ALLÉE BLEUE’S recipe for a PERFECT DAY in Franschhoek ONE FINE DAY

DID YOU KNOW: Allée Bleue is also a wedding, conference and event venue too? So whether you are a couple of lovebirds, or a planner looking for a destination for your next teambuilding event—Allée Bleue has it all.

It’s not just about tasting their awardwinning wines—there are actually a number of activities you can do while visiting Allée Bleue. Experience their warm hospitality and old-world charm just once and, before you leave, you’ll be scheduling your next visit. Here, we map out the perfect day at this picturesque Franschhoek estate.

9am—Bistro Breakfast: Open for breakfast, lunch, or a full á la carte menu, the Bistro uses the nest ingredients this side of Franschhoek. Executive Chef Gordon’s menu focuses on seasonal local produce, making use of a variety of fresh herbs grown in Allée Bleue’s own herb tunnels.

11am—Wine Tasting: The estate’s knowledgeable Tasting Room team will guide you through their collection of wines, plus ll you in on a little history of the estate for good measure. During summer you can enjoy tasting wines on the tree-shaded terrace overlooking the vineyards, gardens and mountains.

1pm—Picnic: Allée Bleue are well known for their picnics, which are available daily. You collect your picnic selection, select a shady spot anywhere on the grounds and make yourself comfy. e kiddies can run around while the adults sip wine. Allée Bleue welcomes families to join them, with a jumping castle in the picnic area as well as a play gym for them to burn o some extra energy. Plus, the estate also oers a special kiddie picnic menu, full of delicious treats even the fussiest of eater will enjoy.

6pm—Overnight Stay: ere are three historic properties available for overnighting. Our favourite? Kendall Cottage. In 2009 Kendall Cottage was opened as a private, luxurious retreat for visitors. Decorated in a palette of blues and neutrals, and featuring a beautiful collection of modern art, Kendal Cottage comes complete with a private terrace overlooking lavender and rosemary elds.

THE MAN BEHIND THE WINES On normal working days you’ll nd Van Zyl du Toit working his magic in the Allée Bleue cellar. Van Zyl joined Allée Bleue in 2009, having previously worked for Simonsig. Coming from a winemaker family, Van Zyl’s energy, enthusiasm and crasmanship have given the farm’s wines a clear sense of direction—and numerous awards bear testament to the fruits of his labour. (Ahem, excuse the pun.) “My wines are very personal to me,” says Van Zyl. “It’s not what I do, but rather who I am.”

PHONE: 021 874 1021 EMAIL: info@alleebleue.com WEB: www.alleebleue.com LOCATION: Allée Bleue Estate, Intersection R45 and R310, Groot Drakenstein 7680 CONTACT US