Cape Town seasons can be all over the place, but it can be quite lovely at times despite how erratic it is. Sometimes we get refreshing spells of rain in summer, and other times we get warm sunshine days in winter. When the winter sun comes out to play, make the best out of the temporary summer and head to these picnic spots for fun in the sun:
Boschendal
Head to the Franschhoek valley for a relaxing picnic experience on the Pavilion lawns of Boschendal. Only the best available seasonal and ethically sourced ingredients, as well as locally made artisanal goods, are used, ensuring guests receive a basket filled with delicious, eats and treats-ready to share with the family in one of the most picturesque wineland settings.
Dappled sunlight with a generous relaxed atmosphere set the scene for a relaxed affair with friends and family. Guests can choose between a table and chair (limited table seating available) or picnic blankets and lawn chair options upon booking. Guests are also welcome to bring their own blankets and chairs and enjoy a leisurely afternoon complemented by the best local, seasonal produce and treats packed for your indulgence.
The Tree House Playground and Pump Track is accessible from the picnic lawn for children aged 5 to 14 years – do note that parental supervision is required. There is a small shallow dam next to the Pergola on the picnic lawns so please be sure to mind your little ones.
What’s in the basket?
The Werf picnic baskets include food made from their natural farm produce including freshly baked bread, like their farm baked ciabatta, a winter green salad from their Werf Food Garden, Dalewood Camembert from the Boschendal Butchery, homemade preserves, one of their celebrated desserts, and more. There is also a vegetarian option for both the adults and the kiddies.
Details:
- Cost:
- R290 basket for one
- R560 basket for two
- R180 kids basket
- Location: Boschendal Estate, Pniel Road, Groot, Franschhoek, 7690
- Contact: Call 021 870 4273, email [email protected] or book online
- Website: boschendal.com
Fynkos at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
A picnic enjoyed amongst the enchanting views of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is a sure way to add a dash of wholesomeness to your weekend, or week. Delicious treats for your stomach, eyes and soul? Sounds like your plans are set.
The Fynkos Kirstenbosch Tea Room offers gorgeous picnic arrangements year-round, so it may be time to head on over to the land of flowers and delicacies.
You can order your picnic beforehand online, or head on over to the Tea Room and pick your picnic in person.
What’s in the basket?
Fynkos offers two picnic baskets: the meat eater’s Finger Food Picnic, and the Vegetarian Picnic.
The Finger Food Picnic includes schwarma chicken skewers, meatballs, roast sirloin rolled with mustard and pickles, chilli poppers, spinach and feta quiche, chickpea falafel, hummus, guacamole, and a salad with cheddar, feta and olives. You’ll also get home made whole wheat bread, kettle fried crisps, and a mini pita. Finally for dessert, there are three small cakes: cheese cake with strawberry topping, chocolate fudge cake, and carrot cake with cream cheese icing.
The Vegetarian Picnic includes chicken falafel, hummus, tabouleh, roast eggplant in yoghurt, guacamole, Turkish salad, labaneh yoghurt cheese, spinach and feta quiche, chili poppers, and a salad with cheddar, feta and olives. You’ll also get kettle fried crisps and a large pita to snack on. Finally for dessert, there are three small cakes: cheese cake with strawberry topping, chocolate fudge cake, and carrot cake with cream cheese icing.
Both picnic options comes with your choice of a non-alcoholic drink
Details:
- Cost: R305 per person
- Location: Gate 2 Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Rhodes Drive Newlands, Cape Town, 7700
- Contact: Call 021 797 4883 or email [email protected]
- Website: fynkos.co.za
Jordan Wines
If ever there was a wine farm ready to host winter picnics, it’s Jordan Wines. Their numerous private picnic pods, on the lawn of Jordan Wine Estate, have breathtaking views of the Stellenbosch Kloof Valley and Stellenbosch Mountains and can accommodate four to eight people.
Each basket is filled to the brim with delectable treats from The Cellar Door at Jordan. One picnic basket contains enough for two people.
What’s in the basket?
Your basket will include freshly baked herbed focaccia, Melba toast, and their famous Cape seed loaf to be enjoyed with a selection of locally sourced charcuterie and hard and soft cheeses like Dalewood Camembert and Brie, Klein River Stanford, and De Pekelaar Boerenkaas.
This will be accompanied by their Chef’s signature curried baba ganoush, spiced apple chutney, Thai chicken pâté, and savoury whipped butter. You will also receive a sumptuous quiche Lorraine per person and a sharing winter tabbouleh salad with butternut, cranberries, pecan nuts, feta, basil pesto and sundried tomatoes.
Vegetarian options are available, and vegan options can be requested at an additional fee.
Finish your meal on a sweet note with the Chef’s patisserie of the day.
Hot water bottles and blankets can be provided for the chilly days!
A selection of wines, beers, soft drinks, mocktails, and hot beverages can be purchased at The Cellar Door on the day when baskets are collected.
Details:
- Cost:
- R545 per basket for two adults
- R159 per meal per child
- Location: Stellenbosch Kloof Road, Vlottenberg, Stellenbosch, 7604
- Contact: 021 881 3441
- Website: jordanwines.com
Mooiplaas
The Mooiplaas picnics have become a favourite among wine lovers far and wide.
What better way to spend an afternoon than in a beautiful garden looking out over vineyards sipping on Mooiplaas wines and enjoying a picnic basket filled with fresh gourmet treats?
What’s in the basket?
Tuck into a fresh baguette, Brie cheese and mature cheddar, a pasta salad, a beef or chicken wrap, hummus or tzatziki, preserve, something sweet, fresh fruit and a bottle of their Collection wines.
Details:
- Cost: R400 basket for two
- Location: Bottelary road, M23, Koelenhof, Stellenbosch, 7605
- Contact: Call 021 200 7493 or email [email protected]
- Website: mooiplaas.co.za
Nederburg
Spend the day relaxing on the lush lawns at Nederburg. Take in magnificent views of the surrounding landscape with the historic manor house as backdrop. There’s also Jenga and a range of lawn games, jungle gyms and a zip-line, tree house, swings and more to keep the children occupied.
What’s in the basket?
Start with a cheese and charcuterie board with locally sourced cheese and cold meat, served with fresh fruit and homemade breads and crackers. For the main event, tuck into lamb frikadelle, roasted vegetable skewers, sticky chicken wings, crispy pasta salad and fresh chef garden salad. End with a sweet bite prepared fresh every day.
Your picnic experience includes a bottle of Nederburg’s Cuvee Brut sparkling or any of their Winemasters wines compliments of the Manor. Soft drinks, waters, beers, ciders and hot beverages are available to order.
Details:
- Cost: R540 basket for two
- Location: Sonstraal Rd, Paarl, 7646
- Contact: Call 021 862 3104 or email [email protected]
- Website: nederburg.com
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