Spring is officially here and the Swartland is slowly but surely bursting into bloom. If you’ve always wanted to make your way to this area to see the veld in all it’s springtime glory, we highly recommend that you make a weekend of it and do a little wine tasting while you’re at it. Here are five lovely accommodation venues that just to happens to be situated on wine farms in our region:
Fynbos Estate
Fynbos Estate, home to Dragonridge Wines, is situated in the beautiful Paardeberg, high up in Joubertskloof and just an hour from Cape Town. It offers comfortable, spacious country accommodation with stunning views of the Swartland, vineyards and the mountain nature reserve. The farm accommodation caters for couples, families, family reunions, groups of friends, wedding and celebration guests and workshops and retreats. Accommodation includes an original Farm House, Honey Badger House, and four additional cottages. BONUS! Enjoy a mid-week stay of three nights, and only pay for two until 30 November 2018. Kids and pets most welcome. Email: info@fynbosestate.co.za | Telephone number: +27 22 487 1153 | Website: www.fynbosestate.co.za
Kalmoesfontein (*featured image)
Kalmoesfontein, the stronghold of AA Badenhorst Family Wines, is situated in verdant fold of the Paardeberg region. They recently renovated the on-site Winemaker’s Cottage, which is set between the vineyards and the veggie garden. It now features stunning self-catering accommodation for four adults (two children can be accommodated upon request), including air-conditioning, a large indoor fireplace, outdoor braai area, and a large stoep with panoramic views of the Swartland (and a private dam for swimming!).
Email: semma@aabadenhorst.com | Telephone number: +27 79 652 6101 | Website: www.aabadenhorst.com
Kloovenburg Pastorie
In 1977, the Du Toit family purchased Die Pastorie (The Parsonage), one of the most recognised properties in Riebeek Kasteel, from the Dutch Reformed Church. Thirty-three years later, Pieter and Annalene du Toit transformed this landmark property into one of the Riebeek Valley’s most luxurious overnight accommodation options, the Kloovenburg Pastorie. This historic property has been affectionately restored and transformed into a beautiful villa, offering guests to the Riebeek Valley three sumptuous air-conditioned en-suite bedrooms and one super luxurious suite with en-suite bathroom and private lounge area.
Email: guesthouse@kloovenburg.com |
Telephone number: +27 72 596 6239 | Website: www.kloovenburg.com
Pulpit Rock Guest Rooms
Pulpit Rock Guest Rooms are situated 1,5km outside of Riebeek-West on the R311 in the direction of Moorreesburg. Self-catering rooms are available and fully equipped. Take advantage of braai facilities and fantastic views over the mountains and valley, all surrounded by game, farm animals and vineyards. Experience a wonderful farm holiday and a complimentary wine tasting at the cellar.
Email: hestabrink@pcnetmail.co.za | Telephone number: +27 22 461 2445 | Website: www.pulpitrock.co.za
Franki’s Vineyards
Franki’s Guest Lodge is situated in the heart of the Swartland, between the towns of Malmesbury and Darling. Enjoy magnificent views over the on-site vineyards, Kasteelberg mountains and more. The lodge is located in the orginal farm house, which has been restored to include elements of old and new. There are nine bedrooms, all en-suite and tastefully decorated with modern finishes.
Email: erica.joubert@cropspec.co.za | Telephone number: +27 82 888 3702 | Website: www.frankisvineyards.co.za
Nooitgedacht Cottage (Babylon’s Peak Private Cellar)
Babylon’s Peak is a private cellar located on the slopes of the Paardeberg Mountains between Malmesbury and Paarl. Fourth-generation farmer and vintner Stephan Basson and his family stay on the farm and offer accommodation in a cosy cottage next to the farm dam. The working wine farm has a very tranquil atmosphere, which is tailormade for restorative getaways for couples, families or small groups of friends. Catch fish, take walks among the fynbos and drink in the inimitable beauty of the Swartland.
Email: info@babylonspeak.co.za | Telephone number: +27 22 482 2180 |Website: www.babylonspeak.co.za
These are just a few of the lovely accommodation venues the Swartland has to offer throughout the flower season and beyond. Feel free to get in touch with the Santam Swartland Wine & Olive Route team for more information on event destinations in our gorgeous region.