3 CHEERS FOR A CAPE ESCAPE
Thembalethu Zulu picks some perfect post-lockdown breakaways focused on fresh air and fine wines
Some things we’ve definitely missed during these long, hard months of lockdown are travel and wine. SA’s move to level two this week means we get both of them back. So what could be more perfect for a quick getaway than a dash to the Cape, whose vineyards are some of the best in the world? With numerous estates dotted across the landscape, here are just three suggestions for you, depending on how much time you have.
48 HOURS
Make a weekend of your wine-route escape with an overnight stay on the Spier Estate.
Just 45 minutes from Cape Town International Airport, Spier makes for an easy-access gateway for exploring the Stellenbosch winelands.
The expansive farm is a charming locale made up of the hotel, wine cellar, spa, a number of restaurants, and artworks produced by the community. The hotel rooms range from the basic signature room to fancy suites that include a sitting room.
If it’s still cold when you go, you’ll surely enjoy the in-room fireplace, which makes for a romantic backdrop while you snuggle into some wine.
For a casual meal, head over to the Farm Cafe, a shop perfectly suited to creating your own picnic as you pick from the deli produce that includes cured meats, cheeses, fresh bread and, of course, wine.
In the evening, head over to the Vadas Smokehouse for a tapas-style menu inviting you to sample a number of dishes for what is truly a gastronomical escape. Try the truffle chips, smoked beef brisket and smoked bone marrow flatbread. You won’t be disappointed.
Also perfect for social distancing are its variety of self-guided walks, which will take you through indigenous gardens and past historic buildings such as the 1822 Manor House. A bonus is that you can download the VoiceMap app and choose between two audio tours on your smartphone.
Spier is particularly great if you are an art lover as it has a collection of artworks. Look out for the Mosaic Kraal, an installation of different works that include those produced by the Spier Artisan Apprenticeship Programme. The programme offers employment-based training in mosaic and ceramic art to the local community.
Another thing we love is that the farm cares about the environment and has introduced smart water-saving techniques, such as a sprouting sink tap that limits water wastage.