Kiddies love to join their parents and participate in ‘grown-up’ things, so taking them for their very own ‘wine-tasting’ will be such a treat for them. Not all the wine farms have this option, though, but we’ve rounded up a couple in and around Cape Town where children can join their parents in a family-friendly tasting experience:
Neethlingshof Estate
Neethlingshof Estate is situated on the Polkadraai Road in Stellenbosh and is about 45 minutes’ drive from Cape Town city centre. This charming farm offers an assortment of wine tastings and food. Choose between five different wine tasting options or, if you feel peckish, you can also try one of their three wine-and-snack pairings. Neethlingshof also houses a deli and wine garden for those who are hungrier. Visit Salt Deli at Neethlingshof for breakfast or lunch, or enjoy a fantastic pizza accompanied by a wide range of wines at the wine garden.
Kids can also join in on the experience by taking part in their very own ‘wine tasting’. Neethlingshof offers an accompanying ‘Kids Pairing’ that includes three bite-sized dishes paired with three types of drinks.
Details:
- Cost: R65 per child
- Location: Polkadraai Rd, Stellenbosch, 7600
- Website: neethlingshof.co.za
Spier Wine Farm
Spier Wine Farm is a long-time family favourite so it’s only fair to include them in this list. They can be found on Baden Powel Drive just outside Stellenbosch after a 40 minute drive along the N2. They offer four different wine tasting options, one which includes a highly-recommended chocolate and wine pairing. Family and friends can also grab a bite to eat at Vadas Smokehouse & Bakery or build their own picnic at the Farm Café, lay down a blanket on the ‘Werf’ or any of the farm’s other outdoor spaces, and enjoy the sunshine.
The kids will have a lot of space to run about on the green lawns of Spier. They can also join the grown-ups for a tasting with Spier’s Grape Juice Tasting. While tasting two different grape juices, youngsters can also keep busy with an educational activity sheet that highlights the role insects play in the vineyards.
Or take the kids to the Eagle Encounters where the whole family can learn more about our country’s birds of prey and even enjoy some up-close-and-personal interactions with these magnificent animals. Something that might also interest the older kids is the Spier Segway Tour where family members can glide through the vineyards on these two-wheeled, self-balancing, battery powered personal transporters. Please note, though, that this hour-long tour is only suitable for kids aged ten years and older.
Details:
- Cost: R40 per child
- Location: Annandale Road, Stellenbosch, 7600
- Website: spier.co.za
Skilpadvlei
The farm derives its charming name from the legendary colony of tortoises that was found in the vlei in the 1800s. The beautiful piece of land was dubbed Skilpadvlei and has been in the hands of the Joubert family since 1917. Today, fourth generation Willie Joubert upholds the proud family tradition of harnessing the rich potential of the land with a dedicated commitment to quality. Skilpadvlei is a fully operational 78 ha farm.
Kiddies will feel all grown-up as they enjoy their very own pairing of drinks and snacks. Their Kiddies tastings depend on the season, but expect a grape juice, apple juice and a milky drink each paird with a yummy snack.
Picture: Skilpadvlei Wine Farm / Facebook
Details:
- Cost: R55 per child
- Location: Skilpadvlei Farm M12 Polkadraai Road Stellenbosch, Cape Town, 7604
- Website: skilpadvlei.co.za
Bloemendal
The Durbanville Wine Valley is home to a plethora of excellent wine farms, including this family-friendly gem. Tuck into their popular sushi platters while watching the kids enjoy the large sand pit and jungle gym area at the Estate’s Bon Amis restaurant. If you’ve got wine on your mind, then make sure you head to their tasting room which offers a jungle gym and a kiddie tasting experience – perfect to keep them entertained. There are also endless outdoor activities to get up to, so make sure you bring your walking shoes or bicycle if you’re really looking to get warm!
The Bloemendal Kids Sweet Pairing consists of apple juice paired with a mini strawberry and bubblegum ice cream sugar cone, and a berry juice paired with a mini Bar One ice cream sugar cone. Both pairings include a small bowl of Smarties for the kiddies to snack on.
Details:
- Cost: R50 per child
- Location: M13 Tygerberg Valley Road, Bloemendal, Cape Town
- Website: bloemendalestate.co.za
Le pommier
Le Pommier meaning ‘the apple tree’ in French was once an apple orchard; it was previously a part of the 300-year-old Zorgvliet farm. You will still find a couple of these apple trees today – scattered on Le Pommier’s farm. Nestled amongst the vineyards at the foot of the Simonsberg, the setting now also offers a Banhoek country cuisine restaurant with glorious mountain views, award-winning wines, country lodging, and an ideal and cosy location for outdoor weddings or conferences.
Le Pommier offers children two different tastings so the little ones don’t feel left out when the grown-ups sit down for a sip of wine. They can choose between juice paired with pizza, or flavoured milk paired with a sweet surprise.
Details:
- Cost: R75 per child
- Location: Helshoogte Rd, Banhoek, Stellenbosch, 7609
- Website: lepommier.co.za
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Picture: Skilpadvlei Wine Farm / Facebook
