Stellenbosch is a place with small-town appeal and big-time attitude. It’s compact at the core, sporting an abundance of bars, dorpies and dinky stores along packed little streets, yet boasts some of the Cape’s most spectacular mountain ranges, farms and wineries in surrounding areas.
Just over a 40-minute drive from Cape Town, Stellenbosch is the perfect place to spend a romantic weekend away. Here’s one way to take on this iconic town with your partner-in-crime.
If you’re after a ‘best of both worlds’ experience — getting a taste of farm and town life in Stellies — Brenaissance Wine & Stud Estate is the place to stay. Located just outside the bustle of the town’s main campus’ stomping ground, it’s a tranquil home-base which features stunning grounds and luxury accommodation.
Rolling lawns, impeccable views and an iconic white chapel are all renowned features at Brenaissance. The property boats eight exquisite Vineyard suites, one Honeymoon suite, and eight Orchard suites.
Ranging from studios and one-bedroom suites to the more spacious family units, each space has its own cast-iron, wood-burning fireplace, mini private deck and braai area, and a fully equipped kitchen to accommodate longer stays. Rooms are embellished with tasteful touches throughout.
Guests can also enjoy exclusive access to the Pool House.
Brenaissance Wine & Stud Estate is the perfect oasis for couples to come together and connect. The estate oozes an air of romance and relaxation — a place where you and your loved ones can feel like the only people on the planet.
With your accommodation sorted, all that’s left to do is take on the town.
Stellenbosch is studded with divine eateries, perfect for a romantic weekend away. Take date night to the next level by spoiling your partner with a fine-dining dinner at Ember Meat Room, located just 10-minutes away from Brenaissance on the trendy Plein Street.
Ember Meat Room is all about you and the food. The decor is simple and sophisticated. Dramatic lighting spotlights each table, setting up diners for an intimate experience all about you and the food. No distractions.
Following the decor, the menu is short and refined. Three starters, three mains, and three desserts. A focused selection highlighting local produce and wine. Chef Michael Broughton heads up the kitchen at Ember and draws on the eatery’s name in each dish. Everything on the menu is exquisite, taking food back to the fire.
Boran beef fillet tartare with decadent confit egg yolk and vibrant citrus foam will awaken your palate — a truly fresh start. Or perhaps charred corn and parmesan risotto with prawns and lashings of deep-shellfish oil flavour.
Ember is a celebration of North West Boran beef, and so, steak is the name of the game for mains. A unique offering on the menu is the Proprietors Cut: a selection of fillet, sirloin and rump, all expertly and individually prepared, for diners to experience in a single dish.
Ember’s wine connoisseur Rene Veldhuizen is sure to select the best vino to accompany your meal.
What’s date night without dessert? Finish your evening on a sweet note with Ember’s decadent cheesecake with a brûlée finishing, or reconnect with your inner child with a playful yet elegant Le KitKat.
There’s no better way to end a romantic evening out than with a glass of wine, cuddled up next to a burning fire at Brenaissance. A perfect start to a romantic getaway in Stellies.
A food-filled experience was promised and a food-filled experience will be delivered — and you don’t even have to leave the Brenaissance estate! Wake up leisurely and enjoy a romantic stroll around gorgeous gardens, or a refreshing dip in the pool. For brekkie, guests just have to experience all that is The Farmers Pantry.
The restaurant is simply gorgeous. Everywhere you look there is a quirk or gadget reminiscent of true farm life. The setting is equally warm and trendy, and the food delicious. Chef Gavin Swartz deserves the title of Cape Town’s hollandaise king and kale-chip master.
Fresh bread, strong coffee, and flavour are all promised at The Farmers Pantry.
A prefect morning in Stellenbosch would’t be complete without a stroll through its quirky streets. Grab your partner and walk hand-in-hand around one of the most beautiful towns in the Western Cape. Pop into art galleries, visit the Stellenbosch botanical gardens, and work up an appetite for a cheeky lunch.
Follow the crowd all the way to Stud the Burger Shop on Plein Street. A beautiful portrait of a Boran Bull by G. Farrell marks the spot. This trendy order-and-collect eatery boasts one of Cape Town’s best burgers. As for the chips? They deserve a celebration of their own.
Stud the Burger Shop celebrates the philosophy of “no frills, no fuss, no bull – just beef.” They are taking burgers back to the basics, showcasing simple, quality ingredients. Think pure beef, freshly made tomato sauce, creamy mayo, mustard and banging brioche buns. It’s all that!
Vegan options? Well, of course! The No Bull burger is 100% plant-based.
Dates, steaks, burgers and Brensissance. There’s no better way to celebrate a romantic, foodie-filled weekend!
To book your stay at Brenaissance, or visit Ember, The Farmers Pantry, or Stud, here are the details:
Brenaissance Wine & Stud Estate
- Website: www.brenaissance.co.za
- Contact: 079 776 9915
- Location: Devon Valley Rd, Stellenbosch
Ember Meat Room
- Website: www.embermeatroom.co.za
- Contact: 021 203 6255
- Location: 43 Plein Street, Stellenbosch
The Farmers Pantry
- Website: www.thefarmerspantry.co.za
- Contact: 060 303 9764
- Location: Brenaissance Wine & Stud Estate, Devon Valley Road, Stellenbosch
Stud the Burger Shop
- Website: www.studtheburgershop.co.za
- Contact: 021 203 6254
- Location: 43 Plein Street, Stellenbosch
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Pictures: Robyn Simpson
