Valentine’s Day is upon us – and we’re sure you want to give your beau the best time possible. It just so happens we’ve got the scoop on all the best places to wine and dine the love of your life.
1 Uitkyk Wine Estate
An outdoor movie accompanied by a picnic is reminiscent of old-school romance – and at Uitkyk Wine Estate, you can experience this firsthand with a screening of the ’80s classic Dirty Dancing. Bring your own picnic baskets filled with snacks and non-alcoholic drinks, or pre-order a ready-made basket. You’ll be supplied with blankets and pillows while a selection of Uitkyk’s wonderful wines will be available for purchase. All you need to do is sit back, cuddle, and have the time of your life.
OF NOTE
When Gates open at 6 pm, movie starts between 7 pm and 8 pm
Where R44, Klapmuts, Stellenbosch
Cost Tickets: R80 per person, Picnic baskets: R400 per couple
Contact +27 21 884 4416, [email protected], uitkyk.co.za
2 The President Hotel
If you’re closer to the city but like the sound of a romantic picnic and movie outing, then The President Hotel has got you covered. You and your partner-in-crime will be treated to a gourmet picnic as the sun sets over Cape Town, after which you’ll get to watch the frothy rom-com Love Actually. Laughter, love, entertainment and great food all in a gorgeous setting? Now that’s a winning Valentine’s Day combo.
OF NOTE
When Doors open at 6:30 pm, movie starts at 8 pm
Where 4 Alexander Road, Bantry Bay
Cost R425 per person
Contact +27 21 434 8111, [email protected], presidenthotel.co.za
3 Lanzerac Wine Estate
Lanzerac is the second of many wine estates where you can enjoy Valentine’s picnics, though this one’s available over the course of six days. Expect gourmet treats and a bottle of the recently released Lanzerac Dry Rosé. But that’s not all! If you prefer an indoor feast, make way for a fabulous Valentine’s night extravaganza in the Lanzerac Hotel’s Lady Ann Courtyard. The dinner’s theme is ‘Old-Fashioned Romance’ and harkens to a time of chivalry, love letters and serenades. If you want something shorter and sweeter (and cheaper) then try Lanzerac’s Wine and Chocolate Tasting Experience for Two, which will be available over a five-day period.
OF NOTE
When Friday 10 February at 9 am – Sunday 19 February at 6:30 pm
Where 1 Lanzerac Road, Jonkershoek, Stellenbosch
Cost Picnic: R550 per couple, dinner: R500 per person, tasting: R110 per couple
Contact Picnic and dinner: +27 21 887 1132, [email protected]/Tasting: +27 21 886 5641, [email protected]/General: lanzerac.co.za
4 One&Only Hotel
Cape Town’s top hotel and spa offers you and your other half several indulgences, both in- and outdoors. First, there’s Reuben’s where you can enjoy a six-course tasting menu or book an exclusive table in the restaurant’s wine loft. Or head to Nobu, which will serve up both an à la carte menu and a seven-course tasting menu filled with numerous Asian and South American dishes. The Isola Restaurant is your third indoor dining option, offering up a set menu in a more intimate setting. If you prefer the outdoors, then you might like to picnic and have cocktails on one of the One&Only’s plush daybeds. And lastly, for those who might already have evening plans, an elegant tea buffet will be held over five days at the Vista Bar & Lounge.
OF NOTE
When Friday 10 February 2017 at 2:30 pm – Tuesday 14 February at 10:30 pm
Where Dock Rd, V&A Waterfront
Cost R295 pp – R6 500 per couple
Contact +27 21 431 5888, [email protected], oneandonlyresorts.com
5 Shimmy Beach Club
If you’re near the V&A Waterfront but fancy more of a beach vibe, head to everyone’s favourite party venue, Shimmy Beach Club. The atmosphere will be considerably calmer than the average evening, but that just means more opportunity to connect one-on-one with your partner. You can either book lunch or dinner and purchase from Shimmy’s à la carte menu, or opt for a Valentine’s Day dinner special where each couple will share a Japanese-style bento box filled with gorgeous starters, mains and desserts, and accompanied by a bottle of G.H. Mumm Champagne.
OF NOTE
When 6 pm
Where Shimmy Beach Club, 12 South Arm Road, V & A Waterfront
Cost R750 per couple
Contact +27 21 200 7778, [email protected], shimmybeachclub.com
6 Constantia Glen
If you’re not a dinner person, how about indulging in a romantic breakfast instead? Not only is it the most important meal of the day but in the right setting, it can be a particularly beautiful experience. Constantia Glen seeks to prove this by offering a choice of two delicious French Valentine’s Day breakfasts with stunning views of Constantia’s vineyards and mountainous areas. Munch on a wholesome croissant with some trout ribbons or cheese and jam. If you’re more keen on sleeping in, however, you can always dine on an Antipasto Platter for two, filled with cured meat, vegetables, condiments and bruschetta. This will be served all day and you’re welcome to have it as well as the breakfast. What’s more, Constantia Glen’s Rosemarie & Funa Brut Rosé MCC will be on sale at the estate’s cellar.
OF NOTE
When 10 am – 8 pm
Where Constantia Main Rd, Constantia
Cost Breakfast: R60 – R80, Antipasto Platter with wine: R500, MCC: R250 per bottle
Contact +27 21 795 5639, [email protected], constantiaglen.com
7 African Pride Crystal Towers Hotel & Spa
A fan of Century City? Then head there this Valentine’s Day for a luxurious dinner at The Towers Restaurant at African Pride Crystal Towers Hotel & Spa. The restaurant’s à la carte menu will be available on the evening but the kitchen team have also compiled a set menu specifically for Valentine’s Day that comes with a complimentary glass of bubbly on arrival. The menu includes an amuse-bouche with tuna, a duck starter, a beef fillet for the main course, and a variety of treats for dessert.
