Cape Winelands guide: our pick of where to shop, stay and eat
We’ve done the legwork (and the lunch bookings), scouting Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and the Banhoek Valley to bring you our very best. Whether you’re searching for where to eat, where to stay or what to shop and see, consider this your shortcut — from Easter delights at Babylonstoren to a panoramic romantic retreat
WHAT TO SHOP
In the run-up to Easter, Babylonstoren’s online shoppers ordering a Clutch of Chocolate Eggs may be surprised by a golden egg in their otherwise pastel-toned carton. Should you find one, don’t panic. The farm’s product developers behind the candy-shelled confections want you to know there’s every reason to remain calm (and perhaps a little smug). Finding one unlocks your Charlie Bucket moment and, where he won a visit to a chocolate factory, you’ll win your share of R30 000 in Babylonstoren online shopping vouchers. That’s what we call golden ticket energy, minus the Oompa Loompas.
On a swelteringly hot February morning – the sort that melts fringes to foreheads and chocolates to rivers (wishful thinking) – this was the farm’s public service announcement, disclosed at the unveiling of Babylonstoren’s Coming Home for Easter campaign. Stepping back into 1897, as one does on arrival at Soetmelksvlei – where the campaign was launched – you’d imagine mobile phones would magically disappear. Instead, a handful of media, influencers and local personalities wandered Soetmelkvlei’s farmhouse, cottages, creameries and stables on an Easter egg hunt that had phone cameras at the ready.
What merited this photographic frenzy you might ask? Babylonstoren’s Easter offering, of course, which includes Waddling Duck and Duck Duck Goose soetkoekies, Hatchling Speckled Eggs, and Chicken Coop chocolates, all inspired by a bevy of birds in the farm’s Fowl House. And that’s before mention was made of an 800g Belgian chocolate showstopper – a centrepiece for the chicest of Easter tables – taking the form of Spikkels, a roosting hen so stylish she arrives in her own wooden crate. As if Lucky Ladybird choco-mallows and Vrolik non-alcoholic sparkling drinks (with corks worth popping) aren’t already enough, the seasonal treats include Hot Cross cruffins, loaves and chocolate biscuits. It’s ‘cancel your diet until further notice’ kinda stuff. Egg-shaped wicker baskets and glass cloches dial up the table drama, while egg-shaped soaps bring the theme into your bathroom.
Visitors to Babylonstoren can expect spoils too: boat races, face painting and chocolate-egg decorating for children, while adults who book a three-night stay are treated to seasonal extras as part of their package. In short, whether you’re hunting eggs, vouchers or simply an excuse to indulge, Babylonstoren has already hidden the prize – it’s over to you to claim it.
WHERE TO STAY
Supercharge your visit to the winelands with a multi-night stay at De Zeven Guest Lodge (because one night really isn’t enough, no matter how optimistic you are). Located on the slopes of the Banhoek Valley midway between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, De Zeven gets our stamp of approval not only for its uninterrupted views of the surrounding majestic mountains – particularly spectacular at sunset, when even the sky shows off – but also for its showstopper pool from which to take in the views. It’s graced the cover of a magazine, its ‘martini shelf’ guarantees front-row seats over Pniel, and it is undoubtedly one of the winelands’ most spectacular pools – modesty clearly took the day off. With only 11 suites and a no-children-under-16 policy, you’re ensured a stay that’s as peaceful as it is pampering (read: blissfully grown-up).
Our vote goes to any of the four Pool Suites that open onto a terrace with sweeping views that’ll have you reconsidering city living. Barn-style architecture – think exposed rafters and white-washed brick walls – makes for generously proportioned suites that boast a proudly local-is-lekker approach to indulgence. Cape Island toiletries in the expansive bathrooms are matched by Mungo throws across king-sized beds, and African-themed artworks by Gary Stephens add colour. If a more traditional suite is your preference, opt for any in the original farmhouse.
The honesty bar is stocked with wines from the Banhoek Valley, best enjoyed in the gardens, on a pool lounger, or in the communal living spaces that combine comfortable furniture with industrial architecture. It’s adjacent to these spaces that breakfast is served, and we suggest you arrive hungry, for the offering is generous. De Zeven’s comprehensive spa menu and sauna take care of the rest of your day, should you find exertion entirely overrated.
WHERE TO EAT
From croquetas to crudo and gildas to gambas, if small-plate dining is what gets you going, then you’ll love our winelands favourite, the recently opened CW Cantina. A partnership between Chefs Warehouse by Liam Tomlin and Le Grand Domaine wine estate, CW Cantina not only guarantees flavour sensations with every bite, but equally with each sip – because what’s a tapas spread without a great glass (make that a bottle) of wine?
With lace-inspired lampshades, patterned floor tiles, shared counters, open shelves and an on-display kitchen, the warm interiors channel humble Basque eateries (albeit with better mood lighting). The menu’s a lot less humble – in the best possible way – with Spanish-style tuna belly, braised beef cheeks, roasted lamb and paella all marrying local and Mediterranean flavours, and doing so with belt-loosening flair. Better yet, banish the belt, there’s Basque cheesecake for dessert.
www.chefswarehouse.co.za/cantina
WHAT TO SEE
No trip to Franschhoek is truly complete without paying a visit to both of Ebony/Curated’s galleries — consider it your cultural obligation. The primary space, tucked inside Bordeaux House, is light and bright – the perfect foil for the contemporary works commanding the walls. Thanks to a constantly rotating exhibition line-up, there’s always something new to covet, with pieces by John Newdigate (above left), Craig Cameron-Mackintosh, Wole Lagunju (above middle), Lisa Ringwood (above right), Rentia Retief and Sibusiso Duma regularly stealing the spotlight (and hopefully your heart). Then there’s Ebony/Curated’s second act: a gloriously stylish ’emporium’ that feels part gallery, part treasure chest. It’s home to an exhibition space, an in-store Ardmore boutique, sculptural bespoke furniture, and a dangerously tempting edit of gifting and homeware… the kind of place you pop into ‘just for a look’ and leave considering how to rearrange your living room.
