Family Escapes in the Winelands this Winter!

Updated: Oct 5, 2023

Come rain or shine we’ve found some delightful winter getaways for the whole family to enjoy, from wine farm treats to hot tubs - no need to freeze up this winter holiday!

*Please note: all information is correct at the date of publication. See individual winery websites for up-to-date info!

In this edition of our 'Winter in the Winelands' Blog, we feature 3 must-see Stellenbosch farms, 3 delightful Franschhoek bakeries & restaurants & 3 nearby warm water getaways for some snug winter bliss.

Please note:

Due to the recent level-4 lockdown, sit-down restaurants and wine sales/tastings are unfortunately closed until 12 July 2021. In the meantime, pre-order your favourite wines for delivery once lockdown restrictions are lightened.

Cape Winelands – 3 Winter Family Getaway Experiences

Stonehaven Eco Cabins – Hermanus, Hemel en Aarde Region

Nestled in the heart of Hermanus and set on a farm abundant with fynbos, herb gardens & wild sunflower fields, these eco-friendly cabins have a unique farmhouse-meets-contemporary-cabin aesthetic - perfect for a family getaway. Cosy up in your own private hot tub with a view of the Babylonstoren Mountains or keep toasty with the indoor fireplace.

There are plenty of activities for the family, from a Protea Walk, aromatherapy gardens, mountain-biking, hiking, horseback riding and more! Winter is also whale-watching season in Hermanus so be sure to take your binoculars with to spot these stunning marine mammals!

Stonehaven is surrounded by the Hemel-en-Aarde wine route, providing the perfect excuse to fit in a cool winter wine tasting. The region possesses wine farms such as Benguela Cove, Sumaridge, La Vierge and Creation Wines, so there’s no shortage of places to satisfy your inner wino.

Cost from R2 550 per cabin per night

Kwelanga – Stanford Wine Region

Situated 2.5 hours outside of Cape Town on the tranquil outskirts of Baardskeerdersbos, this glamping retreat offers an uninterrupted sense of serenity in the middle of nature. As well as a hot tub, the lodgings also host a private outdoor fire pit, pool table, and books & board games for guests to make use of. Baardskeedersbos is rooted in culture and nature, with a Saturday Farmers’ Market, biannual Art Route, hiking trails, mountain-biking trails and, of course, the Stanford Wine Route, which includes well-known wine farms like Lomond, Raka, Stanford Hills and Springfontein.

At a mere R600 pp per night, this secluded retreat won’t break your bank.

Also situated in Stanford is AfriCamps Stanford Hill, a glamping destination overlooking the entire Stanford Valley.

See our previous blog Whales & Wine to learn more about this awesome experience!

Wolfkop Nature Reserve Cottages – Citrusdal Valley & Cederberg Wine Region

Soak in the sites of Citrusdal at Wolfkop Nature Reserve at the foothills of the Cederberg, overlooking the Olifants River Valley. The reserve is home to various fauna, from duiker, to porcupine and tortoises – and, occasionally, the wandering leopard. Revel in the views from the balcony while braaiing or 'jacuzziing', while your tots muck about in the designated play area.

Enjoy a calming tea tasting at Carmién or visit the family-run restaurant and flower farm at Hebron. If you’re feeling more adventurous, there are 20km worth of hiking trails through rock formations, bodyboarding down the river, fly-fishing and 4×4 trails to relish.

Cost from R1 200 per cottage per night

Franschhoek – 3 Winter Dining Experiences

The Deli at Grande Provence

Sip wine under the ancient oaks while admiring the gorgeous mountain views and the sounds of the Berg River. Dig into a farm-fresh breakfast or lunch with a variety of options for the whole family to enjoy. Take in both the natural and manmade beauty of Grande Provence with their dazzling metal sculptures littered around the farm.

Guests can soak up the sights of this historical Franschhoek wine farm by booking their stay at GP’s luxurious owners cottage – starting from only R2 500 per couple per night! Book now at ownerscottage@grandeprovence.co.za.

The Bakery at Haute Cabrière

Haute Cabrière’s grab-and-go bakery is a must-visit with freshly baked croissants, sourdough bread & pastéis de nata for guests on the go! They also stock sauces, preserves, wine accessories and more, perfect for the inner foodie.

