Planning a little festive exploration of the Western Cape over the summer holidays? Here are six must-visit destinations in the Swartland that offer lovely things to eat and drink – tailor made for tasty road trip stopovers!
Org de Rac Organic Wines
Perfect for: Bubbly & oysters
Org de Rac is located on a beautiful organic farm near Piketberg, with a sweeping view over the Swartland. This is the ideal place to stop over for some bubbly and oysters on your way to the coast. Who says you need an excuse to pop the cork on a bottle of South Africa’s finest MCC? Every day is a cause for celebration!
Nieuwedrift Wine Estate
Perfect for: Wood-fired pizzas with the family
Nieuwedrift is just about to celebrate the first anniversary of the opening of the restaurant on their farm. This fuss-free eatery is perfect for convivial family lunches and relaxed occasions with friends. Here you can kick off your shoes, lounge under the trees and enjoy a variety of tasty grills and wood-fired pizzas.
Pulpit Rock Winery
Perfect for: Tapas with a friend (or a date…)
Pulpit Rock recently opened the doors to their tapas-style eatery at the winery. This is a great spot if you want to tuck into some local delicacies while overlooking the beautiful Riebeek Valley from a gorgeous stoep with a killer view.
Allesverloren
Perfect for: Pub-style fare in a kid-friendly setting
Allesverloren is home to the Pleasant Pheasant, a beautifully appointed family-style restaurant that is the saving grace of many a worn-out parent. Feel like sitting back and enjoying a meal without having to keep your children entertained? Pleasant Pheasant has a lovely outdoor setting with a sand pit, swings, jungle gym and plenty of space to run around, as well as plenty of tasty things to eat – think calamari, steaks, burgers, pizza and more.
Kloovenburg Wine & Olive Estate
Perfect for: Olive tastings & pairings
Kloovenburg is world-renowned for their amazing olive products. Pre-book an olive tasting, or olive & wine pairing to get the most out of your visit and learn more about South African olives and their health-boosting (and delicious!) properties.
Swartland Winery
Perfect for: Lingering weekend lunches
Swartland Winery is located just outside of Malmesbury, in the very heart of the Swartland. Take a seat on the veranda at the tasting room to enjoy a cheese platter or lovely light meal with your wine.
See, what did we tell you – sounds simply mouth-watering doesn’t it? TOP TIP: The Swartland gets pretty busy over the festive season. It’s always a good call to phone ahead and make a reservation to avoid disappointment. Check out the websites of the individual wineries to confirm their opening times. Also, if you plan to indulge in our region’s lovely wines, we recommend that you book accommodation nearby or appoint a designated driver to ferry you safely back home.