The days are getting warmer, summer is fast approaching, and relaxation is all that we’re daydreaming about. Nothing screams tranquillity than a picnic adventure, where we’re immersed in nature with a basket of the most delicious goodies to indulge in.
Fortunately for us, beloved Capetonians, there’s a wide array of amazing locations that’ll satisfy your ‘picnic in nature’ craving. Here are five glorious picnic spots to explore in the scenic paradise that is Franschhoek:
Press the restart button, unwind, and reconnect under the trees of the Pavilion lawn at Boschendal. This relaxed atmosphere sets the tone for an afternoon of leisure. Think dappled sunlight, unadulterated views, and absolute tranquillity.
Guests can choose between a table and chair (limited table seating available) or picnic blankets and lawn chair options upon booking. You can also bring along your own blanket, and enjoy a scrumptious spread of the best local, seasonal produce and treats packed for your indulgence.
What’s in the standard basket:
- Farm-baked baguette with garden herb pesto and butter
- Werf green salad with shaved parmesan and garden herb vinaigrette
- Roast beets and fennel salad with orange dressing, soy and cumin seeds
- Potato, mustard and spring onion salad
- Angus beef and Duroc pork meatballs with hummus
- Angus beef and sesame seed salad
- Smoked Angus beef from Boschendal’s butchery
- Dalewood camembert and onion marmalade
- Strawberry crumble slice
Vegetarian and kids menus can be found here. Vegan options available on request.
Basket collection: from 12pm-2pm (your basket will only be ready for collection at your booking time). Picnic area closes at 5pm.
Dates and times: September – December 15 2021
- Thursday and Friday – Standard picnics
- Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays – Picnics and live music
December 16 2021 – Jan 9 2022
- Open Daily
- Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays – Picnics and live music
Festive hours: view and book our festive offerings here.
Cost: R620 (basket for 2)
R150 (kids basket, children 3 – 10 years)
R680 (basket for 2 on weekends with live music)
Picnics are weather dependant, but an indoor area is provided to enjoy the basket in case of last minute weather changes.
Booking 24 hours in advance is essential: https://www.boschendal.com/eat-drink/the-werf-picnics/.
Location: Boschendal Estate, Pniel Road, Groot, Franschhoek
Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate
If you’re searching for a relaxing country-style picnic under majestic oaks in a beautifully landscaped sculpture garden, then Grande Provence is a must! This Wine Estate boasts a 325-year history with lush vines that spread across 47 acres.
Rolling vistas frame the valley floor and heighten the drama of the rugged mountains beyond. Your picnic adventure awaits!
What’s in the standard basket:
- Farm baked ciabatta, hummus, preserves, herb pesto, onion marmalade, olives
- Salad of tender seasonal vegetables, spiced chickpeas, celery, rosa tomato, shaved Parmesan and herb dressing
- Roasted chicken and rosemary pie
- Trout arancini, corn arancini, aioli mayo
- Charcuterie
- Forest Hill cheese
- Seasonal fruit jar
- Chocolate brownies
Vegetarian and kids menus can be found here.
Dates and times:
- Picnic season will reopen from September 1 – May 31 annually.
- Monday-Sunday including Public Holidays.
- 11:30am-3pm
Cost: R600 per double; R350 per single excluding drinks and a 10% gratuity which is added for pre-payment (standard picnic). 48hr notice required for picnic lunches and full pre-payment required for standard picnics
Taking the current situation into account, outside areas have been allocated to allow social distancing. Picnics are weather dependent and an indoor setting will be provided should it rain on the day.
To book your space at Grande Provence, e-mail [email protected].
Location: Grande Provence, Main Road, Franschhoek
This picturesque wine estate is a treat for nature lovers all around, and boasts the most spectacular scenery. Channel your inner foodie, sit back and relax as you absorb the endless beauty of Franschhoek.
