Happy people everywhere.
It might be all the wine or it might be that they are just having a really great time.
I’m going to go with the latter. On my recent trip to Cape Town, I had the most extraordinary wine tasting and foodie experiences in the Winelands. I must say that Capetonians are serious about their quality restaurants in Cape Town and their food and wine. Our tour guide that was supplied to us by Explore Sideways was as serious about his wines too, while he guided us on an amazing curated private wine tour of Cape Town’s Winelands.
There are a lot of exceptional places that didn’t make the list, not because they weren’t fantastic, just because there were others with a higher level of fantasticalness I just had to add. So, in no particular order, here are the best wine farms and foodie places in Cape Town South Africa.
Root 44 Market
Delicious food, funky live entertainment, gorgeous surroundings, delectable craft beers and wine – the recipe for a guaranteed good time.
This little gem is situated on the R44 between Somerset West and Stellenbosch. It’s only open on Saturdays and Sundays between 10 am and 4 pm but don’t fear, they have a wide range of excellent ‘take-home’ products like superior olive oils, mouth-watering spreads, home baked bread, cured and smoked charcuterie products and a selection of organic fresh produce, to keep you entertained for the whole week.
Fairview Wine and Cheese
Let’s be clear, Fairview cheese is not just cheese, it’s art! Creamy, melty, salty, delightful art.
Handcrafted cheese from a range of over 50, produced from cow’s milk and goat’s milk. Expertly paired with a selection of 6 different wines and you are ready to be transported to foodie heaven. Or if you prefer to be seated for this experience, grab a seat in the Goat shed and order from the menu.
Fairview Wine and Cheese. Photography by Myburgh du Plessis. Food styling by Megan Daniels.
After you’ve returned from foodie heaven, be sure to spend some time in the deli where you’ll need to grab a basket and fill it up with freshly baked bread, yoghurt, more cheese, olive oil, free-range meat and preserves.
Spice Route
Do you have a desire to explore exotic flavours and experiences? Then you must visit the Spice Route. It’s a completely unique experience with endless discoveries.
Let me explain: Spice Route is a wine farm with a twist. They don’t only offer fantastic wine and delicious food, they offer Barley and Biltong, which is a beer garden where craft beer and biltong lovers can enjoy an ice-cold beer (CBC) together with a range of biltong (beef, kudu, eland and springbok). As if that is not enough, they also offer handcrafted, artisan chocolate tastings.
Relax under the oak trees and enjoy wood-fired pizza with a glass of wine at La Grapperia. Now that is what I call an afternoon well spent.
Eight at Spier
If your aim is scrumptious and healthy, Eight is the right place for you! They only use natural and organic ingredients sourced from local farmers and then imaginatively fuse them together to create the most tantalizing meals.
Spier’s wines have won many accolades and complement the menu significantly, along with freshly-squeezed fruit and vegetable juices and a variety of craft beers.
But wait, there’s more. In the mood for a picnic? Why not combine some fresh ingredients from their deli and enjoy it outside on the lawns with a bottle of wine.
Moreson Wine Estate
Moreson wine farm is a little piece of heaven located on the outskirts of Franschhoek. While relaxing in this tranquil setting, surrounded by citrus trees and vineyards, you can enjoy 3 artisan meats from the charcuterie paired with award-winning Moreson wines. This is served on wooden boards along with freshly baked bread and rich herb butter.
If you’re interested in exploring unconventional culinary delights at its best, you should visit the Bread and Wine Restaurant on the Estate. The menu includes dishes like “Leek, hazelnut and goat’s feta risotto” and “Smoked angelfish schnitzel, sweet corn custard, and aubergine”. There is nothing ordinary about Moreson Wine Estate. Prepare to have an exquisite experience you’ll never forget.
Basic Bistro
If cozy and intimate is what you’re looking for then you need to make a trip to Basic Bistro, a little restaurant in the centre of Stellenbosch. With such a homey atmosphere, you’ll feel right at home.
You can expect to be seduced by luxuriant pasta dishes, mouth-watering gourmet burgers, and juicy matured steaks. Drinks range anything from superior quality coffee to hand-picked wines and pleasurable cocktails to craft beers.
Whether you are looking for a romantic evening out or just to hang with friends, Basic Bistro will not disappoint.
Creation Wines
For the ultimate food and wine pairing, Creation Wines is a must-visit destination. It is the place where culinary art marries passionate winemaking craft. With this beautiful ceremony, you will witness the fusion of perfection.
Sit back and relax while the magic happens. Enjoy a pairing of 8 irresistible tapas with 8 elegant wines and get ready to be overwhelmed. This experience has by far been one of the most enjoyable in my life.
Postcard Cafe @ Stark-Condé Winery
Like the name implies, the views of the Stellenbosch mountains are picture perfect and the food delicious and freshly baked. Although famous for its breakfasts, you can indulge in dreamy desserts.
Once you’re done with breakfast and it’s an appropriate time for wine tasting (who am I kidding, it’s always appropriate), head over to the tasting room and try their glorious elegant wines, made in a traditional, old fashioned way.
Cape Town really is food and wine paradise. Winemakers and chefs alike are passionate about serving high-quality wine and flavourful cuisine. It’s not surprising that Cape Town ranks with the top players when it comes to Best Food Cities. Needless to say, anywhere you go, you are guaranteed to have a pleasurable experience. So, whether you’re after beautiful scenery, or interested in the diverse food scene, you won’t be let down.
For more delicious foodie experiences and immersive curated travel tours, visit Explore sideways. Appreciate a sensational and informative day as your expert guide escorts you into the concealed pearls of Cape Town South Africa.
This guest post was written by Brittany Hawkins. Brittany’s passion for food and wine began in her hometown, Napa Valley, California, where she grew up immersed in the wine industry. After receiving a degree from DePauw University, she began her career in Silicon Valley in the advertising and marketing industries.
Brittany moved to Cape Town 3 years ago where she launched Explore Sideways and has since been able to marry her interests in food, wine, travel and tech to create transformative experiences around the world.
