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Picnics make the perfect day date and offer some much needed quiet thinking time too. We’ve put together a list of spots that offer pre-packed picnics; where you can head out to the lawns of a beautiful estate and spend the day meandering. Sound like heaven?
An all-time favourite of mine is Cape Point Vineyards. If you enjoy good views of the sea and amazing sunsets, then this gorgeous wine farm, situated in Noordhoek, is a definite winner. Their pre-packed baskets are accompanied by one of their brilliant wines. The baskets which are prepared by the vineyard deli containing a range of filling scrumptious meals, from Bobotie wraps to roasted aubergine with hummus and toasted cashews. There are also different options to choose from such as the picnic basket, the vegetarian basket, and the kid’s basket. All menus include a dessert. Guests also have the option of paying a set-up fee, so the meal is already set up upon arrival.
Each basket costs R395 and serves 2, included in this price is one picnic blanket and two pillows. The kid’s basket is R65 and feeds one. All baskets need to be ordered 24 hours in advance. Contact Cape Point Vineyards to make picnic bookings.
The well-known wine estate is popular for its history, being one of the oldest wine farms in South Africa. The farm produces a range of wines that have gone on to win many awards. With the great option of creating your own picnic from a variety of farm inspired food, guests have more freedom and are able to ensure that their picnic is balanced with a healthy meal. Amongst the goodies included in the picnic basket are baguettes accompanied by farm cheeses and fresh salads, seared chicken is also an option and dessert is a yummy chocolate salted caramel trifle. Finish off the meal with a bottle of one of their wines. The venue is child-friendly and also includes a picnic basket just for your children with favourites such as yoghurt, soft rolls with cheese and also some cold meats. And for the vegetarians, both options have a vegetarian menu.
The adult picnic will set you back at R580 and the kid’s picnic will only cost you R150. Guests are welcome to book their picnic online and well in advance at http://www.spierpicnics.co.za/
Found in the Cape Winelands, Boschendal has become a popular picnic spot, they recently launched two new picnic lunches that offer guests different experiences. Both picnics feature naturally grown produce from the estate. This ensures that guests are treated to a basket filled with healthy wholesome food. Picnics take place in the Rhone Rose Garden and Werf farm these two venues are only a kilometer away from each other. Both menus have freshly baked bread, chicken and fresh salad from their Werf food garden. Each picnic differs with regards to views and layout. The Rose Garden picnic gives guests the option of having a laid out table or a picnic blanket and the Werf Farm picnic is a more relaxed environment with hammocks swinging from trees, bean bags and lots more space for children to run around. Guests are welcome to bring their own blankets, chairs and tables.
Baskets range from R430 for two adults and R95 for young children between the ages of 3 – 10 years. Book your picnic at reservations@boschendal.co.za
Zorgvliet Wines, just outside Stellenbosch is the vision of peacefulness and boasts an array of beautiful views. The picnic area is situated in an almost perfect setting. Amidst fresh air and tons of sunshine, picnicking here will most certainly bring you the relaxation you need. Guests are encouraged to select a picnic basket from the menu or are allowed to select a meal from their gourmet lunch menu. All picnic baskets cater for two people and some of the options range from quiches of the day, beef meatballs, veggie wraps for the vegetarians and whole oven roasted chicken, if you’re a family of four. Because it is a child-friendly environment, a picnic basket for your young one is also available at the price of R110 and this includes chicken nuggets, crisps, sweetie packets, juice and even a toy. Guests have the option of choosing one of the Zorgvliet wines to accompany their picnic. The restaurant is child-friendly.
Bookings can be made at info@zorgvliet.com.
If you could classify picnics as classy, then having your picnic at Vergelegen would be just that. It is not your average picnic, instead guests are treated to a cute little white tablecloth picnic, and are provided with a basket along with an ice bucket for your wine. Hosted in the famous mystic Camphor Forest the location is utterly private. With an amazing picnic menu guests are spoilt for choice with artisanal breads spread with truffle farm flavored butter, cured salmon as a starter, salads, mains that consist of slow roasted chicken breast and a variety of cheeses with lemon cheesecake for dessert.
Picnics cost R255 per person, with the kiddie’s basket at R 95, also if guests prefer a vegetarian option it needs to be specified when making your reservation. Bookings can be made at http://www.vergelegen.co.za/
Described as artisanal gourmet food served in a luxury picnic, Warwick Wine Estate goes above and beyond. With four different venues, Warwick caters to each and every single one of your needs. The gourmet picnic at R550 per two people has Sichuan pepper crusted beef fillet with aioli, rose tomato, mange tout and butter bean salad accompanied by herbed stretched homemade bread. Laidback but lavish, this is a perfect day out with someone you love.
A kiddie’s basket at R125 is filled with beef fillet slices, Laughing Cow cheese, hummus and an Oreo ice cream sandwich. Vegetarian and vegan baskets are also available. Bookings should be made at visit@warwickwine.com.
Grande Provence Heritage Wine estate
This beautiful wine estate found in the Franschhoek Valley offers a ‘traditionally French–inspired rustic picnic lunch’ experience, one that takes you back in time. With a basket that is filled with feta quiche, smoked Franschhoek trout, home-made preserves and freshly baked bread, you’ll be snacking all afternoon. Round off your lunch off with a bottle of Grande Provence wine.
The picnic basket is available at R580 for two people who would be sharing and bookings will secure your picnic basket. Bookings can be made at reservations@grandeprovence.co.za.
Delicious picnic baskets are served under tree-shaded areas on the Zevenwacht Wine Estate. You sure are in for a treat with these farmhouse inspired baskets, with chicken mayonnaise tortilla wraps, kebabs of rare roast beef, spinach and feta quiche, and fruity strawberry cheesecake as dessert. They also have an amazing country-style braai basket where guests are given ingredients to their very own braai, however the braai must be supervised by guests themselves.
Baskets cost R440 and for a kiddie’s basket, you will pay R70. Bookings should be made well in advance at http://www.zevenwacht.co.za/.
Popular for their famous duck parades and Saturday market, Vergenoegd picnics cater to the whole family and children are also treated to their very own basket. Baskets containing artisanal food are prepared in the estate’s kitchen, and feature a variety of locally sourced ingredients such as nuts, cheese and meats. You have the option between the Driving Duck at R395 and the Running Duck, which includes your choice of Runner Duck wine, alongside different types of meats at R450. A kiddies basket is available at R125 featuring snacks, treats and a choice of fresh juice or iced tea. Please note that Vergenoegd operates solely on a bookings only basis.
Bookings can be made at reservations@vergenoegd.co.za.
So, where will you have a picnic next? Let us know in the comments below!
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