A good picnic doesn’t require much more than a patch of grass, a shady tree and a lovely view – and it’s not hard to find a great picnic spot in the Cape Winelands. Here, in no particular order, are 23 of our favourite places for a pre-ordered, delicious gourmet picnic – from Stellenbosch to Darling.
Also read: Getaway’s favourite picnic recipes
Please note: All of these venues require you to book beforehand, and it’s always best to confirm prices with the specific wine farms concerned.
Great picnics in the Cape Winelands
Picnics in Cape Town
1. Groot Constantia, Constantia
Enjoy an idyllic break from the hustle and bustle at South Africa’s oldest wine estate, Groot Constantia, filled with good food, good wine, green lawns and great company. At Simon’s Deli you can design your own picnic basket or order a pre-packed one.
Price: R380 for a basket for two and R 220 for a basket for one
Does it include wine? No
Can you bring your own? No
Kids basket available: Yes, R75
Opening times: Monday to Sunday from 09:00 to 16:00
Contact: Tel 0217941143, www.simonsdeli.co.za
What’s in the basket?
A baguette, a selection of pâtés and dips, cured and home-made cold cuts, classic Coronation chicken salad, potato salad with mustard mayonnaise, a green salad, local cheeses, biscuits, preserves and a dessert. Vegetarian baskets available on request.
2. Cape Point Vineyards, Noordhoek
Spend the afternoon enjoying a relaxed picnic at Cape Point Vineyards, a scenic wine farm with breathtaking views.
Price: From R395 for a basket for two
Does it include wine? No
Can you bring your own? No
Kids basket available: Yes, R65
Opening times: Monday to Sunday from 12:00 to 18:00
Contact: Tel 0217890900, www.cpv.co.za
What’s in the basket?
As the baskets vary in price, so do the contents. Here’s an overview of what to expect: cured meat selection, cheese selection with crackers and chilli jam, beetroot hummus, olives, panini, a lightly curried chicken, a fresh grape salad, roasted aubergine with tahini and toasted cashew nuts, Atlantic Coast seafood patties with salmon, snoek and pink prawn tails, potted roasted pepper pâté, chickpea and roasted garlic patties and chocolate, salted caramel and a brownie trifle in a jar. There is also a vegetarian option on offer.
Picnics in Franschhoek
3. Boschendal Wine Estate
At the gateway to the Franschhoek valley, Le Pique Nique at Boschendal remains an old favourite, with two picnic areas offering different experiences: we’ve mentioned them both below.
Note: The two picnic areas are a kilometre apart, so be sure to remember which one you booked for.
Rhone Traditional Picnic Lunches
This picnic area on the Rhone lawns has spectacular mountain views and is surrounded by the exhibition vineyards. Picnic baskets can be enjoyed at a table or on a picnic blanket under the shade.
Price: R440 basket for two, R 240 basket for one
Does it include wine? No
Can you bring your own? No
Kids basket available: Yes, R85
Opening times: Monday to Sunday from 12:00
Contact: Tel 0218704272, www.boschendal.co.za
What’s in the basket?
Roast aubergine and herb pâté, smoked angelfish pâté, chicken liver parfait and onion jam, crisp loaf of country bread, seasonal salad, classic Coronation chicken, a selection of three meats, wholegrain mustard, a selection of artisan cheese and vanilla strawberry cheesecake. The vegetarian option includes a hummus pâté and a garden vegetable frittata.
Werf Garden Picnics
A more casual affair under the trees on the Pavilion lawn, where you can chill out in hammocks, flop in a bean bag or grab a blanket to find the perfect spot. Child-friendly with a jungle gym and acres of garden to play in.
Price: R395 basket for two, R210 basket for one
Does it include wine? No
Can you bring your own? No
Kids basket available: Yes, R85
Opening times: Wednesday to Sunday from 12:00
Contact: Tel 0218704272, www.boschendal.co.za
What’s in the basket?
