With a 50-page wine list that is considered one of the best in the world, it is easy to see why Bosman’s Restaurant at the Grand Roche hotel in Paarl tops our list. Not to mention it has one of only a handful of accredited sommeliers in South Africa to assist in pairings, plus a food menu featuring traditional South African country fare. Make reservations to dine at this award-winning restaurant.
Located in Franschhoek — my favorite wine-region town — is one of the region’s best restaurants: Reuben’s Restaurant & Bar. It looks like someone took a French country village and plunked it down in “Lord of the Rings.” With mountain-meets-velvet-valley scenery, this Franschhoek institution does hot and spicy twists on Cape Malay cooking.
Also in Franschhoek, the restaurant at Le Quartier Francais — which is also one of the best places to sleep in town — is equally well respected and a foodie favorite, especially for celebrating special occasions.
Zevenwacht, in the beautiful, whitewashed, Cape Dutch-style town of Stellenbosch, is one of my favorite vineyards to visit because they teach guests more than wine. You can also learn how to bake traditional bread from scratch. Ask about the wine and cheese lunches — and they’re dog friendly too!
This is a favorite vineyard in Franschhoek, known for its full-bodied red blends that taste as distinct as the dramatic mountain views surrounding the estate.
The signature wine at Thelema Mountain Vineyards is a Cabernet called The Mint that has hints of eucalyptus in its aroma. It’s located on Helschoogte Pass on the way into Stellenbosch.
On the same pass as Thelema Mountain Vineyards, Tokara is known for its excellent farm-to-table, fresh creations that come paired with wine from the restaurant’s own vineyard.
If you don’t have a designated driver and want to hit up a number of vineyards, then join an organized tour. One of my personal favorites is Easy Rider Wine Tours. The day trips are great and include lunch and brandy tasting along with multiple vineyard stops.
Located 30 miles east of Franschhoek on Oakdene Road in the town of Wellington is Welbedacht Estate Range owned by Schalk Burger and sons. They do award-winning Pinotages and other rich red blends on a beautifully manicured estate.
For big reds with big views, hit up Ernie Els Wines on Annandale Road in Stellenbosch. Ernie Els Wines is a joint venture between South African pro golfer Els and Louis Strydom, an award-winning winemaker. Els played on the PGA tour circuit. Now you can taste the wine that has his name on it on South Africa’s wine circuit.
