My favourite place to spend quality time with my partner Paul has to be when we're sipping on delicious wines and enjoying lazy vineyard days at our favourite wine estates.
Here are some of my Top Most Romantic Wineries that are sure to impress your partner, spoil you both rotten and make for a truly unforgettable day of love.
Creation
Take your lover on a scenic drive up the Whale Route to the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley (meaning heaven on earth), And for good reason, it's pure paradise.
Before you arrive at this breathtaking wine estate, make sure you book a table outside, so that you and your lover can relax on the gorgeous tasting room deck surround by green lawns, vines and panoramic views.
While you both soak up the heaven on earth scenery, order their award-winning tapas and wine pairing; you'll soon be submerged into a foodies paradise and experience the pure bliss of eight exquisite mouth melting dishes paired to perfection with their elegant cool climate wines.
Benguela Cove
Really want to get your spoil on? Plan a whole day at one the most scenically stunning wine estates in the Western Cape (in my opinion) ~ there are a host of fun activities to enjoy with your partner in wine during your visit.
My suggestion is to start the day with their magnificent oyster and wine pairing.
Only R175.00 pp (bargain)
Next, take the estate provided 4X4 drive through the vineyards, olive trees and down to the glistening Lagoon. Climb on board for a trip on the Lady Bonnie pontoon boat ~ make sure to purchase a bottle of bubbly to enjoy during the ride.
(My Bestie Tim and I having a friendmantic chill & Bubbles on the Pontoon)
After you and your partner return from your lagoon adventure you may both be feeling rather peckish ~ My suggestion is that you book their gourmet tasting menu experience, a 6-course lunch with wine pairings, that brings together the very best flavours of the Overberg, specially prepared by chef Annelie Badenhors.
If you'd prefer a more casual lunch, then book at the estate restaurant Moody Lagoon.
(Fantastic Savory Pinot Noir made a excellent lunch companion)
Le Lude
Travel to the Afro-French town of Franschhoek, renowned for its dramatic mountains, picturesque vineyards and quaint Cape Dutch buildings; the whole town is very romantic in itself but Le Lude is my favourite romantic stops to visit whilst in Franschhoek.
Le Lude specializes in Methode Cap Classique and their Rosé Brut is one of my absolute favourites (to read more about my top Rose picks click here). Le Lude is surrounded by rose gardens and vineyards, and their tasting room is classy with French contemporary appeal.
Start your day there with their crème de la crème MCC and Canape pairing while sitting in their sunroom with the lullaby of French music flowing in the background.
Afterwards, enjoy a beautiful lunch prepared at their restaurant Orangerie by Chef Nicolene Barrow. Orangerie offers a seasonal menu with the finest, freshest ingredients found in the forests, meadows, mountains and seas of the Cape, resulting in a selection of dishes offered in an environment conducive to making permanent Franschhoek memories.
Villiera
They say the best way to start any morning is with a glass of bubbly, lets top that with a moreish Champagne & nougat/chocolate pairing at Stellenbosch's favourite champagne estate and you have an excellent romantic recipe for a good time with your loved one.
Villiera is known for their award-winning Brut Monro 2012, which won Platter's 2019 top wine for the Methode Cap Classique. Make sure you stock up on this award-winning bubbly on your visit or even better spoil your person with a bottle.
After you and your lover have satisfied your taste buds, embark on a romantic safari through the estates animal sanctuary, spot Springbok, Kudu, Giraffe, Bontebok, Eland, Gemsbok, Black Wildebeest, Bush Pig, Burchell's Zebra, Common Duiker, Steenbuck and Grysbokas as you soak in the amazing landscape on your romantic wildlife adventure.
A stone throw away from Villiera is the gorgeous winery Simonsig, make your way there to taste their elegant Kaapse Vonkel Brut Methode Cap Classique (you can never have too much of a good thing, especially when it comes to bubbles).
Once your appetite sets in, have lunch at their delightful restaurant Cuvée which offers locally inspired, seasonal menu that draws from only the best quality meat, poultry and seafood sourced from reputable boutique suppliers, with fruit and vegetables sourced from their organic garden.
Vergelegen
If you love lazy picnics and much as I do, I highly recommend having one in Vergelegen's mystic Camphor Forest. It promises to be an intimate, tranquil day in nature surrounded by beautifully shaded Camphor forests. Here you and your partner can snack on the most scrumptious picnic basket filled with yummy goodies
Picnic Menu
Breads & Pates
Artisanal bread with truffle flavoured farm butter, homemade duck liver pâté & thyme butter, farm style pork pâté layered with forest mushrooms, chilli tomato chutney Zucchini pickles.
Starters
Gin cured salmon, roasted beetroot & chive crème fraiche
Mains
Selection of home-styled cured meats, Teriyaki chicken & Asian slaw, freshly baked pastry tartlet, traditional Greek salad
Cheese
A selection of local cheeses served with homemade biscuits & preserve
Dessert
Lemon cheesecake with toasted cashew nut brittle Accompanied with aromatic filter coffee
(Vegetarian and Vegan option available)
Stark Conde
Take in the vast scenery of towering mountains leaning over lush lawns at Stark Conde. Their enchanting tasting room is encircled with sleepy weeping willows and surrounded by a glistening sky blue lake.
The estate has excellent wines to enjoy and a vibrant restaurant called the Post Card Cafe.
Oldenburg
Sneak away to this hidden gem. This estate is private and intimate; let the whole world disappear as you get lost with your lover gazing at the mighty majestic Banghoek Mountains while you sip on their hypnotic fine wines and nibble on their award-winning cheese's.
Their Chardonnay is one of my favourites and I doubt you'll leave empty-handed without a
few bottles for a later occasion.
Other excellent Romantic wine estates
Cape Point Vineyards
Warwick
Jordan
Uva Mira
Sumaridge
Cheers Wine Warriors....till next time