10 Wine Estates that are perfect for Winter
Winter in the Cape Winelands is certainly not a time to hibernate, but rather to get out and experience all the wonder that our gorgeous Wine Estates have on offer. The winelands come alive with their own special magic, that transforms them into tranquil, relaxing cozy Winter wonderlands.
From Winter pairings to warm hearty meals, or simply a glass of red wine beside a roaring fire, here are 10 farms to get to this Winter.
Spier is well known for their Vineyard Segway tours and delicious picnics under the Weeping Willow trees, but this Winter head there to try their Soup and Wine pairing. Their coastal grown Seaward Range has been paired with 4 delicious homemade soups to enjoy as you sit right next to a roaring fireplace.
The Seaward Sauvignon Blanc 2021 is paired with a White Bean Velouté topped with a dash of cream and freshly sliced parsley. The Seaward Chardonnay 2019 is paired with a Carrot and Citrus Soup served with Foxenburg goats chevin, Cape gooseberries and crunchy almonds. The Seaward Shiraz 2020 is served with a Spicy Lentil soup garnished with cucumber, spring onions and Jersey feta. Lastly the Seaward Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 is matched beautifully with an Earthy Mushroom broth with sautéed exotic mushrooms, coriander and peppered cream. The soups are all vegetarian friendly.
The tasting costs R150 per person and is valid until the 30th August 2022. Bookings are essential.
I don’t know about you, but I like to eat more in Winter, especially when the food warms you up from the inside. So to satisfy this need, try Neethlingshof Winter Flash Food and Slow Wine Pairing, as it won’t disappoint. The cost is R150 per person and it is very well paired across the board, to include both savoury and sweet.
The pairing consists of:
- Creamy tomato soup with Neethlingshof Chenin Blanc.
- Spicy vegetable samosa with Neethlingshof Gewurztramier.
- BBQ Chicken Kebab and a Malbec.
- Beef slider with strawberry jelly and dark chocolate shavings with the Owl Post Pinotage.
- Malva Pudding with liquorice and the Caracal Bordeaux style blend.
Synonymous with Winter is red wine and cosy fluffy blankets, and so introducing Steenberg’s Red Wine Rendezvous and Five Lives Winter Package. Think a back and neck massage, followed by a mushroom risotto and roasted onion soup for dinner, then under a cuddly fluffy duvet.
Steenberg has a luxurious 5-star hotel with their Five Lives Winter Package running until the 31st August and includes 1 nights’ accommodation for 2 guests, a classic tasting, Winter dinner special menu, 45 min back, neck and shoulder massage, followed by breakfast the next day at either Tryn or Bistro Sixteen82, or in your room. The Five Lives Winter Package is R5880.00 per couple sharing.
Steenberg also has their Red Wine Rendezvous, which will ward off the chills of Winter with a delicious 3-course winter-inspired menu and a variety of red wines that will be free-flowing during the evening. The dates for these Red Wine Rendezvous are the 30th June and 25th August at the cost of R495 per person.
Even though it may be cold and stormy outside, imagine a wine tasting next to a roaring fire but being able to look out the large glass windows and watch the glorious rain and the beauty it brings. The floor to ceiling windows lets you keep the view and the glorious vista of a rain-soaked vineyard, from the warm fireside as you sip on Tokara’s award-winning wines. They have a variety of tastings to choose from and the staff are super friendly and informative. I felt warm, welcomed and was able to enjoy the unique beauty that our Winters bring.
Fancy a Jazz festival to warm you up, as you sway your hips to the beat, while nibbling on a cheese fondue and Delheim’s award winning wines. These mini festivals are hosted in partnership with the Cape Town Music Academy and take place every Sunday from the 3rd July to the 28th August. The cost is R450 per person and includes the live entertainment, complimentary Gluhwein on arrival, a cheese fondue for two (including breads and vegetables) and finishing off with a sweet treat. The show runs from 12pm to 3pm, and reservations are essential via Quicket.
The line-up is as follows:
- 3 July = Hassan Adas Quartet
- 10 July = Ramon Alexander Quartet
- 17 July = Babalwa Meintjies and Quartet
- 24 July = Mark Fransman Homage Quartet
- 31 July = Bongani Sotshononda Quartet
- 7 August = Sean Sanby Quartet
- 14 August = Thandela Dladla and Trio
- 21 August = Keegan Steenkamp
- 28 Agusut = Nobuhle Ashanti
Mark your calendars to attend the Badsberg Winter Wine Festival taking place on the 30th July. It’s a day filled with amazing wines, their famous Mushroom and Port Soup and a variety of delicious comfort food vendors. From 9am to 4pm and tickets available via Webtickets. There is also a kids entertainment area and music to keep you moving all day long. If it starts to rain, there is a huge tent to keep the party going. If you cannot make that day, there is always their Winter Platter which includes a cup of soup, bread rolls, jam, biltong and a selection of three cheeses next to a crackling fire, for only R70 per person.
While you listen to that blissful rain outside, how about a hearty delicious Winter Special menu to keep the chills away. You can choose from a 2 or 3 course meal, and this includes the likes of Roasted Peanut and Butternut Soup to Braised Beef and Onion Pie, served with buttered mash and roasted onion gravy. To end off this deliciousness is either a Sticky Toffee Date Pudding or warm Apple Tart with cream or custard. The three-course option is R225 per person and the two-course option is R195. All of this while sipping on their velvety Syrah, powerful Cabernet Sauvignon or their smooth Merlot. This Winter Special is running until the end of August and you can order this special for both lunch and dinner.
Constantia Glen has a new head chef on the block with 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry and even cooked for the likes of Wilbur Smith. Johann Roux is ready to delight you with his culinary expertise and has added some hearty Winter dishes such as Lamb Shank with mash potato or Beef Fillet on a potato rosti with a delicious red wine jus.
Johann and winemaker Justin Van Wyk have also teamed up for their Exclusive Winter Winemaker Dinners on the first Friday of every month. Their older vintages of Constantia Glen wines are paired with 5 gourmet courses and includes water, coffee/tea and gratuity. The dates are 1 July, 5 August and 2 September, and the price is R1150 per person. Bookings are essential and all via their website.
Winter provides that perfect opportunity to spoil yourself, so how does a Winter Pamper and Stay in the picturesque Elgin Valley sound? The Elgin Vintners’ Winter Package includes 2 nights accommodation in their 4-star Country House, daily breakfast, 1 x 35-minute massage, a complimentary wine tasting and a bottle of their Cloud Haven Merlot/Shiraz. If you choose to stay over the weekend (Friday to Saturday) it is R2000 per person, or you can stay during the week (Sunday to Thursday) for R1800 per person. They have thought of everything to keep you warm and feeling pampered this Winter.
Yonderhill has brought back their famous home-made soup and wine pairing to keep you warm. They have paired the Danilo Rosé with a mushroom soup, followed by the Ella Merlot with a tomato and cheese topped soup, and then lastly the Nicola Bordeaux blend with a lentil and chorizo soup. Enjoy these for only R155 per person and warm up this Winter as you look out at the gorgeous Helderberg Mountain.
So, although it may be tempting to stay at home this Winter, there is so much beauty and many adventures waiting for you right outside. Put your scarf on, grab a glass of wine and let’s get to these Winter Wonderlands to experience all they have to offer. See you there 