The bakery hosts live-music and dinner evenings on selected winter nights @ R350 pp. Dinner includes chargrilled sirloin steak & crispy fries, a bread board, as well as macarons & coffee for dessert.

Haute Cabrière is also known for their MCC, Burgundian varietals and innovative blends. With a stunning view of the mountains and vineyards, this is a destination to remember.

Support local and receive free 48-hour delivery (once restrictions lift). Order 12 bottles online using the code SUPPORTLOCAL to take advantage of this offer!

Pierneef à La Motte

Pierneef à La Motte, named after SA landscape artist Jacob Hendrik Pierneef, is headed by the incredible Eric Bulpitt, who combines hearty homemade dishes with delectable eccentricity to produce mouth-watering dishes to suit every palate.

With bubbling water features and stunning life-like sculptures, La Motte creates a serene family-friendly setting. A visit to La Motte is a must for foodies and wine enthusiasts!

Stellenbosch – 3 Winter Wining Experiences

Spier

Looking for the taste of Spier from the comfort of your own home? Buy farm-fresh goods, bakery treats & ready meals from their Farm Café every day from 9-5 or purchase online and it’ll be delivered right to your doorstep!

Keep your tots busy this holiday with the daily Winter Holiday Program, offered by the Spier Hotel, with fun-filled activities for tots age 3 - 12yrs! The Kids' Clubhouse provides fun & secure childcare services so parents can enjoy some downtime. Nurture your little one’s creativity and develop fine motor skills at the sustainable Arts & Crafts classes, using only recyclable & sustainable materials.

What’s better at warming the soul than a hearty bowl of homemade soup? Well, a wine tasting paired with gourmet soups of course! For R120, Spier offers guests this delightful winter treat which can be further enjoyed with fresh farm-style winter breakfasts from The Vadas Smokehouse & Bakery (half price from Monday to Fridays!)

When Sundays get particularly cold and your belly starts to rumble, head down to the Spier Hotel Restaurant and enjoy a delectable Sunday Harvest Lunch Buffet @R295 pp (R140 for Tots!), and if you’re too full after the feast, stay the night and enjoy 30% off hotel bookings at the 4-star Spier Hotel (with in-room dining!).

Kleine Zalze

Kleine Zalze Restaurant has reopened (with slightly reduced hours) and you can join them from Wednesday through Sunday, and it offers the same Gastronomic delicacies we have come to love. If you make a reservation for Sunday Lunch make sure to indulge in their decadent 3 course menu at R295.

Settled under ancient oaks and surrounded by pristine gardens Kleine Zalze offers a serine and idyllic oasis from current affairs and provide the perfect environment to enjoy fine food and a superb assortment of wine

The restaurant is also offering a Lunch Special, where any of the plats du jour dishes can be enjoyed at a 25% discount from Wednesday to Friday.

The plats du jour menu has been spiced up to introduce some hearty winter fair like Cape bouillabaisse, Seafood soup, Venison pies & Pork fillet escalopes.

It’s been 25 Years since the Basson family bought Kleine Zalze, and to celebrate they are offering a 5-course Special Celebration Menu paired with carefully selected vintage wines from the last 25 years. The 5-course pairing menu will be available on Friday & Saturday nights at R485pp. The wine pairing is available at R400pp. Booking for the Celebration dinner is essential.

Buy any non-vintage MCC, Cellar Selection or Vineyard Selection wines online this July & get 15% off! Wine club members get an additional 10% off.

Waterford

Waterford welcomes back Craig Cormack & Beau du Toit from SALT Restaurant, offering a curated winter menu on Tuesdays - Sundays from 11:30 - 15:30. Take your tastebuds on a journey with Waterford’s new SALT & wine pairing! Guests can also beat the cold winter air with a delightful high tea experience on Saturdays & Sundays, guaranteed to leave you warm and toasty.

*Some Top Winter Specials not to be missed as soon as current regulations change.

Check out our Wellington Winter Winederland Blog for more winter escape ideas.

Look out for our next edition of our Winter in the Winelands Blog, where we will be sharing more winter Winelands experiences for the whole family in the Garden Route, and from Eden to Addo!

Please support our SA wineries, stay safe and take care!

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Click here to check out our previous blog on Monkeyland!