As we hold on to the last of summer’s ‘surprise moments’ and accept with a sigh that winter’s reign is rolling in, stepping outside, breathing in the brisk air and enjoying a picnic feast at some of the Western Cape’s farms and gardens might be the perfect recipe for an Easter weekend plan.
With Easter falling over summer and winter’s tug-of-war, a few of our favourite picnic spots are inviting everyone to celebrate at their natural paradises. Here’s what’s hopping:
1. Nederburg Wines
With Easter events spawning as delightfully as its lawns, the pearl of Paarl, Nederberg Wines, has a host of Easter treats for the whole family over the long weekend, par Good Friday, at The Manor.
Think Easter egg hunts, bubbles and wine delights(from the Winemasters collection no less) and delicious meals featuring Easter favourites from grilled pickled fish sosaties, braised beef shin and mashed potatoes, hot-cross buns, pâtés, preserves and tiny vetkoeke.
As for the picnic choices, you’ll feast on an assortment of cheeses, fresh fruit, lamb frikadelles, roast veggies on skewers, salads and freshly baked bread, all to be enjoyed whilst taking in the Drakenstein Mountains and luscious scenery.
For the little ones who’ve tired themselves out after the thrill of an Easter Egg mission, there are also picnic treats made with the little hoppers in mind.
All of these mouth-watering picnic options come at different prices and need to be booked 24 hours beforehand.
- Where: Nederberg Wines, Sonstraal Rd, Paarl
- When: 16 April – 18 April
- Bookings for baskets: [email protected].
2. Laborie Estate
In the heart of the Cape Winelands gazing up at the Paarl Rock, Laborie is one of the most breathtaking wine estates bursting with as much history as wine dreams. This long weekend, the estate will be the setting for a few Easter surprises, including an Easter Egg Hunt with treats sprawled across the outdoor Avenue and Vineyard lawns with a prize on the cards for the master waste egg hunter. Lunch options boast both a family option at Stoep, or a picnic feast outdoors.
- Where:Laborie Estate, Paarl
- When: Egg hunts – 15&18 April (11am-12pm)
- Bookings:[email protected]
In Paarl Good Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday
3. Haskell Vineyards
For those looking to enjoy a road trip as well as a picnic adventure, get the wheels turning Stellenbosch-bound and relish in Haskell Vineyards’ serenity. This Easter, Haskell has combined the ultimate pairing – pizza and wine alongside a scavenger hunt for the little eager beaver.
You’ll enjoy the Helderberg Mountains, rolling lawns and wine spills all in a gorgeous secluded space boasting some of Stellenbosch’s finest views.
- Where: Haskell Vineyards| Annandale Rd, Stellenbosch
- When: 17 April (12pm-6pm)
- Bookings:Quicket
4. Spier Wine Farm
Spier, another Stellenbosch wine gem, easily shines as one of locals’ favourite summer picnic spots. It’s one of the oldest and most renowned wine farms in the Western Cape and sits pretty amongst epic views. With its own Spier Food Garden, Spier is offering freshly harvested picnic hampers with an Easter spin on Sunday, consisting of a cheese box, roast pineapple and harissa carrot salad, delicious potato salad, and a rotisserie-style leg of lamb. Don’t worry, pickled fish Cape Malay style will also brighten up your basket as well as vadas hot cross buns, and creme caramel.
- Where: Spier Picnics
- When:17 April (12pm-3pm)
- Bookings:Spier Picnics
Also read:
A quest for the best cafés in Cape Town: Starlings Café in Claremont
Picture: Nederberg