Hummus, chicken liver pâté, Lavashe crisp bread, a baguette, seasonal garden salad with a lemon vinaigrette, a selection of cold meats, two chunks of cheese with a preserve and farm-made ice-cream. The vegetarian option includes an aubergine pâté and a garden vegetable frittata.
4. Allée Bleue
Relax in the shade of old oak trees with a picnic laid out on gingham tablecloths at Allée Bleue, while enjoying views of the vineyards and the majestic Drakenstein Mountains in the background. A jungle gym, jumping castle and trampoline will keep children amused for hours while you enjoy a leisurely lunch under the trees. There is also live music on Sundays.
Price: R195 per person
Does it include wine? Yes, one glass per adult
Can you bring your own? No
Kids basket available: Yes, R95
Opening times: Monday to Sunday from 11:00 to 15:00
Contact: Tel 0218741021, www.alleebleue.co.za
What’s in the basket?
Braised Beef Wrap with sour fig salsa and wasabi tzatzik. Farm grown Micro Herb Salad with an Allée Bleue Cabernet/Merlot wine reduction dressing and Pecorino cheese shavings. Freshly made Mini Bobotie Pies. Allée Bleue Farm Style Cheese Platter:
The platter consists of a selection of local cheeses and cold meats, freshly baked bread and fruited dry Melba toast served with home-made smoked olive tapenade, aniseed onion marmalade, chili tomato chutney and basil pesto. Also included are farm grown olives and creamy yoghurt balls. White Chocolate Mousse served with handmade pumpkin seed brittle and fresh fruit
The vegetarian option replaces the meat platter with a baguette stuffed with Allée Bleue basil pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella and fresh hand-picked rocket, while the pickled fish is replaced with a roasted vegetable salad served with hummus.
5. Rickety Bridge
Rickety Bridge offers gourmet and regular picnics, laid out on the verandah, giving you a beautiful view over the mountains.
Price: Group picnics of ten or more are available. Prices vary.
Does it include wine? No
Can you bring your own? No
Kids basket available: No
Opening times: Monday to Sunday from 12:00 to 16:00
Contact: Tel 0218762129, www.ricketybridgewinery.com
What’s in the basket?
Home-baked breads with butters and spreads, pâtés, a selection of cheeses, spinach and mushroom quiche, vegetable spring rolls, Malay samoosas, bobotie mince pies, vegetable wraps, a garden salad, a fruit salad and a chocolate brownie. Vegetarian baskets available on request.
6. Mont Rochelle Hotel & Vineyard
Mont Rochelle really ups the ante with various picnic options to be enjoyed next to the dam (blankets provided) or at tables alongside a boules court in the garden.
Price: From R360 for a basket for two
Does it include wine? No
Can you bring your own? No
Kids basket available: Yes, R110
Opening times: Monday to Sunday from 10:00 to 19:00
Contact: 0218762770, www.montrochelle.co.za
What’s in the basket?
As the baskets vary in price, so do the contents. Here’s an overview of what to expect: a selection of cheeses, cold meats, condiments, smoked salmon with herb cream cheese, capers and lemon, pan-fried prawns, sticky chicken wings, garlic & herb roasted vegetables, chicken liver pâté with cranberry compote, a tomato, mozzarella and avocado salad, brownies and a selection of crackers and home-made bread.
7. Solms-Delta
Upon arrival at Solms-Delta, your picnic will be freshly packed and a guide will carry your basket and assist you in selecting the perfect spot. When available, their tractor and trailer will transport you to the picnic area. You are more than welcome to cool off in the river shallows, so pack your costume and towel. There is no furniture at the picnic sites, but blankets are provided. If you prefer to have your picnic with a table and chair, you may do so at one of their tables on the lawn.
Price: R225 per adult, or R365 for a basket for two
Does it include wine? No
Can you bring your own? No
Kids basket available: Yes, R75
Opening times: Monday to Sunday from 09:00 to 17:00
Contact: Tel 0218743937, www.solms-delta.co.za
What’s in the basket?
