Lose yourself in Romance with this Stellenbosch getaway

It’s been quite a year and you are probably long overdue a memorable, carefree break with your partner in crime. Considering a few days away to relax, recharge and reignite the romance? Pack your bags and head off on a romantic Stellenbosch getaway in the valleys and vineyards of the Cape’s Winelands.

Plan your romantic Stellenbosch getaway

Morning

Wine and fynbos cupcake pairing at Delheim

Start your day with a unique wine and cupcake pairing in Delheim’s cosy and atmospheric wine cellar, complete with wooden benches and its famous cobwebbed window.

Delheim is renowned (and deservedly so) for its tasting room pairing of bespoke cupcakes and award-winning wine. Now you can explore the flavours of the Cape’s floral kingdom in a playful (and seriously good) pairing of four fynbos-inspired cupcakes that showcase the excellence of Delheim wines. Think a honeybush cupcake with Delheim Chardonnay Sur Lie; a buchu cupcake with Delheim Gewurztraminer; a fynbos honey cupcake with Delheim Merlot; and a rooibos cupcake with Delheim Pinotage.

This is mid-morning ‘tea’ with a twist. Delight and enjoy!
Visit www.delheim.com 
Or contact info@delheim.com or +27 (0) 21 888 4600

Art at Muratie

Just a stone’s throw from Delheim is Muratie, tucked away in a beautiful corner of the Knorhoek Valley. Take a wander through the estate’s modern contemporary MOK gallery (Afrikaans for modern kontemporêr) for a soul-stirring brush with local art and culture. Housed in a historic building dating back to 1685, you’ll love the marriage of old and new; the rustic, relaxed and welcoming space; and the riotous celebration of South African creativity and modern design.
Visit www.mokgallery.com
Or contact Cecile on 072 553 5547 or cecile@mokgallery.com

Lunch at Quoin Rock – Gåte Restaurant

No romantic Stellenbosch getaway is complete without a visit to Quoin Rock. Its staggering glassed building delivers expansive views over sun-kissed vineyards and the majestic Simonsberg mountain – the perfect setting for Gåte Restaurant.

Pronounced gah-tey, the Norwegian origin of the word translates as ‘the entrance of a labyrinth’ or a ‘riddle’, symbolising a culinary adventure that ignites the senses and takes you on a journey to where art, culinary tradition and technical craft collide in one extraordinary dining experience.

Alternatively, grab a spot under one of Quoin Rock’s eight private and peaceful pergolas for a 5-star al fresco picnic. You’ll love the chance to kick back and relax as you enjoy a mouth-watering spread of freshly-baked baguettes, pâté and dips, and a local cheese and charcuterie selection. Cheers!

Of course, Stellenbosch has some of the best picnic spots in South Africa, meaning you and your love will be spoilt for choice!
Visit www.quoinrock.co.za 
Or contact gate@quoinrock.co.za or +27 (0) 21 888 4750

Afternoon

Delaire Graff Estate – Art and Gardens

Why not walk off with lunch with a hand-in-hand stroll through Delaire Graff’s glorious gardens? You’ll love the sense of calm and serenity beautifully captured in acres upon acres of beds and borders – all planted to reflect Stellenbosch’s changing seasons.

Spectacularly in bloom every day of the year, the estate acts as an incredible backdrop for art and sculpture, where Laurence Graff’s personal collection has been carefully curated to showcase some of South Africa’s finest contemporary artists. The palette is completed by over 350 indigenous plants and other imported, non-invasive species nestled among sculptures, rippling water features and reflective pools. Catch your breath and revel in natural surrounds bursting with colour, life and creativity!
Visit www.delaire.co.za 
Or contact info@delaire.co.za or +27 (0) 21 885 8160

Bartinney – Cape fynbos and wine pairing

Continue your love affair with the Cape’s floral kingdom with a fynbos and wine pairing at Bartinney Estate. This intimate, innovative and multi-sensory wine experience celebrates “wine made on a mountain” alongside native fynbos grown on the farm. Learn more about the estate’s ongoing commitment to conserving the Cape’s rich biodiversity before slipping off together to sip a glass or two of wine on the upstairs terrace.
Visit www.bartinney.co.za
Or contact tastingshed@bartinney.co.za or +27 (0) 21 885 1013

Oldenburg Vineyards

The best romantic getaways are filled with good food, laughter and sparkling conversation. Head to Oldenburg Vineyards, a boutique estate surrounded by a spectacular mountain amphitheatre for more of the above!
Learn more about the farm’s wines, history and ‘sense of place’ as you enjoy a complimentary platter of locally-sourced nibbles and tasty bites.
Visit www.oldenburgvineyards.com 
Or contact tastingroom@oldenburgvineyards.com or +27 (0)21 885 1618

Where to stay?

We’ve asked Stellenbosch locals to suggest their favourite romantic Stellenbosch getaway destinations, and these blissful retreats tick all the right boxes!

Le Pommier Country Lodge

Le Pommier is an intimate country lodge situated in the heart of the winelands. There are 6 suites, 7 country rooms and 2 self-catering units all beautifully appointed in luxurious country-house style and comfort. Grab a towel and head to the pool for a sunset swim, light the braai, or simply put your feet up as you gaze over the breathtaking mountains of the Banhoek Valley.
Visit www.lepommier.co.za 
Or contact gm@lepommier.co.za or +27 (0)21 885 1269

River Manor

Housed in two adjacent manor houses, both oozing old-world charm and quiet sophistication, and set in a landscaped garden on the banks of the Eerste River, the Manor House promises a ready welcome and warm hospitality. From home-baked chocolate chip cookies on arrival to complimentary nougat and vast four-poster beds, you’ll love everything about the Manor House – as you kick off shoes, cuddle up and escape the world!
Visit www.manorhouse.co.za/river-manor 
Or contact info@manorhouse.co.za or +27 (0)21 887 9944

Summerwood

Summerwood Guest House is the perfect base from which to explore the warm heart of Stellenbosch. This stylish grand dame was built in 1904, and like a good red wine that ages over time, it just gets better and better! It’s been carefully restored over the years and you will love its large garden, towering trees and large swimming. It’s only a 15-minute stroll through the leafy ‘burbs to Stellenbosch’s best restaurants and cafés, so grab your partner and head out on a Stellies date night to remember!
Visit www.summerwood.co.za
Or contact +27 (0) 21 887 4112