Eat, drink and sleep the winelands!

BOSJES

As you turn off the R43 and turn into the gravel road approaching the Bosjes farm, you find yourself surrounded by the Slanghoek and Waaihoek mountain ranges. And then, like a mirage, you see the strikingly modern white curvaceous roof of the glass-walled chapel. Beyond this is the beautiful avantgarde architectural landmark Die Skuur Guesthouse, which has been decorated in muted shades of sand with accents of chartreuse and copper by interior designer Liam Mooney, perfect for a large family or wedding party wanting to enjoy quality time together either at the pool on hot days or around the fire pit on cold ones. But all five rooms, including the family room and the honeymoon suite, can be rented individually. Bosjes Kombuis, known for its inspired country-style cuisine, boasts high ceilings, glass walls, a wooden terrace, mountain views and a delightfully whimsical historical- and nature-inspired blue-and-white tiled mural of the Bosjes Tree of Life. To complete the picture, last spring Bosjes Farm added a vinous string to its bow, launching a bespoke range of house wines sourced from leading local estates and blended especially for Bosjes. www.bosjes.co.za

BABYLONSTOREN

Babylonstoren, the spectacular resurrection of one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms, not only has a range of accommodation set in restored buildings combining authentic architecture with modern design, but also a breathtaking fruit, vegetable and herb garden (with ducks), fine food and wine, and, above all, an unforgettable sense of beauty and wellbeing. Babylonstoren has several dining options, including Babel Restaurant, which is housed in the old cow shed transformed with contemporary glass walls, serving delicious yet often edgy combinations of seasonal fare, following a farm-to-fork philosophy. Other options include the Bakery, a working bakery by day, but which is decked out La Dolce Vita-style by night. The Greenhouse offers guests picnic-style meals served in wooden crates with preserves, jams, fresh bread and salads. A state-of-the-art winery produces a range of wines designed to showcase the local soils and climate where their grapes are grown on the farm. www.babylonstoren.com

ALLÉE BLEUE

Allée Bleue, a family-owned estate near Franschhoek, in South Africa, is primarily a working farm with nearly 80 hectares planted to fruit and olive trees. The wines are justly famous, having won hundreds of awards over the years and the Allée Bleue fresh herb range is available in most large retailers in the Western Cape. The Allée Bleue Bistro, conveniently situated at the entrance to the estate, is set in a charming building that boasts two open verandas overlooking the gardens and play area – ideal for enjoying a lazy lunch on a sunny Winelands day. Chef Beau du Toit brings his effervescent energy to this classic space. Simplicity and freshness are the other key ingredients he has added to the Allée Bleue Bistro since he started working there at the end of 2014. Dating back to 1689, the Manor House at Allée Bleue has been transformed into a luxuriously appointed retreat with a series of elegant dining and meeting rooms, a state-of-the-art kitchen and sophisticated bar. Upstairs, in what was originally a storage barn, there is luxurious accommodation in two spacious and private suites. Outdoors, there’s a terrace and walled garden with lawns edged in iceberg roses and lavender, and beyond a citrus orchard and herb garden. With a walled grassy garden, sprawling vineyards and views of the Drakenstein Mountains, the estate is the ideal picnic spot to relax under the shade of old oak trees on these beautiful autumn days. www.alleebleue.co.za

BOSCHENDAL

Boschendal, one of the oldest farms in the Franschhoek Valley, offers the perfect trifecta of outstanding wining, dining and accommodation. From the famous The Werf restaurant to the 40 beautifully restored cottages, including the historical Herbert Baker designed Rhodes Cottage, it’s a bucolic paradise of mountain biking routes, walking paths, wine tasting, cellar tours and swimming in the dams. There are plenty of opportunities to sit, read and relax, too. Apart from The Werf Restaurant, dining options include The Deli, The Rhone Homestead or the legendary picnics. You can have breakfast or braai baskets brought to your cottage, or pick up fresh farm produce to prepare in your cottage. Of course, with a heritage of over 300 years of wine-making and a host of awards, Boschendal’s classic, fruity wines meticulously balance rustic tradition and modern innovation. www.boschendal.com