcoholic beverages are also available at an additional cost.
Vergelegen Wine Estate (Somerset West)
Vergelegen's peaceful and beautifully shaded camphor forest is the perfect place for a summer picnic. The price for a classic basket is R330 (approx. CHF 21) per person, but there are also options for children, vegetarians, and vegans. The classic basket includes tomato gazpacho, duck liver and snoek pâté, chicken marinated in plums and ginger, bacon and leek quiche, and much more. Book online at least 24 hours in advance.
Vredenheim Wine Estate (Franschhoek)
Grab a bag of goodies from Hudson's Restaurant and enjoy them in the beautiful gardens of Vredenheim Estate. A double bag for two people costs R490 (approx. CHF 31), a triple bag R735 (approx. CHF 47). The offering includes charcuterie, salads, a cheese selection, and a caramel chocolate brownie trifle. Children can get their own picnic with an activity pack for R65 (approx. CHF 4) per child. Visit the website to make a reservation.
Tables at Nitida (Durbanville)
Grab a box of cheese and charcuterie for R580 (approx. CHF 37) for two people (or R350 (approx. CHF 22) for one person) and enjoy a relaxed summer afternoon with wine and a view. If you prefer a heartier meal, such as a gourmet beef burger, a spicy vegan tostada, or an eggplant fattoush salad, you can choose from the special outdoor picnic lawn menu. A children's picnic basket is also available for R89 (approx. CHF 6) per child.
The Melting Pot (Elgin)
Relax in the tree-shaded garden of The Melting Pot while enjoying one of three picnic baskets. The standard picnic box costs R460 and includes a bottle of water, ciabatta, cheese, fruit chutney, hummus, marinated eggplant and olives, two salads, and something sweet to finish. For R640, you get all of the above plus chicken liver or smoked fish pâté and a half roast chicken. A vegan picnic box is also available for R460 (approx. CHF 30).
Geuwels Restaurant (Croydon)
Enjoy a delicious picnic on the lawn of Vergenoegd Löw Wine Estate, offered by the team at Bertus Basson's latest restaurant. For R530 (approx. CHF 34) for two people, you can enjoy smoked Kalamata olives, Geuwels' famous roosterkoek with Bovril and biltong butter, Camembert, half a smoked free-range chicken, Richard Bosman Saucisson sec, Peppermint Crisp tart, and date balls.
If you're looking for a picnic guide in Cape Town, you can find it in the following article.
Eat Out Issue from 20.01.2022
