The Roads Less Travelled

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

The Cape Winelands or the Winelands is South Africa’s most famous wine growing region including Stellenbosch, Constantia, and Franschhoek. It reminds me a little of Europe – specifically the French or Italian countryside. It’s picturesque landscapes of mountains and vineyards, wrapping around beautiful villas – instead the Cape Town Winelands have beautiful Cape Dutch manors.

We’ve had the pleasure of travelling to the Cape Winelands several times – whether it be for a wedding, engagements, pre-wedding sessions and editorial shoots. This beautiful landscape is ever so awe inspiring with picturesque views of vineyards, farmlands and mountains, this country landscape lends itself to a perfect road trip or getaway, romantic couple getaway and presents a wonderful opportunity to wine and dine, or even the perfect destination for a wedding celebration.

With the Cape Winelands having so many wonderful go-to hotels and restaurants on offer, with wonderful wine tastings and an array of luxurious facilities. Here I’m sharing some of our favourite Cape Winelands places to dine at, places we’ve visited, photographed at, and your need to know to plan an indelible destination wedding.

If you missed Part One of Exploring The Beauty of The Cape Winelands, click here to see all the beautiful luxury hotels and find the perfect place for a wine tasting.

DINING IN THE CAPE WINELANDS

For The Modern Equestrian

Cavalli Estate

Located in the Helderberg region of Stellenbosch, known for beautiful luxury weddings and fine dining, is Cavalli Estate, where we spent an evening dining. This beautiful estate brings upon a modern lifestyle and equestrian feel surrounded by indigenous landscaping and vineyards. As a conservationist, I am someone who appreciates a farm-to-table approach in cuisine, and more so when it comes to a fine dining experience.

While it was a little chilly to dine outside, our table had a beautiful view of the dam from across the terrace. Their menu presents an array of dish made from locally sourced and in season ingredients to create dishes that are fresh and pair well with wines of their own.

A Spice Journey

Épice – Franschhoek

For those who know me well, I am certainly one who loves food that brings not just flavour, but artistry and theatrical flair to its dining experience.

Located in Franschhoek, at Le Quartier Français, is an intimate fine dining restaurant called Épice (pronounced eh-peace).

This fine dining restaurant’s curated seasonal menu offers an array of journeys that encompass full course meals that are full of flavorful spices that are inspired by their travels through parts of Asia, Europe, the US and South America. Each dish was amazing, full of flavors and the inspiration behind every dish shone through prominently. It was hard to pick a favourite!

If you’re in the midst of wedding planning, seeking wonderful places to explore and dine at with your family and guest, you wouldn’t go wrong with considering your rehearsal dinner or welcome dinner at one of these amazing restaurants.

A Garden Escape

Babylonstoren – Franschhoek

A destination where farming looks like a beautifully manicured and well-thought-out garden, Babylonstoren is historic Cape Dutch farm that cultivates fresh produce. Not only is it a farm, it has it’s own hotel and spa and it’s picturesque scenery makes it ideally suited for an outdoor wedding celebration. It’s offers event spaces to suit an intimate wedding ceremony or even a larger ceremony, with your guests taking in all this estate has to offer. Babylonstoren is accustomed to accommodating events and offers a range of settings for any occasion.

Whether it’s a wedding or a few days of relaxation you require, it’s in-house– and destination – restaurant Babel, housed in an old cowshed, presents a seasonal menu with a ‘farm-to-fork’ philosophy.  While we are yet to dine at their restaurant sometime, and perhaps stay at the estate, we thoroughly enjoyed walking through its gardens.

Tucked away between Oak trees, is the Greenhouse which offers a menu inspired by the garden, that is served in a casual and yet cozy, picnic style. This presented the perfect excuse to get out of the rain and try some of their freshly baked scones and more.

From beautiful landscape and gardens to delicious baked goods, to farm-to-table dining or even wines, this is certainly a beautiful farm suited for a beautiful destination wedding event or a get-away to relax, to experience and enjoy the Cape Winelands. We can’t wait to return and to explore their sister property in the United Kingdom.

Sometimes, the roads less travelled are the most memorable! Exploring the beauty of The Cape Winelands and enjoying the experiences it has to offer is certainly worth it. The mountainous landscapes, vineyards and the warm orange sunsets all add up to breathtaking photo opportunities and experiences. We can’t wait for our next adventure or dining experiences at one of these beautiful hotels and restaurants; or another opportunity to create and capture the magic in such a beautiful place.

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Looking for places to host your next celebration or your next vacay in the Winelands?

EXPLORE MORE OF CAPE TOWN’S WINELANDS BELOW: