If what you desire most this summer holiday is an escape from the city, then Lourensford Wine Estate has you covered. The bevy of refreshing, leisurely and indulgent activities on offer is sure to make up for long hours spent at work or in traffic. Here are four to look forward to:
1 Delectable pairings
We’ve given you a few ideas for inventive food and wine combinations and if Lourensford is your destination of choice, we’d highly recommend their Turkish Delight pairings. With almond, rose and orange and flavours – each is coupled with a different wine – your sweet tooth will thank you. The cherry on the top? The ginger flavour, paired with Lourensford’s very own honey liqueur. If you’re not a fan of Turkish Delight, Lourensford also offers chocolate pairings.
OF NOTE
When Daily 9 am – 5 pm, closed 25 December
Cost Turkish Delight pairings R55 pp, chocolate pairings R65 pp
Contact +27 21 847 2300, [email protected]
2 Good shopping
It’s not summer without a bustling market. The Lourensford Harvest Market is alive with 70 permanent stalls, numerous pop-up vendors, live music, a kids’ entertainment area and even a ‘doggie bar’ for your furry four-legged friends. Homemade wares, organic and artisanal foodstuffs, craft beer and wine are all on sale. The Lourensford Harvest Market is closed until 6 January 2017, but that just means more time to plan and prepare for a splendid family outing.
OF NOTE
When Every second Friday 4 – 9 pm; Sundays 10 am – 3 pm
Cost Free
Contact +27 72 284 1654, [email protected], lfhm.co.za
3 Exercise and adventure
If you’ve been craving some decent exercise or an adventure amidst beautiful scenery, make a booking for the guided hike through the estate. The hike lasts for three hours and is perfect for people with a medium level of fitness. Prepare for an enjoyable afternoon traipsing through vineyards, fruit orchards and dams, and culminating in gorgeous views of Lourensford, False Bay and the Hottentot Holland and Helderberg Mountain Ranges. Bonus: you’ll learn more about the estate along the way. Bookings are essential and hikes can only be taken if a minimum amount of four people attends so grab all your mates.
OF NOTE
When Daily at 8 am to 4 pm
Cost Contact [email protected]
Contact +27 83 400 4451, [email protected]
4 Fabulous food
You’ve shopped, hiked and satisfied your sweet tooth. Now it’s time to dine before doing it all again. Lourensford’s Millhouse Kitchen Restaurant stays faithful to the estate’s lush country setting by offering rustic food inspired by French and Italian cuisine. Expect hearty breakfasts, succulent meat dishes, pizza, pasta, bruschetta made with freshly baked bread, and mussels. You can also hold functions and events at the restaurant. For parties of more than 14 people, book at [email protected].
OF NOTE
WhenTuesday to Saturdays 8:30 am – 10 pm; Sundays 8:30 am – 5 pm
Cost According to menu
Contact +27 21 847 0030, [email protected]
If you’re looking for a little something extra, The Coffee Roasting Company situated near the entrace will help perk you up before a hike while the Henry Taylor Art Gallery exhibits a collection of South African Old Master Paintings.
Visit Lourensford’s website to find out what else is available at this cultural and culinary haven, based in Somerset West.
Photography SplashPR/Lourensford Wine Estate, The MILLHOUSE kitchen