If its world-renowned wine and out of this world views you are after, then you have hit gold in the Western Cape. You are so spoilt for choice and the best part is many of the farms and experiences are kid friendly if you have the little rugrats in tow.
Let’s start in the deep south, Cape Point Vineyards. This is one of the most spectacular of them all and so accessible if you are staying in Cape Town. It is nestled on the slopes of the Noordhoek Mountains overlooking the entire valley. There are a few different options to experience this absolute gem. Either you have a quieter wine tasting that you can book in, dine in their world-class restaurant or you could take a more relaxed approach in enjoying this vineyard by going on a Thursday evening to be a part of the incredible community market. It will be one of the greatest markets you have been to and well worth your time. The stalls are mainly food based, with some incredibly talented chefs at your fingertips. From chilli-popper springrolls, mouth watering roasts, traditional giros, waffles, ice-cream and so much more. The bar is also open for you to try the local vino or any other adult beverages of choice. Take a picnic blanket, grab some food, a drink of choice and enjoy front row seats of the most incredible sunset with your loved ones.
If you are looking for a bit more of a traditional wine tasting experience you could endeavour to explore the Constantia Wine Route. There are endless options with delicious wine and serene scenery to take in. Most of the vineyards have large grass areas for the kids to play while you are enjoying the fruits of the land. Some farms that we absolutely love and would highly recommend would be Steenberg Tasting Room which is set in a golfing estate with vineyards surrounding you and plenty of space for the kids to play on the grass out front. Constatntia Uitsig is most definitely a highlight for a family day out. After tasting wine, you can choose from at least 10 different restaurants on the farm to eat at (don’t skip Kristens Kick Ass Ice Creams) all with a grass area right outside for the kids to run around, or book at the Blockhouse Kitchen which has a beautiful wooden playground next to the outdoor area. There is also a big pump-track for the older kids or adults to test out their skills and a beautiful flower garden to walk through.
Moving down the line you could visit Eagles Nest, Groot Constantia, Constantia Glen, and Beau Constantia – if you are a foody at heart you need to try Chef’s Warehouse based at Beau Constantia, it’s some of the best food around and presented in this most intricate, special way. There are so many others but these are some of our favourites on our the Constantia Wine Route. If you would like to go a little further afield, possibly hiring a shuttle or staying the night somewhere, Fraanschoek would be the ultimate location. There are endless wine farms in this town and the best way to do this is to jump onto the wine tram. YES, a wine tram!!!!!!! The ultimate day out as the kids will love the tram, many of the farms have outdoor games with large areas to play or gardens to explore. It is a hop-on hop-off experience so you can decide on how long you would like at each farm or when you would like to return home and no one has to drive. Check out the Fraanschoek Wine Tram routes and farms on their website and enjoy a day out for the whole family. Stellenebosch is another mentionable region to explore. Vergenoegd is an incredible farm to explore with the kids – make sure you are there for the duck run. These ducks help to keep a sustainable farm alive by eating the pests and nourishing the land.
There are so many wine farms on your doorstep, too many to mention. But all you need to know is that if wine-tasting is something you are interested in you will have a BIG decision to make – which route do you take.