[imagesource: Anthonij Rupert Wyne]

The last couple of days have been a happy reminder that summer is here, from sunny days to the light streaming in through your bedroom window early in the morning.

This means that more and more activities are available for us to enjoy, but current circumstances dictate that if we’re heading out, it’s best to choose a destination that promises easy physical distancing, without compromising too much on enjoyment.

Here in the Cape, we’re at an advantage when it comes to that, with our spectacular wine farms, many of which offer a range of things to do, eat, and drink.

To help you plan the perfect day out, The Inside Guide put together a list of 10 of the best wine destinations.

We chose our top three. Bear in mind that due to current restrictions on the sale of alcohol, some of the shops on the farm may only sell wine from Monday through to Friday.

Constantia Uitsig

Constantia Uitsig is just a short drive from the city centre, making it perfect for a day trip.

Family-friendly restaurants and endless activities make this wine farm an easy choice for a day out with the kids, without sacrificing good food and wine and an expansive country-style experience.

Food:

Choose from a number of different dining options at the Blockhouse Kitchen, La Grotto Ristorante, Sushi Box, Nest Deli, or Fisherman’s Cottage. If you’re keen for dessert, head on over to Kristen’s Kick-Ass Ice Cream.

Wine tasting:

You can buy and taste wine at the Uitsig Wine Shop, or if wine isn’t your thing, then settle in for a beer tasting at Aegir Project Ale House.

Activities:

There’s plenty for the kids to do. The Bike Park at Constantia Uitsig welcomes cyclists of all ages and skill levels, all of the restaurants are kid-friendly, and there’s a playground at the Blockhouse Kitchen.

Contact: 021 794 6500, info@uitsig.co.za.

Anthonij Rupert Wyne

Located beneath the Groot Drakenstein Mountains you’ll find the scenic Anthonij Rupert Wyne estate, and some of the best wine in the region.

Wine takes centre stage, with various wine-fuelled activities, such as the wine tram, three distinct wine-tasting experiences and a sumptuous high tea, making Anthonij Rupert a one-stop Winelands destination.

Wine tasting:

Enjoy the historic mid-nineteenth-century Cape Dutch Manor House while sipping on vintages, or take in some of the wine farm’s Italian-inspired wines at the Terra del Capo Tasting Room.

Food:

I highly recommend an antipasti lunch at Terra Del Capo.

Or, if you feel like something classy and decadent, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Franschhoek valley while taking high tea at the Manor House.

Activities

Treat yourself and make a day of it, with the all-in-one estate voucher package, which includes a tram ride, wine tasting at both the Terra del Capo and Anthonij Rupert Tasting Rooms, lunch at Terra Del Capo, and a visit to the Franschhoek Motor Museum.

Contact: 021 874 9041/9074, tasting@rupertwines.com.

You can purchase the estate voucher, and find more info, via the Anthonij Rupert Wyne website.

Lourensford

Lourensford is an adventure stop as well as a wine farm with activities for kids and adults, set against the backdrop of the Helderberg Mountains in Somerset West.

Food: 

The Millhouse Kitchen offers an array of Italian and French-inspired bistro dishes, as well as a play area for the kids. Visit the Red Riding Hood Deli at the Coffee Roasting Company for pastries and coffee. If you’re there on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, enjoy a variety of treats at the Lourensford Market.

Wine Tasting:

The Wine Tasting Centre offers tastings of a range of vintages and food pairings. For something a little stronger, you can take in a vodka tasting.

Activities:

The Wunderkind play barn will keep the little ones entertained while their parents enjoy a glass of wine. Clay Pigeon Adventures, the Art Curator Gallery, mountain biking trails, Vinfari wine tasting and drive, Life Retreat Movement Studio, and the Wellness in the Winelands Spa should keep the whole family entertained.

Contact: 021 847 2333, info@lourensford.co.za.

Right, that should sort you out for the summer.

Happy wine tasting.

[source:insideguide]