Summer is the season to head outdoors and with so many weekend activities to choose from we really are spoilt for choice down here in the Western Cape. On a recent tour to Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, I once again was convinced that there is no better way to spend a weekend than drinking world-class MCC overlooking rows of grapes in the company of sunshine, good food and toe-tapping beats. To help you on your way, here’s seven things you shouldn’t miss whilst in the winelands.
1. Route it out
The new artisanal food route in Franschhoek is a great way to taste olives, cheeses, charcuterie (prepared meat products), breads and well anything that screams ‘handcrafted produce’ – those places that put a whole lot of love into producing unique products of high-quality using traditional methods. Expect to taste wines produced with organic grapes, jams made from pesticide-free fruit and cheeses from hand-milked cows. Only producers that meet these criteria are added to the route. Download the map and get routing.
franschhoek.org.za
Another affordable way to see Franschhoek is on the Franschhoek wine tram. It’s a laid-back, fun way of spending a day in the valley. Check out Rachel Robinson’s blog on affordable fun on the Franschhoek wine tram. It’s back in action and tickets cost R170 per person.
2. Pop corks
To most, the name JC Le Roux conjures up a picture of partygoers living Le Good Life dancing the night away with a steady supply of bubbly waiting to be popped. At the house of JC Le Roux, in Devon Valley near Stellenbosch, it’s all about showcasing the passion and exuberance that goes into making their explosive collection of sparkling wines and Méthode Cap Classique. It was fascinating to see the process of ‘remuage’, where bottles are turned to deposit yeast in the neck before its removed. Clued up on a few French words, tasting six sparkling wines was next on the list. Their Scintilla MCC was quite literally, scintillating. R75 will get you a nougat or marshmallow pairing.
www.jcleroux.co.za
If you’re looking to pop a cork the old fashioned way then I’d recommend heading to Haute Cabrière in Franshchoek. There was cause for much celebration after another victorious win by Napoleon’s cavalry, resulting in many champagne bottles being opened with their weapon of choice; the saber. The art of sabrage continues today in true Haute Cabrière fashion, with our host giving us a fine demonstration. Daily cellar tours and tastings can be experienced, with the farm’s winemakers hosting a special tasting on Saturdays. Go on…get your bubbly uncorked.
www.cabriere.co.za
3. Say cheese
There’s nothing ordinary about the cheeses at Dalewood Fromage. Full of flavor and texture, the cheesery specializes in producing 16 cheeses from creamy Lanquedoc to their mild blue-veined wineland brie. When you see the love that Pertina and Rob Visser pour into their gorgeous long-lashed Jersey cows, it is not surprising that they produce award-winning cheeses. Happy cows results in fabulous cheeses. Why not swing past their quaint cheesery shop just outside Franschhoek for a tasting and choose your favourite. The shop is open Monday-Friday from 09h00-16h00.
www.dalewood.co.za
4. Slow it down
Pic courtesty of slowmarket.co.za
Every Saturday from 9am-2pm, the Stellenbosch Fresh Goods Market comes alive with the smooth reggae sounds of Bob Marley (and other slow music), the aromatic whiffs of slow roasted coffee, a menagerie of mouthwatering food and a colourful display of goods from handmade jewelry to rich dark chocolates. I spent the morning sipping ice-cold beer, haggling for a swimsuit and moseying from stall to stall in search of the next best buy. There’s nothing fast about this slowfood market and you’ll feel the love that has gone into producing the finest goods from local produce. Set aside a couple of hours.
www.slowmarket.co.za
5. Jazz it up
If you must get in a car, then I would recommend driving in the direction of Simonsig Estate, just outside central Stellenbosch, for a glass, or two of Kaapse Vonkel bubbly and fresh oysters. They are to die for. Their cheese platter with preserves also goes down a treat. Set in the courtyard, the food was complimented with an upbeat jazz band that begs you “langarm” to their jukebox-collection of toe-tapping beats.
www.simonsig.co.za
6. Get down to earth
Coriander, fennel and tarragon are some of the herbs you’ll be introduced to on a walking herb tour at Allée Bleue in Franschhoek. Every Friday they conduct a tour followed by a three-course herb inspired menu, using herbs grown on the farm. Afterwards, head down the road to Tokara Wine and Olive Shed where you’ll learn the art (trust me there is one) of olive oil tasting. Just like wine, olive oil has to be tasted in order to pick up on flavours and quality. After heating the oil slightly in your hand and swirling it to release its aromas, you inhale, ‘slurp’ the oil and then identify what stands out on the palate. You can then pick up a few home-made chicken pies, a bottle of olive oil or a piece of Karoo venison for the braai back home at their delicatessen.
www.alleebleue.co.za
www.tokara.co.za
7. Pair up with food
Cape Malay, Khoi and Dutch cuisine are infused into the dishes served up at the Fyndraai Restaurant in Franschhoek. They offer a fantastic wine pairing with six sensational dishes which I’d recommend you combine with a guided tour of the farm. The spicy onion and blue-cheese wonton served on pumpkin fritters paired with their pear fermented Dik Delta Perry was mouthwatering. With names like Lekkerwijn, Vastrap and Langarm, Solms-Delta wines can be enjoyed under a canopy of oak trees or with one of their picnics. Diarise their upcoming summer concerts that will see the likes of Hot Water and Robin Auld performing.
www.solms-delta.co.za
www.frenchconnection.co.za
If you’re looking for a something a little more French then the French Connection serves up a killer charcuterie board with fresh baguette. Every Friday and Saturday, the wood fired oven at Devon Valley Hotel whips out thinly based, crispy pizzas with fresh toppings, like buffalo mozzarella, prosciutto and parmesan. Simple, tasty country cooking using fresh ingredients are dished up together with charming views over the Franschhoek Valley at Le Petite Ferme. I thought I’d died and gone to heaven when I sunk my teeth into the home-smoked rainbow trout with lemon infused crushed potatoes, braised fennel, petite dill and almond salad.
www.devonvalleyhotel.com
lapetiteferme.co.za
Where to stay
Devon Valley Hotel
Spread out over the Sylvanvale Vineyards in Devon Valley, the hotel has 50 en-suite rooms that guests can choose from. The luxury vineyard suites, with their freestanding bathtubs, plantation shutters and views over the Helderberg Mountains are a popular choice, as is the secluded Manor House with its lovely private courtyard with jacuzzi and pool.
www.devonvalleyhotel.com
Delvera Farm and Oakleaf Lodge
Delvera farm gives you a sense of relaxed busyness. The farm is a hub of activity, crammed with things to do that won’t leave you twiddling your thumbs. Poke your head into Chrisna’s Olives and Deli, where tasting their delicious garlic and herb olives and deep black olive tapenade is mandatory. Passing the go-cart track, eager children and adults were vying for first spot with big smiles plastered on their faces. Together with the horse trails on the farm, this makes for a fun family or group activity. If you have a spurt of energy there are three marked trails for hiking and two for mountain biking on the farm. On the quiet corner of the farm is Oakleaf Lodge, a farmhouse that has been converted into self-catering rooms, and for those that prefer, bed and breakfast accommodation. Located just outside Klapmuts, it’s easy to get to with loads to do.
www.delvera.co.za
Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa
Views of the Hottentots-Holland Mountains is a treat for guests who stay at Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa. With clean, minimalist design, rooms are comfortable and spread out across the leafy estate. It’s conveniently located just outside of the town, and you’ll find yourself within easy access to wine farms, restaurants and shops.
www.lefranschhoek.co.za
You can also find more information at the Cape Winelands District.