Local cheese selection with traditional blatjang, preserves and wholewheat crackers, pineapple and carrot salad, potato salad topped with pickled spekboom, wilde kruie marinated summer vegetables served with basil-flavoured hummus, freshly baked roosterkoek served with herb butter, caramelised toasted nuts, Tandoori free range chicken wings, mild spiced beef tikka meatballs served with roti and coriander yoghurt, West Coast smoked snoek, shrimp and Franschhoek salmon pâté with capers and fresh lemon, grilled and basted smoked pork soutribbetjies served with caramelised onion and wilde knoffel puff sticks, home-made koeksisters and melktert and 750ml mineral water.
8. Holden Manz Wine Estate
Arrive in the early afternoon and collect your picnic basket from The Franshchhoek Kitchen, filled with delicious fresh local produce. Then meander through the vineyards to the Franschhoek river and find an idyllic spot under ancient oaks to relax and enjoy the slow flow of the day.
Price: R250 per person
Does it include wine? No
Can you bring your own? Yes but there is a corkage fee
Kids basket available: Yes, R150
Opening times: Monday to Sunday from 12:00 to 15:00
Contact: Tel 0218762729, www.holdenmanz.com
What’s in the basket?
Freshly baked Franschhoek Kitchen bread, locally sourced cheeses, du jour pâtés and spreads, marinated Holden Manz olives with gherkins and onions, two salads, oven-roasted baby chicken with garlic potatoes, fresh fruit and something sweet.
9. Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate
Soak up the summer sun with a rustic, French-style picnic at Grande Provence, while relaxing under the oaks in the beautifully landscaped garden overlooking the vineyards.
Price: R580 for the Grand Country Picnic Basket for two people. R325 for single baskets.
Does it include wine? Yes
Can you bring your own? No
Kids basket available: No
Opening times: Monday to Sunday from 12:00 to 14:30
Contact: Tel 0218768600, www.grandeprovence.co.za
What’s in the basket?
French baguette, artisanal brie, locally cured saucisson, home-made preserves and butter, a garden salad, a decadent chocolate brownie, a bottle of Angels Tears wine and a bottle of still or sparkling water. Additional add-ons include rabbit liver parfait (R30), seasonal fruit (R20), wild mushroom quiche (R25), rocket salad (R45), chunky Waldorf salad (R45) and Rose and white chocolate macaroon (R15).
Picnics in Stellenbosch
10. Spier Wine Farm
Pre-booked picnics at Spier are available from Eight To Go and need to be booked 24 hours in advance. In keeping with Spier’s ethos, the packaging is 100% biodegradable and compostable. Bring your own blanket to enjoy your picnic on their lawns, or a tablecloth for the tables in the garden.
Price: R550 for a basket for two
Does it include wine? Yes
Can you bring your own? No
Kids basket available: Yes, R140 (includes a fun bag with crayons)
Opening times: Monday to Sunday from 10.00 to 16.30
Contact: Tel 0218091100, www.spier.co.za
What’s in the basket?
Crispy baguette with farm butter and homemade hummus, Winelands cheeses with fruit preserve and homemade crackers, pasture-reared cold cuts with mustard and homemade chutney, Farmer Angus droëwors, Mediterranean marinated olives, Greek garden salad, whole grain mustard potato salad, a fresh seasonal fruit salad and 70% dark chocolate brownie fingers.
The vegetarian option has a crispy baguette with farm butter and homemade hummus, Winelands cheeses with fruit preserve and homemade crackers, Mediterranean marinated olives, Rootstock vegetable crisps, Farmer John veggie wraps, a Greek garden salad, a tomato and basil pesto salad, a seasonal salad and 70% dark chocolate brownie fingers. There is also a gluten-free option.
11. Blaauwklippen Estate
If you’re seeking some peace and solitude in beautiful surroundings, a picnic under the trees or on the lawn at the Blaauwklippen Estate is an absolute must.
Price: Picnic Box (serves 1) R200, plus various picnic platters available
Does it include wine? No
Can you bring your own? No
Kids basket available: Yes, R65
Opening times: Monday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00
Contact: Tel 0218800133, www.blaauwklippen.com
What’s in the basket?
