Romantic picnic spots in Stellenbosch
Nothing says romance quite like wicker baskets, a delicious spread, a chilled glass of wine and the chance to relax on sweeping lawns, with the sun on your shoulders. Looking forward to a delicious, unforgettable and romantic break in the Cape Winelands? Add these romantic picnic spots in Stellenbosch to your itinerary – it’s the perfect spoil for couples’ weekend away.
Day 1
Coffee at Eten Health Bar
Experience Stellenbosch’s morning ‘rush hour’ with a coffee at the Eten Health Bar. You’ll love watching the village come to life during the week – and the active, outdoorsy culture on the weekends.
This quaint courtyard café in De Wet Square is surrounded by shops and boutiques and once you grab your coffee from Eten’s beaming barista you can wander, hand-in-hand, through Stellenbosch’s streets for a bit of retail therapy.
Eten Health Bar is all about being kind to your body – and to Mother Earth. They’re eco-conscious and never add anything artificial to their food. Their ethos extends to the use of bio-degradable cups, compostable containers and recycled plastic lids. They try their best to source local, recycle, re-use and ultimately reduce their carbon footprint wherever possible.
This coffee, smoothie or brekkie stop is a fresh, healthy and happy way to start your romantic getaway in Stellenbosch!
Contact +27 (0) 82 333 7658 or info@etenhealthbar.com
Picnic at Hartenberg
Nestled in a valley on the north-eastern slopes of the Bottelary Hills in Stellenbosch, the Hartenberg estate is home to an abundance of indigenous plants and wildlife, including over 75 recorded bird species, duikers, steenbok and mongooses. On entering the gates to Hartenberg, visitors will often spot the farm’s resident goats, sheep and Nguni cattle.
This countryside idyll is complete with a picnic under the oaks as you listen to birdsong, keeping a lookout for little four-striped grass mice hiding in the shrubbery or African fish eagles swooping overhead.
Grab a table (with red and white checked tablecloths), a blanket on the lawn and a few over-sized pillows and settle in for a feast of note. Your picnic box will be brimming with local goodies, including fresh bread, snoek pâté, Dalewood Fromage cheeses, garden veggies from Mason Farming and dips, a home-made scotch egg and so much more!
Contact +27 (0) 21 865 2541 or info@hartenbergestate.com
OR
Picnic at Jordan Wine Estate
Alternatively, head up Stellenbosch Kloof Road to Jordan Wine Estate – for a picnic in one of their seven open-aired, semi-private picnic pods overlooking the exquisite Stellenbosch Valley.
On our list of the most romantic picnic spots in Stellenbosch because once you book a pod (the Long Fuse, The Prospector, The Real McCoy, The Outlier, The Fish Eagle, The Weaver’s Nest, The King Fisher and The Malachite Sunbird) it’s yours for the afternoon, meaning you can truly relax and unwind – with no reason to rush off anywhere.
Not only will you enjoy breathtaking views, but your basket contains freshly-baked goods from The Bakery at Jordan (including Chef’s patisserie of the day), pâté, preserves, salads, locally-sourced charcuterie and quiche.
Make your day out extra special with a romantic, open safari-style tour of the vineyards. You’ll learn more about the terroir and geology of the estate, get to taste some fabulous wine – with plenty of stops to soak up the spectacular views over False Bay as well as the flora and fauna of the Cape Winelands.
Contact +27 (0) 21 881 3441 or info@jordanwines.com
Brampton Wine Studio
There is nothing like good company and fresh country air to stimulate the appetite, so this evening why not visit the Brampton Wine Studio in the vibey heart of Stellenbosch to enjoy great wine, plates of delicious nibbles or their legendary flatbread – perfect to tear and share!
Contact +27 (0) 71 150 8890 or bramptonw@dgb.co.za
Day 2
Breakfast at the Postcard Café
This morning you need to make a beeline for the boutique wine estate of Stark-Condé for a breakfast at the perfectly-named Postcard Café. Of course, it gets its name from its picture-perfect views, but also because of the diverse heritage of the owners of Oude Nektar farm, and the guests who visit from all corners of the globe. You’ll be rewarded with incredible views over the farm’s dam and Jonkershoek Valley as you tuck into free-range egg omelettes, the hearty ‘Valley Breakfast’ or croissants and coffee. The Shakshouka is a must try, as are any of their freshly-baked goods.
Contact +27 (21) 861 7703 or postcardcafe@stark-conde.co.za
Wine tasting at Stark Condé
You’ll gaze out at the tasting room while having breakfast. It’s set in the middle of the estate’s small dam which you access via a short stroll over a wooden walkway – such a beautiful setting! The tasting room is open daily from 9am to 4pm, so pop in for a classic or premium wine tasting.
Contact +27 (0) 21 861 7700 or info@stark-conde.co.za
Wine Tasting at Lanzerac
Another stop en route back to town (and reality) should definitely be Lanzerac. Here you can indulge in a blissful and beautifully-curated chocolate and wine pairing. You’ll taste five premium wines which have been paired perfectly with a selection of artisanal chocolates.
Make sure to visit the Lanzerac Deli too. Tucked amidst vineyards and giant oaks, the deli is the perfect gourmet retreat for diners in search of home-made delights and sweet culinary creations. Although not strictly a picnic venue, it’s well worth a stop on your way home – not only for its legendary cappuccinos, but for its gourmet sandwiches and locally-sourced cheese and charcuterie platters, all of which can be enjoyed in the deli’s cosy indoor setting or sitting outdoors on the terrace.
Contact +27 (0) 21 887 1132 or info@lanzerac.co.za
Where to stay
A couples’ weekend filled with fine wine, lazy lie-ins and time spent in the most romantic picnic spots in Stellenbosch deserves accommodation to match! These three meet the brief in terms of privacy, luxury and romance!
Jordan Suites
Nestled in a quiet nook close to the winery on Jordan Wine Estate, the Jordan Suites enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the vineyards and mountains of Stellenbosch. Each suite is beautifully designed with luxurious finishes, ample space, gorgeous verandas and romantic fire places. Even better? You’ll receive a bottle of Jordan wine of your choice, a complimentary wine tasting and breakfast every morning at The Jordan Bakery.
Contact +27 (0) 21 881 3441 or info@jordanwines.com
WedgeView Country House and Spa
WedgeView Country House & Spa is located on a one-hectare plot just outside the picturesque and historic town of Stellenbosch, where the luxury of a five-star hotel mingles with the exclusivity of a private country residence.
In fact, this beautiful, thatched guest house with its abundant gardens might just be the perfect retreat. You’ll love its two pools, raised deck lapa and relaxing spa (complete with a couples’ treatment room).
WedgeView has become famous for its fabulous breakfasts, which includes a large continental spread of home-cooked ham, freshly-baked croissants and rolls and homemade jam. Many people say that Dave’s Favourite, the “Uitsmijter” (host Dave Bakker’s legendary fry-up) is the perfect start to the perfect day!
Devon Valley Hotel
The Devon Valley Hotel boasts some of the most magnificent views in Stellenbosch. Most of the fifty stylishly furnished rooms offer simply spectacular views across vineyards and olive groves towards the Helderberg in the distance.
It’s a wonderful wedding venue, as well as the perfect place to celebrate a honeymoon, anniversary or birthday! Not only will you and your partner enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the valley, but you are close enough to Stellenbosch and the surrounding Winelands in order to experience a number of different activities, making it the perfect place for a lazy – or adventurous – romantic getaway.
Contact +27 (0) 21 865 2012 or info@devonvalleyhotel.com