OF NOTE
When 6:30 pm
Where Corner of Century Boulevard and Rialto Road, Century City
Cost R550 pp
Contact +27 21 525 3888, [email protected], marriott.com
8 Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate
Don’t let’s forget about Franschhoek! Setting the stage for romantic dining any time of the year, Franschhoek delivers even more on Valentine’s Day. The Grand Provence restaurant offers a delicious seven-course dinner made by Executive Chef Darren Badenhorst. Expect a glass of sparkling wine upon arrival, as well as canapés, petits-fours,and the mandatory decorative inclusion of a long-stemmed rose.
OF NOTE
When 7 pm
Where Main Rd, Franschhoek
Cost R885 pp
Contact +27 21 876 8600, [email protected], grandeprovence.co.za
9 Boschendal Wine Estate
Boschendal Wine Estate doesn’t offer just one dining option. Nope, the estate has gone all-out this Valentine’s Day with three different dining options to suit all tastes. The first is a three-course set menu, featuring a few aphrodisiacs, at the estate’s Werf Restaurant. At the same time, The Farm Shop and Deli at Boschendal will be offering a farm-to-table dining experience with a set menu of three courses. While both of these are evening occasions, you do have the option of picnicking from midday onwards beneath the trees at Boschendal’s Rhone picnic area. No matter what you dine on, however, make sure you get a taste of Boschendal Brut Rosé Bubbly, a perfect drink for both Valentine’s Day and the amazing summer weather we’ve been experiencing in the Cape.
OF NOTE
When Picnic: 12 pm, Dinners: 6 pm
Where 99 Helshoogte Rd, Milton Park, Franshhoek
Cost Picnic: R295 – R500, Dinners: R395 – R595
Contact +27 21 870 4200, [email protected], boschendal.com
10 The Hilton Cape Town City Centre
The Hilton Hotel in the heart of Cape Town will be hosting Valentine’s Day Dinner at the Signal Hill Terrace. The dinner consists of five courses, each one as delectable as the last. Two enticing items are the twice-cooked lamb and apple-wood smoked and cured sea bass, while bubbly and mocktails will be served on arrival. Bonus: the restaurant is halaal-friendly.
OF NOTE
When 6:30 pm
Where 126 Buitengracht Street, CBD
Cost R590 pp
Contact +27 21 481 3700, [email protected], hilton.com
11 Nederburg
Paarl’s also the place to be for a romantic dining experience. This is thanks to Nederburg, whose The Red Table restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner on Valentine’s Day. A three-course meal (plus an optional cheese board) await lovebirds at the estate’s historic manor house. There’s also the option of enjoying a sweet wine pairing at Nederburg throughout the week of Valentine’s, and an al fresco ‘Romance in the Garden’ lunch prepared by The Red Table.
OF NOTE
When Monday 13 February at 9 am – Sunday 19 February at 4 pm
Where Sonstraal Road, Dal Josafat, Paarl
Cost Red Table lunch/dinner: R325 pp, Tasting: R60 pp, Al fresco lunch: R500 per couple
Contact +27 21 877 5155, [email protected], nederburg.co.za
12 The Taj Hotel
Mint, the Local Grill offers up a mouthwatering meal for two within the luxurious confines of The Taj Hotel. Starting with a rather colourful beetroot and thyme soup, avocado mousse with beetroot caviar and charred beet leaves, it’s a culinary experience. You’ll also be treated to a scrumptious champagne sorbet as well as prawn roll carpaccio and a choice of two fabulous meat dishes. A strawberry dessert completes the feast, fit for lovers and fine diners alike.
OF NOTE
When 7 pm
Where 1 Wale Street, CBD
Cost R650 pp
Contact +27 21 819 2000, [email protected], tajcapetown.co.za
13 The Grand Daddy Hotel 
The Grand Daddy Hotel is both quirky and classy, not to mention conveniently central if the majority of your Valentine’s Day will be spent in the CBD. The hotel’s cool ambience and location on Long Street make it ideal for those who prefer the hustle and bustle of nightlife to a more secluded dining experience. Thirty Ate, the restaurant situated on the ground floor, will be serving up a varied and generous meal this Valentine’s night. Each course consists of a platter for two people, starting with mezze and followed by a choice of meat, seafood and vegetarian dishes, as well as an array of yummy desserts. Served alongside this dinner is a choice of JC Le Roux Sauvignon Blanc, Gabrielsskloof Sauvignon Blanc and Beyerskloof Pinotage.
OF NOTE
When 6 pm
Where 38 Long Street, CBD
Cost R590 – R650 per couple
Contact +27 21 424 7247, [email protected], granddaddy.co.za
14 The Velvet Cake Co.
No Valentine’s meal is complete without a decadent dessert. And if confections are the main thing on your mind then The Velvet Cake Co. has a treat (actually, many treats) for you. Throughout February, you can indulge in a variety of heart-shaped cakes that include a Strawberry, Chocolate and Red Velvet Sponge Cake; a Velvet Pink Heart Cakelette with six layers of buttermilk; and Pink Sweetie Pie Cupcakes topped with dark chocolate-covered pink meringue (available only until Valentine’s Day). The perfect way to end off an evening of romantic dining.
OF NOTE
When 1–28 February 9 am to 4 pm from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 1 pm on Saturdays
Where 16 Loop Street, CBD/10 Bella Rosa Street, Rosenpark, Bellville
Cost Cupcakes from R25 each; Red Velvet Spongecake from R395; Velvet Pink Heart Cakelette from R435
Contact +27 21 914 0482, thevelvetcakeco.com
Photography Courtesy images