A medley of cheeses and charcuterie, white wine poached pear, gruyere and onion quiche, served with a beetroot, feta and rocket salad, a selection of freshly baked breads, chicken liver pâté, bacon jam, hummus and pickles, a dark chocolate brownie, a mini milk tart and a white chocolate truffle.
12. Zorgvliet Wines
Bring a blanket and pick your spot under the shade of the Oak trees, or select a table with a view, and let the greenery of the Zorgvliet picnic area envelope you. The picnic area and restaurant has ample space for kids to run around and play games, or alternatively they can enjoy the jungle gym situated next to the picnic area.
Price: From R450 for a basket for two
Does it include wine: Yes
Can you bring your own? No
Kids basket available: Yes, R100
Opening times: Monday to Sunday from 09:00 to 17:00
Contact: Tel 0218851399/2580, www.zorgvlietwines.com
What’s in the basket?
As the baskets vary in price, so do the contents. Here’s an overview of what to expect: baguette and preserves, quiche, trio of gourmet cheese and crackers, salad of the day, chicken drumsticks, charcuterie selection, beef meatballs, a bottle of Silvermyn wine and something sweet.
13. Hartenberg Wine Estate
Long known for its unpretentious hospitality, Hartenberg offers a country picnic hamper packed to the brim with local produce, with the picnic containers being made of biodegradable materials. Enjoy it on the lawns, or take it with you along the estate’s popular wetland walk.
Price: R195 per person
Does it include wine? Yes (a bottle to share)
Can you bring your own? No
Kids basket available: R 80 per basket
Opening times: Monday to Saturday from 09:00 to 16:00
Contact: Tel 0218652541, www.hartenbergestate.com
What’s in the basket?
Baguettes, Eleanor’s snoek pâté, caramelised onion dip, rolled stuffed pork leg, panko-crumbed chicken pops, a selection of charcuterie and local cheeses, quinoa salad, brown rice and vegetable salad, charred corn, cucumber, tomatoes, sea salt chocolate fudge and a bottle of wine.
14. Warwick Wine Estate
The popular picnic lawn situated next to a dam at Warwick Wine Estate is a child-friendly area with a jungle gym to entertain the kids while you sit back and relax under their umbrellas on over-sized cushions. Otherwise the picnic pods are the perfect escape for your small group or family party, with tables seating up to 12 people in shaded comfort.
Price: R500 for a basket for two
Does it include wine? No
Can you bring your own? Yes, but corkage of R80 will be charged
Kids basket available: Yes, R80
Opening times: Monday to Sunday from 09:00 to 17:00
Contact: Tel 0218844410, www.warwickwine.com
What’s in the basket?
Succulent beef fillet on a bed of rocket served with a homemade mustard mayonnaise, Parma ham, salami sticks and salametti drizzled with truffle oil; Moroccan salad constructed with couscous, cranberries, full cream yoghurt, micro leaves, carrots, chickpeas, citrus, feta and toasted sesame seeds; a selection of local cheeses served with a delicious beetroot & orange chutney; delicate smoked salmon pâté, biltong pâté, freshly baked pretzel and ciabatta; home-made Umami butter chocolate brownies and a bunch of plump grapes. The vegetarian option includes a butternut and sweet potato phyllo pastry tart, a British salad with tomatoes, barley, beetroot, full cream yoghurt and toasted walnuts and almonds and an artichoke pâté.
15. Hazendal Wine Estate
The scenic grounds are ideal for a wine picnic and some fresh air away from the city. Sitting on the rolling lawn, kids can play in the playground while parents can enjoy some of Hazendal’s finest wines.
Price: R350 for a basket for two
Does it include wine? No
Can you bring your own? No
Kids basket available: Yes
Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00 to 17:00
Contact: Tel 0219035034, www.hazendal.co.za
What’s in the basket?
