October 2023
Spring has well and truly arrived in warmhearted Stellenbosch. If you’re looking for a way to appreciate the season in all its glory, why not lay out a blanket on the lawn, enjoy a basket overflowing with delicious goodies and a fantastic bottle of wine and savour every moment of a relaxing picnic?
We’ve put together a list of the best picnic spots and experiences to enjoy this Spring and Summer season.
Quoin Rock
It’s very difficult to find the best words to describe Quoin Rock’s mouthwatering picnic feast with great wines in the most picturesque location of the Cape Winelands. You just must experience it.
“Our picnic basket is filled with local and seasonal ingredients. These dishes hit all the right notes for a perfect warm-weather lunch. We used ingredients such as green peas to elevate the basket to springtime heights. Smoked pulled beef offers a unique take on the spring classic made even better with Miso paste and our in-house Red Blend Jus, served as a signature spring fine dining picnic dish. When you’re looking for fresh takes on fine dining picnic, we’re always your dependable spot. Bon Appétit” – Chef Kimmza, Quoin Rock.
Cost: R400 per adult. R180 per child.
Bookings: +27 (0) 21 888 4750 or winelounge@quoinrock.co.za
Warwick Wine Estate
The Warwick picnic season is back! Imagine this: a day filled with delightful wine, mouthwatering picnic treats, and a relaxed afternoon on one of their very popular lawn spots, with a view of the dam, or for a more private feel, in one of their dedicated semi-private picnic pods, nestled away in the garden.
Choose between a Gourmet, Vegetarian or Vegan Picnic basket. Every basket is filled to the brim with fresh breads, dips, spreads, fresh seasonal salads, a delightful sweet treat and so much more. And don’t forget the kiddies! They get their very own picnic basket with something fresh, somethinig savoury and a yummy sweet treat.
Cost: R645 per basket (serves 2). R350 per basket (serves 1)
Bookings: Email reservations@warwickwine.com
Klein Joostenberg Picnics
Picnic Style Eatery on Klein Joostenberg Farm. Klein Joostenberg Picnics a family-friendly space where the whole family can relax and children can run and play. Enjoy a delicious al fresco meal in a laid-back farm setting.
This is an ideal venue for casual parties and family get-togethers. Reservations for groups are recommended, especially over weekends, public holidays and school holidays.
View the picnic menu here.
Bookings: Call 021 8844 014 or email picnic@joostenberg.co.za
Spier
Spier Wine Farm is best-known for its sprawling natural beauty, meaning there’s plenty of choice when it comes to deciding where to settle down for your picnic. Sit on the banks of the dam, relish in the soft grass on the lawns, or seek shelter from the sunshine underneath the oak trees.
All Spier picnics are inspired by the seasons and boast plenty of ingredients sourced from the farm and other local producers. Along with the classic option, Spier also caters to vegan and vegetarian picnickers, as well as offering a kiddies’ picnic basket, chockfull of child-approved favourites!
The classic summer picnic comes with an assortment of Megan’s vegetables, Moroccan chicken, abalobi fish pâté and much more.
An adapted vegetarian & vegan basket is available.
Cost: R395 per person. Kiddies picnic at R180 per child (under 12)
Bookings: Book online here or call +27 (0) 21 809 1159
Hartenberg
Hartenberg Wine Estate is another top spot for a family-friendly afternoon of laughter, bonding, and delicious eats. The sizable picnic gardens are ideal for letting the kiddies run free while the adults sit back and relax with a glass of white or red.
The Hartenberg pre-packed picnic basket is over-flowing with farm-baked breads, local cheeses, seasonal salads, dips, their famous snoek paté and more, along with a sweet treat to finish. Vegan and vegetarian options are available on request.
Cost: R340 – R400 per adult.
Bookings: Book online here or call +27 (0)21 865 2541
Hazendal Wine Estate
If you’re in the mood for a picnic with a twist, then Hazendal Wine Estate’s picnics are sure to go down a treat! Settle down in the fragrant gardens or alongside the wetlands, giving the little ones the chance to splash around and explore.
Hazendal Picnic baskets come filled with delicious delicacies, from artisan breads with hummus and selection of cold meats. Special menus for children, vegans and vegetarians ensure all tastes are catered for. Picnic menus are seasonal and subject to change.
Cost: R385 – R470 per adult. R250 per child.
Bookings: Book online or call +27 (0)21 903 5034
Jordan Wine Estate
Nature lovers and foodies flock to Jordan Wine Estate to take full advantage of its private picnic pods, expansive green lawns, and breath-taking views of the Stellenbosch Kloof Valley and Stellenbosch Mountains.
The food is also nothing short of incredible, with luxuries like in-house baked focaccia, locally sourced charcuterie, a cheese selection, homemade preserves, spreads, Chef Thys’ curried baba ganoush, spiced apple chutney, creamy fish patê, and something sweet. Separate kids’ baskets are on offer too, featuring a petit beef sausage roll, a mini margarita pizza, a packet of crisps, a juice box, and a giant cookie.
Cost: R625 per basket (feeds 2 adults). R169 per child.
