South African wineries have been hit hard by the ongoing alcohol ban, so we’d like to do our part to help them during these uncertain times. We’ve compiled a list of our all-time favourite family-friendly wineries in Stellenbosch this summer.
Whether you’re looking for spectacular views, a fun afternoon out with the tots, the best organic food and wine (or mocktails), or a leisurely picnic; this guide will help you discover all the hidden gems that Stellenbosch has to offer!
Spier
Spier Wine Estate, hotel and conference centre in Stellenbosch valley offers a variety of fun-filled options for both adults and children. It’s one of the best spots in the Cape Winelands for relaxation on a beautiful summer’s day! The gardens have numerous enormous granite rocks, which the kids love to climb on, as well as a large jungle gym.
They offer relaxing picnics under the shade along the river. Adult picnic baskets have a vegetarian option, and kiddies’ baskets are also available.
Pre-order online at least 24 hours before.
Extra juices, goodies and fruit ice lollies for the kids can be bought from the Deli.
If you prefer dining at a table, Vadas Smokehouse & Bakery serves lovely free-range slow-cooked meats and further produce from Spier’s eco-friendly farm out on the lawn where the kids can run wild, as well as explore the little garden created for them on the other side of the lawn.
Longridge
Enjoy a magnificent wine tasting at one of our all-time favourite local wine farms, Longridge. A fantastic spot for enjoying a chilled afternoon and a magical evening, dining outside on their terrace as the sun sets over Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean in the distance.
They have the most splendid organic herb garden in front of the tasting room, where kids can run through and discover the sights & smells of a host of edible plants. This garden provides produce for the restaurant, as do their free-roaming farm animals. We love their farm-to-table philosophy, fantastic organic produce and, of course, their wine!
Longridge’s wine is all organic & naturally fermented. Starting your meal with their MCC or lightly wooded Chardonnay is a jubilant experience, which can be further elevated by pairing one of their heavier reds, like their Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, with your main course.
The kids really enjoyed their bottle of Konkelberg homemade grape-juice bubbly!
This estate is our go-to for hosting celebrations and has a slightly more formal setting with stunning decor.
As of Spring 2020 they now even have a kiddie jungle gym. A must-visit!
Hidden Valley
A relatively new addition to Hidden Valley, ‘The Deck’ is a casual eatery overlooking the beautiful lake, which serves burgers or fish & chips – and of course some fine Hidden Valley wine to go with it!
Picnics can also be arranged for a more romantic or relaxed afternoon with the kids in their indigenous gardens. It is highly recommended to take a stroll around the lake with the kids, while enjoying the enchanting fynbos garden, local birds and butterflies.
Hidden Valley is an impressive modern winery perched on the Helderberg mountain with exquisite views of Table Mountain and Cape.
A wonderful chocolate and wine pairing can be enjoyed out on the terrace.
Their restaurant, Overture, serves fine dining cuisine plated beautifully & paired with first-class wine, all while we were seated in front of fantastic views of the sunset across from the Mother City.
Glenelly
Glenelly Estate has more recently become one of our go-to farms at sunset time. It has a really lovely setting, as well as excellent food and wine.
With a special glass collection, and a restaurant that is perfectly situated, they offer quite the food and wine pairing experience.
Warwick
Warwick Wine Estate is certainly a favourite for families and serves one of the best picnics in the Winelands!
They boast a wonderful, relaxed setting, alongside a dam with boules, jungle gyms and private pods for groups to book.
The perfect place to spend a warm summer’s day - the tots have a ball playing in the fountains and water features. Warwick is also a great spot for kiddies parties, with tasty picnic boxes for the little ones.
Boschendal
Just what a mom needs - a day of downtime at the spectacular Boschendal farm while the kids are looked after and educated at The Tree House.
If you dine at The Werf restaurant or stay in one of their beautiful cottages your kids can be checked in at The Tree House where they’ll be taken care of.
The kids forage for their lunch ingredients, make their own wraps and braai their free-range beef boerewors on the open fire with their newly made friends, while we get to be treated to some fine wine or mocktails.
The Werf Restaurant focuses on farm to table dining using the best available local, seasonal, and ethically sourced ingredients. Picnics can also be ordered for relaxing under their oak trees.
For more information see our blog Family Day Out at Boschendal!
In the area? Why not have a fun family day out on the Franschhoek Tram!
We have loved all our trips.
Blaauwklippen
On the edge of Stellenbosch town is Blaauwklippen, which has a long history dating back to 1682 and is home to some of the first vineyards planted in South Africa, dating back to 1688. It is also one of the first members of the Stellenbosch Wine Route (est. 1971).
A visit to Blaauwklippen presents many alluring possibilities from their standard wine tasting ¹ to their chocolate, macaron or fudge pairing, to gin tasting and comforting country-style meals at the Ham & Uys eatery! Blaauwklippen is a fantastic farm for families– kids can run free and play outside on the newly enlarged jungle gym, while you, the folks, can relax at the eatery or under the shade of the trees.
The delightful Blaauwklippen family market ² is also on every Sunday afternoon, with lots on offer for the kiddies and you.
