The Western Cape Escapades (Part Three)

Katlee
Jun 13, 2021
4 min read

Location: Western Cape Province, South Africa

Cape Town is blessed with some of the most scenic views in the world and their wine farms are without a doubt, some of the most amazing in the country. What could be better than a cheese platter, a glass of wine or bubbles and spectacular views?

Let me begin depicting in a few words why wine tasting is always a good idea when you visit Cape Town. Firstly, the city boasts over 300 wine farms so one is spoilt for choice! Secondly, many of the farms charge next to nothing for a wine pairing experience. Typically, it will cost anything between R50-150 for 4-6 wines. For the foodies, you will be delighted to know that the farms offer food as well at an additional cost. I visited wine farms where we paid as little as R75 for 4-5tastings of wine. Finally, the farms are so close to each other (whether you find yourself in Stellenbosch, Franschhoek or even Hermanus), making it easier to create a wine tour that is located in close proximity.

Tip1: You want to be in comfortable clothing that are of course picture friendly during the excursion. The vineyards offer some of the most breath-taking views and relaxation, a mental state lifter I tell you!

Tip2: Do take a pair of shades with you. The sun loves showing up to allow you to take a few amazing pics

Tip3: Ensure that your phone/camera fully charged because the pictures truly are worth 1000 words!

With all of this said grab your glass of wine and let’s get sipping!

Quoin Rock, Stellenbosch

This wine farm easily rates as one of the most beautiful wine estates I’ve been to. At first glance, you simply cannot ignore the architecture as well as the artistic feel that comes with the venue. After speaking to the waiters there, I learned that there is so much history around the place. The owner is a connoisseur of the arts which is evident every where you look. From the photography, art pieces and plating. This venue has been meticulously thought out! From the clean spaces to the amazing views of greenery, Quinn Rock screams MAGIC!

There is a range of wine on selection for you to try out and pairing it with a platter will ensure that your time there is worth every penny! Speaking about pennies, a taste of 3 wines presented by the ambassador, costs R250 per person. I would recommend accompanying the wine pairing with phenomenal cheese platter, which costs an additional R250. Quoin Rock is high end luxury, so please do not be dismayed by the above average pricing. The service there is immaculate, and every guest is treated like royalty. Quoin Rock also offers gourmet farm picnics under cute pods which are surrounded by sculptures and nature. The pods are located away from the restaurant and are wonderfully spaced out from each other which is a big plus considering all the lockdown restrictions. You would be parting with R400 p/p for the picnic but for people that appreciate wonderful views and a delicious gourmet food basket, this one is for you!

Rating:

- Scenery

- Taste of their wine

- Value for money

- Overall experience

Simonsig Wine Estate, Stellenbosch

This wine farm is one of the oldest wine farms in Stellenbosch and boasts of a large range of vintage wine and MCC’s. During your time at the farm, you will learn about the creation and bottling process of the wine and can obviously sample a variety of the selection during the tasting. It costs roughly R75 for tasting 4-5 wines and MMC’s. This wine farm will be a favourite for people that drink the Simonsig wine regularly, so do pop by for a sip and see.

Music: Falls

Musician: Keith Kenniff

Rating:

- Scenery

- Taste of their wine

- Value for money

- Overall experience

Hermanus route

This route is such a great idea as an activity for the day. You have the opportunity to drive along a straight long road which is filled with various wine farms on both sides of the road. This means that you can enjoy the stories and history that comes with each wine farm and allow yourself to enjoy various flavours from each vineyard. By the time you reach your third farm, you’re guaranteed to be buzzing😊!

Each of these farms offer views of the vineyard while you sip on the wine for less than R100 per round (a round will typically include 3 glasses). This route also provides with a great opportunity to stock up on wine which you typically would not encounter at the average liquor store.

Music: Evergreen

Musician: Morgan Kibby

Rating:

- Scenery

- Taste of their wine

- Value for money

- Overall experience

Val De Vie Wine Estate, Franshoek

This wine estate is surrounded by sublime mountain views and it is actually a lifestyle estate. I still can’t fathom that there are people who get to call that place home. Anyway, I got to experience this amazing venue by attending the Veuve Clicquot Polo Event. The brand tends to host events at this venue, and I would highly recommend that you go at least once to take in the surroundings and mingle with new people. I mean honestly, what is better than a glass of champagne and some Polo right? For a Veuve Polo Brunch, costs start from R495 which includes a glass of champagne, a breakfast platter as well as a warm plate of breakfast; this also gives access to the Polo.