Freshly baked French loaf with snoek pâté & mushroom pâté, a selection of cold cuts, grilled chicken kebabs with sweet chilli sauce, creamy potato salad & carrot salad, spinach & feta quiche, a selection of cheeses, pastries, biscuits and fruit. The vegetarian option includes crudités with tzatziki & hummus, vegetable spring rolls with sweet chilli sauce, a Mediterranean vegetable couscous and a pasta salad with sweet peppers.
16. Morgenhof Estate
Morgenhof is renowned for their picnics. You simply arrive and order a basket of your choice and then relax on the sprawling lawns and enjoy the day at your own unhurried pace.
Price: From R170 for a basket for two
Does it include wine: Yes
Can you bring your own? No
Kids basket available: Yes, R70
Opening times: Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00
Contact: Tel 0218892000, www.morgenhof.com
What’s in the basket?
As the baskets vary in price, so do the contents. Here’s an overview of what to expect: a selection of three cheeses, preserves and wafers, a selection of cold meats, biltong pâté, marinated mushroom, aubergine and sun-dried tomatoes, freshly baked ciabatta, sesame crusted strips, prosciutto, smoked salmon and minted cucumber wrap, trio of pesto and creamed cheese dip, a Greek salad, mixed nuts, dessert and a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc.
17. Vredenheim Estate
Vredenheim has huge gardens dotted with gazebos and benches, and many other spots for spreading your own picnic blanket before tucking into a picnic from Hudsons Restaurant.
Price: R 170 for a basket for one, R340 for a basket for two, R510 for a basket for three
Does it include wine? No
Can you bring your own? Yes, but corkage fee of R 55 per bottle
Kids basket available: Yes, R60 (includes activity box with crayons)
Opening times: Monday to Sunday from 09:00 to 17:00
Contact: Tel 021 881 3590, www.vredenheim.co.za
What’s in the basket?
A selection of cold meats and salads, olive & rosemary focaccia bread, a platter of cheeses, biscuits and home-made relish, fresh strawberries and home-made chocolate brownies.
18. Zevenwacht Wine Estate
Tree-shaded lawns sloping down to the lake at Zewenwacht are the perfect location for a memorable picnic experience, while a fun-filled play park (with jumping castle and water slides, weather permitting) provides recreation for the kids. You can also book a braai basket and cook your own meal over vine wood fires.
Price: R390 for a basket for two
Does it include wine? No
Can you bring your own? No
Kids basket available: Yes, R60
Opening times: Monday to Sunday from 12:00 to 17:00
Contact: Tel 0219005800, www.zevenwacht.co.za
What’s in the basket?
The farmhouse basket has chicken liver pâté, snoek pâté, smoked salmon tortilla wrap, rare roast beef, Parma ham, chicken strips with homemade wholegrain mustard, a potato, bacon, corn and wild rocket salad, a French baguette with home-made preserve, a Greek salad, cheese, biscuits and a strawberry cheesecake.
The vegetarian option includes a spinach and feta quiche, hummus, baba ganoush, an olive pâté and grilled artichokes. The braai basket contains a choice of garlic loaf or French baguette with home-made preserve, a chicken thigh, a lamb chop, boerewors, a potato, bacon, corn and wild rocket salad, a Greek salad, cheese, biscuits and a strawberry cheesecake. They also supply wood, firelighters, a grid and a braai area.
19. Mooiplaas Wine Estate
Mooiplaas is known for their delicious Victorian style picnics and gourmet cheese platters, which can be enjoyed in the tranquil gardens around the historic renovated stables and Manor House.
Price: R250 for a basket for two
Does it include wine? Yes – includes a wine tasting of 6 wines, with a glass of your favourite from the tasting.
Can you bring your own? No
Kids basket available: Yes, R60
Contact: Tel 0212007493, www.mooiplaas.co.za
What’s in the basket?
Freshly baked bread, cheese selection, pork pie with spicy apple chutney, hummus, duck pâté, an olive, feta and basil pesto and a chocolate brownie for dessert. Vegetarian option available on request.