¹ Their tasting room & farm shop is temporarily closed for renovations. The Ham & Uys Eatery is open for lunch Fridays to Sundays
² Market is temporarily suspended due to Lockdown restrictions
Guardian Peak
Guardian Peak Winery is another one of our all-time best-overall Wineries in the Cape. We might be biased since it was the last winery we were at before our son was born almost 10 years ago, but it’s been consistently great over the last decade.
Facing the picturesque Helderberg and Stellenbosch mountains, Guardian Peak serves awesome wine (quite a collection) and excellent food (with various steak options, including local venison for meat lovers).
They have a small jungle gym outside for the children with a few tables there as well - the perfect spot to watch the tots while enjoying sundowners on the deck!
Jordan
Jordan Wine Estate has superb wine, food, service, and an amazing location. The restaurant is well positioned at a large dam with a wonderful view looking back at the Stellenbosch, Simonsberg and Helderberg Mountains in the distance.
They have a bakery - which is more suitable with young kids - and fine dining at Jordan Restaurant, which is one of the best in the Winelands!
They also do lazy picnics on the large lawn, allowing the kids to run free in your view. Due to the current alcohol ban, we paired their de-alcoholised Syrah Sangria (a first for us) with burgers and pulled lamb and noodles.
Haskell
A charming, peaceful setting awaits you at Haskell Vineyards. Nestled in the golden triangle of Stellenbosch, it’s known for its top-quality Cabernet, Shiraz and Chardonnay vines.
Longtable restaurant has beautiful views over the valley and serves delightful food plates perfect for sharing.
Pair your lunch or dinner on Summer evenings with outstanding wines from the Dombeya and Haskell ranges. There is a small jungle gym on the side of the restaurant – better for the slightly older kids.
Tokara
The Tokara Deli Cat is one of the best child-friendly venues in Stellenbosch! The actual wine-tasting lounge and formal Tokara Restaurant are not-so-tot-friendly, but you could pop in for a quick tasting of their exceptional wine while admiring gorgeous views of the rolling mountains on your way to the Deli Cat.
Once at the Deli, you can sit back and enjoy some simple but great-quality food & sip fine wine, while blissfully wallowing in relaxed views of vines & olive trees. Jungle gyms are a big plus- this spot was planned for the kids, and they effortlessly entertain themselves.
With incredible views, architecture, sculptures, food, wine and a kiddie play area, Tokara is one of our family-friendly favourites! Even our son, at the age of 3, agreed! It has a lovely big fireplace and a tray of toys for the kids – great for those rainy days when they may not brave the jungle gym or wonderful human-sized bird nest outside.
Eikendal
Eikendal is a relaxed, delightful farm with consistently superb wine, a chilled vibe and excellent Italian food – some of the best value for money!
It is the perfect spot for a sunny afternoon or summery evening with seats outside near the dam, with the best seat being next to the slide and sandpit. Keeping an eye on the tots has never been easier!
The Cucina di Giovanni restaurant is onsite, serving delicious Italian food. They also have a great kiddie milk & cookie pairing, which involves the kids decorating their own cookies. They also offer a fun tractor ride (mostly for the kids!)
Hazendal
We previously had the privilege of sampling Hazendal’s very first food and wine pairing- delicious Easter inspired canapés, paired with their three lovely Christoffel Hazenwinkel wines - the White blend, Shiraz Blanc de Noir & the Cape Red Blend!
Hazendal is now offering daily mocktail specials (Tuesday to Sunday) at their Pivnushka Beer Garden and live music on weekends! Mocktails contain a range of alcohol-free gins and mixers all expertly prepared by their mixologist, Nicky.
Wonderdal is a first of its kind in Africa and certainly at a winery - a magical edutainment centre teaching kids about their precious Earth and healthy living!
Book your kiddies in and take a seat under the African sun at their Pivnushka Beer Garden.
Stay safe and take care!
If you liked this content, please like our page, follow us on Instagram @winetots, and subscribe to follow our adventures in and beyond the spectacular Cape Winelands!
Click here to check out our previous blog “A family’s Journey through the Cape Winelands of South Africa”!
Please kindly contact wine farms beforehand to check for availability. All wine tastings and sales are currently suspended due to Lockdown restrictions until 15 February 2021. Please support our SA wineries at this time by ordering wine for delivery post Lockdown!
Important info:
Spier: https://www.spier.co.za/ ; 021 809 1100
Longridge: https://longridge.co.za/ ; 021 855 2005
Hidden Valley: https://www.hiddenvalleywines.co.za/ ; 021 880 2646
Glenelly: https://glenellyestate.com/ ; 021 809 6440
Warwick: www.warwickwine.com ; 021 884 4410
Boschendal: https://www.boschendal.com/ ; 021 870 4200
Blaauwklippen: https://www.blaauwklippen.com/ ; 066 495 0270
Guardian Peak: https://www.guardianpeak.com/ ; 021 881 3899
Jordan: www.jordanwines.com ; 021 881 3441
Haskell: www.haskellvineyards.com ; 021 881 3895
Tokara: https://www.tokara.com/ ; 021 808 5900
Hazendal: https://www.hazendal.co.za/ ; 021 903 5034
Eikendal: https://www.eikendal.com/ ; 021 855 1422
Commenti