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We got quite the talking to during our most recent family meeting with President Ramaphosa.

Last night, he drew a hard line when it comes to social gatherings, and while the restrictions weren’t as harsh as some thought they would be, the message was clear.

We need to pay closer attention to the preventative measures and protocols in place to stop the spread of the virus, including wearing a mask, sanitising our hands, and avoiding large gatherings, especially indoors or in places with poor ventilation.

The sale of alcohol from retail outlets is also now only permitted between 10AM and 6PM from Monday to Thursday, with one notable exception.

“Registered wineries and wine farms may continue to offer tastings and wine sales to the public for off-site consumption over weekends.”

A wine farm is in many ways the ideal place to spend a day out. They’re airy and open, which makes physical distancing easier, and now, with the current regulations, a spot to try out a few wines, and leave with a bottle or two to round off the weekend at home.

The designated driver deserves a treat, too.

Many, like the Anthonij Rupert Wyne L’Ormarins estate in Franschhoek, offer a vast range of activities that will keep even the most diverse group of friends or family entertained.

Wine tasting is a given but unlike some other farms, Anthonij Rupert Wyne offers a range of distinct wine tasting experiences and a spectacular high tea.

You’re welcome to have actual tea, but most opt for the decadent L’Ormarins range of Cap Classique wines.

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

Did I mention that the food at Terra del Capo is out of this world?

There’s the L’Ormarins range of Cap Classique and nougat pairing (a particular favourite of mine), and a Cape of Good Hope white wine tasting.

There are more, which you can check out here, but let’s move on to some of the other activities on offer, including a few for that designated driver I mentioned earlier.

The Franschhoek Motor Museum offers visitors a special opportunity to look back at more than 100 years of motoring history with its unique and exciting collection of vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, and memorabilia.

Then there’s the Altima Truffle Experience and Tour, where you’ll be driven out to the Altima estate by private shuttle. The drive takes you through Franschhoek with magnificent views of the valley via the famous Franschhoek Mountain pass.

When you arrive at the estate your host Hanene van Dyk will talk you through the cultivation and retrieval of Black Perigold truffles. There’ll be some wine tasting of course, but the main event is an indulgent four-course truffle-inspired lunch.

You can enjoy these activities individually, depending on what you feel like getting up to, or treat yourself to 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.

Note that you’ll need to make a specific time and date booking for each activity so that the good people over at the estate can ensure that you have the best and safest experience possible.

You can head here to secure your spot.

For those who can’t make the trip just yet, there’s always the option to purchase an estate voucher or individual activity vouchers, which could make for an excellent stocking filler.

There is also a range of gift sets for sale via the online store – nobody ever went wrong with wine at Christmas.

You’d hear no complaints from me if a Cape of Good Hope Chardonnay gift set found its way into my stocking…