What’s in the basket:
- Cheese board (selection of local cheese, onion marmalade, olives from the estate and freshly baked bread)
- Chargrilled chicken
- Smoked speck
- Salad of the day
- Seasonal fruit and something sweet)
Dates and times:
- Monday – Friday, 10am-5pm
Saturday and Public Holidays, 10am-4pm
Cost: R650 (basket for 2)
To book your space, contact 021 876 2593, or [email protected].
Location: La Bri Estate, Excelsior Road, Franschhoek
Enjoy summer in the Cape Winelands surrounded by the picturesque setting at Allée Bleue. This venue has rolling lawns amongst beautiful gardens which are ideal for your great escape into nature.
What’s in the basket:
Farm Style Platter and Cold Meats:
- Hickory ham
- Smoked salami
- Selection of local cheeses
- (Brie, tomato and herb cream cheese)
- Nachos
- Baked baguette
- Basil pesto
- Shiraz onion marmalade
- Watermelon preserve
- Hummus
- Herb Butter
- Farm grown olives
Homemade Meatball Skewer
- Homemade meatballs served on a skewer with mushrooms and tomato and onion salsa
Salad Selection
- Allée Bleue garden salad served with feta, olives, cherry tomato, cucumber, wild rocket
and a honey mustard dressing. - Cape Malay style pasta salad served with Italian peppers and iceberg lettuce
Dessert
- No-Bake Cheesecake
Vegetarian menu can be found here. The kiddies picnic menu is being finalised and will be available to view here soon.
Dates and times:
- Monday-Sunday and Public Holidays
- 11h00 -17h00 (Last collection at 2:30pm)
Cost: R495 for a double basket
R295 for a single basket
Bookings are essential. Book here using the ‘Book now’ option or contact [email protected] for any enquiries. Alternatively, please call 021 874 1021.
Location: Intersection R 45 and, R310, Franschhoek
Explore the grounds of Mont Rochelle with an extra special gourmet picnic basket. From cheese and charcuterie, arancini with a honey harissa sauce and zingy fishcakes to vegan or vegetarian baskets full of exciting bites – these picnic baskets are perfect for your picnic adventure!
What’s in the basket:
Chardonnay Basket
- Selection of South African cheeses and charcuterie with homemade preserves,
chutneys, pickles, and artisan baked bread - Smoked kwaito, blue cheese, salami, gypsy ham, mixed marinated olives, sweet
figs, onion marmalade and baby gherkins - Spiced lemongrass and tuna fish cakes served with tomato relish
- Pita pockets filled with a Mediterranean chicken salad
- Smashed buttermilk potato salad with spring onions and sun-dried tomatoes
- Corn on the cob with basil butter and smoked sea salt
- Pea and mint arancini served with a harissa honey dip
- Malva truffles with salted caramel sauce
Miko Basket
- Selection of South African cheeses and charcuterie with homemade preserves,
chutneys, pickles, and artisan baked bread - Smoked kwaito, blue cheese, salami, gypsy ham, mixed marinated olives, sweet
figs, onion marmalade and baby gherkins - Sweet and sour glazed pork and apple kebabs with lime tzatziki
- Pitta pockets filled with a Mediterranean chicken salad
- Spiced lemongrass and tuna fish cakes served with tomato relish
- Smashed buttermilk potato salad with spring onions and sun-dried tomatoes
- Corn on the cob with basil butter and smoked sea salt
- Cold beef teriyaki stir fry salad with egg noodles and candied cashew nuts
- Pea and mint arancini served with a harissa honey dip
- Dark chocolate and cranberry brownie with chocolate sauce
- Malva truffles with salted caramel sauce
Vegetarian, vegan and kiddies menu can be found here.
Cost: Chardonnay Basket R490 (serves two adults); Miko Basket R590 (serves two adults)
Order your basket by emailing [email protected] or calling 021 876 2770.
Location: C/o Dassenberg and, Daniel Hugo St, Franschhoek
Picture: Facebook / Allée Bleue Wine Estate
https://www.capetownetc.com/cape-town/franschhoek-restaurants/