With the frigid winter months upon us, we’ve pulled together a list of what we’d consider to be some of the finest, and lesser known, fireside destinations in an around Cape Town. With its mountains and beaches, it’s a city many think best suited to summer but winter can be just as magnificent a time to explore the Mother City.
Dine, fireside
Sustainable and seasonal produce is served fireside with sweeping vineyard views at beyond. Peter Tempelhoff and team’s beyond winter SLOW FOOD experience ticks all the feel good boxes ensuring you eat delicious food at a fair price, with all ingredients sourced from the best local producers. Expect food that comforts and nurtures served to old-fashioned service standards. The beyond winter menu also has something for everyone – including free range beef, pastured chicken and ducks, Iberico breed pork, organic vegetables, sustainable fish and GMO free grains, rice and pulses. beyond supports only small farmers and producers which ensures you can enjoy a 4 course meal for under R400. beyond at Buitenverwachting wine farm is open for lunch on Wednesday – Sunday from 12pm – 3pm and from Thursday to Saturday for dinner.
Book via 021 794 0306 or info@beyondrestaurant.co.za or visit www.beyondrestaurant.co.za
Sculpture garden strolls and cake by the fire – a warming fireplace experience for art enthusiasts
There’s no doubt in our minds that imbued with an artist’s creative vision, a garden takes on still further layers of meaning. The Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden won’t disappoint – this magnificent garden contains within it levels of symbolism and serves as a stage where nature and man, wild and tame, meet. A winter stroll exploring the sculpted landscape which frames Lewis’ sculptures is best concluded with barista coffee and home-made cake around one of two roaring fireplaces in the gallery. It’s a brilliant destination for family outings and equally perfect if you just need a well-deserved afternoon all to yourself. Visits to the Dylan Lewis Studio and Sculpture Garden are by appointment only.
To book, call 021 880 0054 or email reservations@dylanart.co.za https://dylanlewis.com/garden/visit-the-garden
Winter weekends by the fire – you won’t want to leave
At La Cotte Farm’s Orchard Cottages – spread along a ridge with magnificent wide vistas over vineyards and Franschhoek valley – each house has been gifted its own large cosy fireplace. It’s most definitely our go to destination for winter weekends. If you manage to extricate yourself from the cottage, you’re bound to be enchanted by ancient oaks, white-washed walls, simple gabled buildings, beautiful interiors and rambling Cape Mediterranean gardens. This fireside retreat is a stone’s throw from the bustle of Franschhoek main street with all the quiet, privacy and rural charm of a working wine farm. Whether you decide to stay in your cottage or venture out to the restaurant or cosy bar area at the Manor House, you’ll be fireside sipping on a glass of SA’s finest red wine this winter.
Book your stay via 021 207 3907 or reception@lacottefarm.co.za https://www.lacottefarm.com/blank
A fireside pitstop for road-tripping wine fans
While the vineyards use the cold and rainy days of winter to rest and recharge ahead of the next harvest, in the cellar door tasting room at Bouchard Finlayson there’s a weekend fireside offering which is bound to warm up winter in the valley. Enjoy a bowl of hearty soup next to an open fire, accompanied by fresh breads and some of South Africa’s finest wines. Known for its superlative Chardonnay and Pinot Noir offering, the 120 hectare Bouchard Finlayson farm is a must for anyone visiting the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.
Book via 028 312 3515 or info@bouchardfinlayson.co.za https://bouchardfinlayson.co.za/