Picnics in Paarl
20. Rhebokskloof Wine Estate
With its rolling lawns, tranquil lakes, willow trees and hectare upon hectare of vineyards, Rhebokskloof is is one of Paarl’s most beautiful farms. They also offer trampolines, a jungle gym, jumping castles, free pony rides and more to keep the kids entertained.
Price: R185 for a basket for one (also a Banting picnic available)
Does it include wine? No
Can you bring your own? No
Kids basket available: Yes, R65
Opening times: Monday to Sunday from 09:00 to 17:00
Contact: Tel 0218698386, www.rhebokskloof.co.za
What’s in the basket?
As the baskets vary in price, so do the contents. Here’s an overview of what to expect: a crisp sourdough baguette, smoked salmon terrine, a selection of pâtés and spreads, whole roasted baby chicken, charcuterie selection with pickles, local cheese selection with preserves and crackers, roasted vegetable couscous salad, quiche lorraine, lamb koftas, summer greens platter, strawberry and feta salad, dark chocolate and avocado cream pot and a Belgian dark chocolate brownie.2
Picnics in Darling
21. Groote Post
Only an hour’s drive from Cape Town, Groote Post offers a rustic and rural atmosphere with undulating hills and vast open spaces. There are also game drives, nature walks and a county market on the last Sunday of each month.
Price: R400 for a basket for two
Does it include wine? No
Can you bring your own? No
Kids basket available: Yes, at R 75
Opening times: Wednesday to Sunday from 11:00 to 14:30
Contact: Tel 0224922825, www.grootepost.co.za
What’s in the basket:
serve a selection of cured meats, 2 interesting salads, a local cheese selection, a savoury tart as well as a selection of breads, relishes and preserves and a dessert, all served on picnic platters.
Picnics further afield
22. Klein River Cheeses, Stanford
Picnics can be enjoyed on the banks of the tranquil Klein River; under the trees on the extensive lawns; or on the veranda of the beautifully renovated Picnic Shed at Klein River Cheeses. Choose one of their gourmet picnic lunches, or create your own picnic from the new Picnic Deli.
Price: From R285 for a basket for two
Does it include wine? No
Can you bring your own? No
Kids basket available: Yes, R65
Opening times: Monday to Saturday from 9:00 to 16:00
Contact: Tel 0283410693, www.kleinrivercheese.co.za
What’s in the basket?
As the baskets vary in price, so do the contents. Here’s an overview of what to expect: a selection of three award-winning Klein River cheeses, two freshly- baked French baguettes, local organic charcuterie, home-made smoked chicken salad, home-made chickpea hummus, Klein River olive & garlic cream cheese, Mediterranean three bean salad, cherry tomatoes, pickles, organic basil pesto, farm-style organic red pepper pesto and choc-nut brownies.
23. Viljoensdrift, Robertson
At Viljoensdrift, you can take a boat ride on the Breede River, lay your blanket on its banks or simply sit on the deck. Picnics consist of an array of breads, cold meats, pâté, preserves, simple snacks, sweets and seasonal salads from their choose-your-own selection. Baskets are packed for two or three people, each with fully biodegradable and compostable utensils.
Price: Depends on your choice- Group picnic packages are available and prices vary for each package.
Does it include wine? Wines may be purchased at the deli. Informal wine tasting is complimentary
Can you bring your own? No
Kids basket available: Not specifically, the deli is self help
Contact: Tel 023 615 3008 or visit www.viljoensdrift.co.za
What’s in the basket?
Partner freshly-baked ciabatta with pâté, cheese or any other partner such as olives with a hint of garlic, bay and oregano, Shiraz conserve, basil pesto or smoked olive tapenade. Add ostrich carpaccio, apple wood smoked chicken or smoked salmon trout and a bottle (or two) of Viljoensdrift’s fine wines for a supreme culinary treat. Complete the taste experience with chocolate salami, homemade nougat or traditional koeksisters.
Also see: The best braai spots in Cape Town and around South Africa
Compiled by Rachel Robinson
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