Enjoy a visit to Stellenbosch’s winelands this winter.

Nothing feels better than escaping the worries of everyday life for a weekend of pure relaxation and pleasure. The Stellenbosch winelands offer all the treats necessary for an unforgettable getaway; delicious food and wine, retail therapy and, of course, famous Stellenbosch guest houses nestled amongst picturesque mountains and vineyards. It may be cold outside, but in the heart of Stellenbosch you can find warmth and wine. These places are perfect for those who want to chase away the winter blues without the ridiculous prices.

Terroir

This restaurant can be found on the De Zalze Wine and Golf Estate and has won numerous awards for its wine, restaurant and excellence in service. Don’t be put off by the fancy name; Terroir’s food is unpretentious yet sumptuous and imaginative; dreamed up by Chef Michael Broughton. One can enjoy awe-inspiring vistas of Stellenbosch and the golf estate while tucking into the popular winter specials available until September. A three course meal will cost R255, while two courses cost R225. Both of these specials include a complimentary glass of award-winning Kleine Zalze wine. One can try the Asian barbequed sirloin with roasted potatoes or the seared lemon squid and vegetable ratatouille.

Oppie Dorp

This charming restaurant is fast becoming a favourite for many Stellenbosch diners. From the trendy wooden carved signs that welcome you indoors, to the cheeky chalkboard that declares: “I only drink wine on days that end in “Y”,’ Oppie Dorp’s mood is fun and inviting. The food is adventurous with exciting new specials that are displayed regularly on their Twitter feed. Most recently Oppie Dorp offered their trademark sirloin served with Mediterranean vegetables and a rich litchi and Thai green curry sauce. Another favourite is the seared tuna with poached pears and a hollandaise sauce. Of course, customers most love the fact that there is no corkage fee.

The Dornier Bodega

The Bodega restaurant is set in a traditional Cape Dutch barn building with unparalleled views of Dornier Wine Estate’s vineyards and surrounding mountains. Apart from its setting, the restaurant is also known for its unsurpassed seafood special, offering half price shellfish dishes every Wednesday. Quality and quantity is what this special promises, delivering large platters of fresh delicacies, including crayfish, calamari, queen prawns, langoustines and mussels. The perfect complement to the seafood is a glass of Dornier Donatus White; a Chenin and Semillon blend.
Once you have filled your day with the wonderment of Stellenbosch, there are numerous places to stay. These range from plush hotel establishments to delightful cottages and historic guest houses run by families who have lived in Stellenbosch for generations. Bonne Esperance is one such establishment, which is currently running a fantastic winter special, offering a 15% discount on selected rooms.