With so many attractions, experiences, and some of the most glorious views in all of South Africa, there is no wonder why Stellenbosch is so incredibly popular with holidaymakers throughout the festive season. If you are keen to indulge in a relatively peaceful romantic retreat before the Christmas and New Year’s madness takes hold, there’s still time to do it! Here are some of our top picks to make the getaway one to remember.
Wine and fynbos cupcake pairing at Delheim
Delheim promises a cosy, welcoming wine cellar for couples with a sweet tooth. Snuggle up on the wooden benches and tuck into the most tastebud tantalising flavours of the Cape’s floral kingdom. You will be served up four separate cupcakes paired perfectly with some of the estate’s best-loved wines in this unique wine and cupcake pairing experience, namely:
- A honeybush cupcake with Delheim Chardonnay Sur Lie
- A fynbos honey cupcake with Delheim Merlot
- A rooibos cupcake with Delheim Pinotage
- A buchu cupcake with Delheim Gewurztraminer
Explore local art and culture at Muratie
Muratie is less than a kilometre away from Delheim and it’s where you will find a collection of the region’s most impressive modern contemporary art produced by a host of well-known local artists.
Stroll hand-in-hand through the resident MOK gallery, boasting a massive selection of different artworks, including charcoal drawings, ceramics, oil paintings, and sculptures from the likes of Clare Menck, Sandra Hanekom, and Herman van Nazareth, to name a few. The gallery is situated inside a historic building that dates back to 1685 – a building that is just as impressive to admire as the art housed within it.
Enjoy a gourmet meal at Quoin Rock – Gåte Restaurant
Sit down to an intimate lunch or dinner for two inside the glassed building that is Gåte Restaurant at Quoin Rock, just a five-minute drive from the gallery. Savour the sun-kissed vineyard vistas and panoramic views of the towering Simonsberg Mountain as you savour every single bite of your two-, three-, five- or seven-course meal. Each five- and seven-course tasting menu promises a perfectly paired glass of wine for each course to further amplify the experience.
Alternatively, you can opt to enjoy a breezy picnic under your personal peaceful pergola on the lawns of Quoin Rock. Put your feet up and indulge in each other’s company as you dive right into a flavourful spread of freshly baked baguettes, pâté and dips, and a local cheese and charcuterie selection.
Enjoy a tranquil garden walk after wine-tasting at Delaire Graff Estate
Delaire Graff is known for its expansive gardens, crafted with Stellenbosch’s changing seasons in mind. Take in the views of acres upon acres of beds and borders, along with Laurence Graff’s personal collection of some of the finest work produced by South Africa’s best-loved contemporary artists. You will see over 350 indigenous plants criss-crossing with an array of imported, non-invasive species, many of which envelop stunning sculptures, rippling water features and sparkling pools. It is a romantic setting where you and your partner can relax, breathe, chat, and relish in the mesmeric experience at your leisure.
A Cape fynbos and wine pairing at Bartinney
Indulge in your love affair with the Cape’s floral kingdom a little bit further with a fragrant fynbos and wine pairing at Bartinney Estate. You will be treated to three delicious estate wines hand-picked to complement the native fynbos grown on the farm. It is a multi-sensory tasting adventure that seeks to highlight the estate’s ongoing commitment to conserving the region’s precious biodiversity.
The best romantic accommodation in Stellenbosch
You and your partner will obviously need a cosy base where you can relax care-free in between your exploits and soak up each other’s company. Le Pommier Country Lodge is a wonderful choice for those in search of comfortable and rustic style. At Le Pommier you can make your way to the pool for a sensual sunset swim, fire up the braai, or cuddle up and marvel at the breath-taking mountains of the Banhoek Valley.
The River Manor is another favourite amongst couples visiting Stellenbosch. The two adjacent manor houses both exhibit old-world charm and elegance and are positioned right next to the tranquil trickle of the Eerste river. The Manor House also promises guests a serving of freshly baked choc-chip cookies upon arrival, plenty of complimentary nougat, and flat-screen satellite TVs so that you and your love can catch up on your favourite series or sneak in a movie before bed.
Finally, you cannot go wrong with a stay at the sunny Summerwood Guest House, located in the heart of the town. Built in the early 1900s, Summerwood Guest House offers access to a sprawling garden full of lush green grass and wildflowers, a sizeable swimming pool, and a variety of luxurious rooms that boast modern comforts beyond compare.
No matter where you choose to stay or what you choose to do, Stellenbosch is the perfect destination to get away from the chaos of daily life to reconnect with and appreciate your partner. Don’t miss out!
