Wining in the Western Cape
Franschhoek Wine Valley
Franschhoek is widely known to have some of the most superior restaurants, elegant cafés and first-class wine estates in the world, never-mind just the Western Cape. Franschhoek is approximately 75 kilometers from Cape Town city central and it’s well worth the drive out to this beautiful town, surrounded by stunning mountains and colorful lush landscapes. In 1688, Franschhoek was founded by the French Huguenot settlers, today you will find that their strong French influence still remains. Wining and dining is a unique experience in Franschhoek, and it can be rather difficult to say which restaurant or wine estate is best, they all have their own personal touch, here are a few to consider:
Chef’s Warehouse at Maison, Reuben’s, La Petite Colombe, La Paris Deli and Restaurant on La Paris Estate, Le Coin Français, Bovine. Consider also taking the wine tram, a hop-on-hop-off tram that offers you eight different wine tasting experiences. We’d highly recommend you stay a few nights in the town to really experience all it has to offer – the Franschhoek wine farm accommodation is stunning!
Stellenbosch
Known for its tree-lined streets and the popular Stellenbosch University, the town is known for its world-class wines and restaurants, nature reserves and gorgeous landscapes. It is also one of the most beautiful quaint towns to explore. Stellenbosch is not just about delicious foods, university life and vibey culture but enjoying a wine tasting experience has become very popular for family and friends to enjoy anytime of the week and weekends. Listed below are some of the popular Wine Estates:
Lanzerac Wine Estate
Muratie Estate
Spier Wine Farm
Middelvlei
Delheim Estate
Vergenoegd Wine Estate
Morgenster Wine and Olive Estate
Neethlingshof
Stellenbosch also has a Vine Hopper tour that operates three days a week one being a Saturday. On this tour they also have the Van Ryn’s Brandy Cellar tour, which is a very unique experience.
Constantia
A visit to Constantia is not complete if you have not taken a tour to the beautiful wine farms, almost in the heart of this up-market suburb. Constantia is easily accessible from all areas outside or around Cape Town. Constantia has beautiful lush wine estates, from modern day architecture to historical elegance of yesteryear, to world-renowned restaurants and beautiful mountains as a backdrop, it’s simply a sight to behold. Visit Groot Constantia, Constantia Glen, Klein Constantia, Beau Constantia to name a few.
Dining in the Western Cape
V&A Waterfront
Good food really makes a holiday, so be sure to try the V&A Waterfront’s many world-class restaurants such as Bukhara for delicious Indian Cuisine, Baia for fresh, tasty seafood, Willouhby’s for the best sushi in Cape Town, Balducci’s for awesome Mediterranean dishes and Tasha’s for a superb breakfast or healthy lunch. What’s great about dining at the V&A is that you’re surrounded by impeccable views of Table Mountain and the Cape Town harbour, giving you the pleasure of marveling the surroundings while enjoying great food and wine. We’d recommend you opt for a table outdoors, to ensure your views are unobstructed, and to fully absorb the energy of Cape Town’s bustling center.
Thali Indian Cuisine
Thali is one of Cape Town’s hidden gems, although locals and tourists have caught wind of this culinary delight, as it’s the sister restaurant to the city’s ultra-popular ‘Chef’s Warehouse’. Thali is a modern-take on Indian cuisine, with a set menu for two made up of tapas-style dishes. It’s the perfect way to try a little bit of everything that founding Chef Liam Tomlin and his team have put together – and my do they do it well; honestly, do yourself a favor!
Mojo Market Sea Point
Mojo Market in Sea Point is an indoor all-day market perfect for a relaxed dinner with a group of friends. There are over 40 food stalls to choose from, catering for the meat eaters, vegans, veggies, and those with a sweet tooth. Once you’ve made your pick, enjoy your take-away while listening to live music in the center court, or while shopping up a storm at the pop-up stores.
La Colombe
La Colombe has been voted Cape Town’s number one restaurant, and you can bet it’s a treat to the taste buds. Nestled in the heart of Constantia, La Colombe is not only a restaurant with impeccable cuisine, but a restaurant with a soothing, country-like ambience. Very grand indeed. La Colombe has a set tasting menu made up of six courses, although each plate is small but delicious, well thought through and beautiful – like a work of art on a plate.