Bookings: +27 (0)21 881 3441 or reservations@jordanwines.com
Zevenwacht Wine Estate
Who wouldn’t want to tuck into Stellenbosch’s finest on Zevenwacht’s tree-shaded lawns, sloping down to the lake? All baskets are packed to the brim with bread and biscuits, cold meats, cheeses, and salads, with vegetarian and children’s options available.
Braai masters who are keen to fire up the grill instead can also request a classic Farmhouse Braai Basket, packed with everything required to make their own braai under the shade of the large oak trees. Wood, firelighters and a braai grid are all provided.
Cost: Manor House Picnic | R650 per basket (serves 2). Kiddies Basket | R95 per child. Braai picnic | R600 per basket (serves 2). Vegetarian Picnic | R550 per basket (serves 2)
Bookings: +27 (0)21 900 5800 or restaurant@zevenwacht.co.za
Koelenhof
Relish in the wonders of the Winelands with a picnic at Koelenhof. It’s a go-to for both romantic and family-friendly picnics, promising gorgeous scenery and even better food and drink.
Bring your own blanket and choose from two pre-packed baskets based on your preferences. The Koelenbosch basket is the most indulgent, including a cheese platter, biltong pâté, roosterkoek, olives, droëwors, seasonal fruits and Belgian chocolate.
The Koelenhof basket is filled with similar, yet fewer nibbles. Both baskets are served with a bottle of Koelenhof wine or grape juice.
Cost: Koelenbosch Picnic | R500 serves 2. Koelenhof Picnic | R400 serves 2.
Bookings: +27 (0)21 865 2020 or sales@koelenhof.co.za
Zorgvliet Wine Estate
Welcome to the Zorgvliet picnic area, Grapes and Greens, where your kids can frolic and have a blast in their spacious play area. Let them explore the jungle gym and sand pit, while you soak in the spectacular view and indulge in award-winning wines. Get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime. It’s the perfect setting to unwind and enjoy quality time with your loved ones.
Cost: Between R740 – R1200 per basket. R160 per child under six.
Bookings: +27 (0) 21 885 1399 or info@zorgvliet.com
Boschendal Wine Estate
Let the sunshine revitalise your mind, body, and soul on the Pavilion lawn at Boschendal Wine Estate, celebrated for its farm-to-fork philosophy and unrivalled kid adventure spots. Feel free to bring your own blankets or chairs for a picnic made up of the best seasonal produce. It’s a must-visit for families, especially considering that The Tree House Playground and legendary Pump Track are both accessible from the picnic lawns, perfect for keeping children aged between 5 and 14 years entertained while mom and dad relax.
Highlights include food made from our natural farm produce including freshly baked bread, green salads from our Werf Food Garden, free-range charcuterie cuts from the Boschendal Butchery, homemade preserves and one of our celebrated desserts. Vegetarian and children’s menus are available.
Cost: R750 Basket for 2 | R375 Basket for 1 | R220 Kids basket (3 – 12 yrs)
Bookings: +27 (0)21 870 4273/4 or reservations@boschendal.co.za or book online.
Mooiplaas Wine Estate
It’s sure to be a spring afternoon well-spent when tucking into a pre-packed gourmet picnic basket out in the beautiful Mooiplaas Wine Estate garden overlooking the vineyards.
Visitors have a choice between a gourmet basket and a charming cheese platter. The basket features a baguette, pasta salad, hummus, preserves, fresh fruit, a bottle from the estate’s Collection wines, and more. Each cheese platter comprises crackers, salami, olives, preserves, two cheeses, and freshly picked fruit.
Cost: R450 per basket or R195 per platter (both serves 2 adults).
Bookings: +27 (0)21 200 7493 or info@mooiplaas.co.za
Cavalli Estate
Gather your loved ones for a delightful day out on Cavalli Estate’s beautifully manicured lawn, overlooking the vineyards and Helderberg mountain range, where you can indulge in their limited gourmet picnic baskets, specially designed to tantalize your taste buds.
Each picnic basket is filled with locally and sustainably sourced ingredients. From spiced nuts to artisanal breads, a delightful assortment of spreads, surprises, and culinary delights awaits you.
Pair your picnic with award-winning Cavalli Wines, available for purchase by the bottle on their wine tasting terrace. But hurry, as they have limited availability and require a 24-hour prior booking.
Cost: R650 per basket (serves 2)
Bookings: Email office@cavalliestate.com to book your picnic
Hudson’s Venue & Restaurant at Vredenheim
The best way to celebrate Spring is to have a picnic at Vredenheim! Bring your family along to enjoy the beautiful big gardens with great views and many shady spots.
There are gazebos and benches or you can bring your own blankets and cushions to enjoy their scrumptious picnics. Vegetarian and Halaal friendly baskets are also available on request.
The kids get their own special food boxes with child-friendly treats and edibles.
Cost: R550 per basket (serves 2). R810 per basket (serves 3). R75 per activity box (serves 1 child, and includes crayons)
Bookings: Email info@hudsons.events to order your picnics at least one day in advance.
