Stellenbosch: 6 Travel Tips from a Local

1. Dylan Lewis -Sculpture Garden Tours

A visit to any esteemed game reserve, golf course or simply the art laden Cape Streets and award winning wine estates you’re bound to see a cheetah pouncing at his pray or simply demure with a proud chest on show cast in bronze.

Dylan Lewis evolved from prolific painter to a bronze master craftsman and the home where he nurtured his talent and passion for conservation, wild cats and his now coveted craft has slowly metamorphosed into a space that offers visitors a visual tour of both how the estate and artist have grown into themselves to offer a majestic experience with the hollowing Helderberg mountains as a back drop.

2. Shopping for local produce and Lunch at Deli-Catessen

Surrounded by mountain ranges and locally curated sculptures Delicatessen makes for the perfect spot for a few little bites to pop into your bag or picnic baskets and be on your way. If you have a little more time on your hands the restaurant offers a stunningly affordable option for light, fresh and interesting lunches with panormaic views of the vines.

TRAVEL TIP:

We ordered the Calamari Taco and Pork Belly perfectly sized portions with a great selection of estate and Stellenbosch wines. The desserts on offer were just as tempting. I opted from the lemon panna cotta and my plus-one the less than traditional malva pudding-delicious!

3. Clouds Estate-Wine tasting with a View

Honestly, this is possibly one of the easiest estates to miss when venturing through the Helshoogte Pass and yet after my impromptu wine tasting, definitely not one to miss!

When you arrive, the parking area and navigating this estate and accommodation venue is a little bit of a mess-my only critique.

You meander through the reception of the five star accommodation and greeted by the most incredibly hospitable smiles.

Wine tasting can be done in three areas, the terrace, pool side on large loungers or in the dining area also fitted with sofas.

The wines offered are extensive from Sauvignon to Shiraz, as is the knowledgeable tasting offered by the staff. The biggest surprised was that we were offered complimentary salted crisps, assorted nuts and fresh fruits(this was just at wine tasting, as outsiders,can you only imagine what in house guests are offered) I later found out that Clouds estate also offers alfresco light lunches and a set menu for dinner-looking at the prices I was surprised the venue was not packed!

I have added them to my lunch list and will happily let you know how that goes. Cant wait!

4. Olive oil tasting & Orchard walk at The Olive Shed-Tokara

For those who have over indulged in the tasteful wine tours and have gathered all there is to know about our famed Pintoage and the delicious wines of this mountainous region. Tokara (also a beautiful Winery) offers tours through the five olive cultivars that boastfully encompass heaped hectares of the tumbling terrior.

These olives are handpicked, and processed on site to make an award winning golden liquid suited for dipping crusty breads-available on-site, tossing over crisp salad leaves or even packed with polyphenols take a teaspoon a day to keep the DR away.

My Favorites oils that we tasted were:

• The “Multi Varietal” Blend of: Fantoio, Leccino & Mission. This oil has a medium olive flavour and were told that his fusion of three varietals olive oils has a full fruit character rounded with delicate herbaceous and spicy flavours.
• The Frantoio which had an intense olive flavour almost bitter in mouth feel. The Frantoio is said to be a olive variety renowned for its robust fruitiness and full herbaceous aroma and flavour. Perfect I found on it’s own or for the outdoors whne making a braai.

5. Lazy Lunching- Sunday Roast at Makaron Restaurant (Majeka House)

Possibly the most quirky, contemporary of accommodation auberge’s in Stellenbosch Majeka House is home to Makaron restaurant a creative space designed by esteemed interior designers with familiar touches of ornamental pigs-one of the owners passions-scattered throughout each apce.

Naturally this 5 star boutique hotel offers an onsite spa, swimming pool and of course the restaurant.

A fine dining venue for an elegant dinner humbly takes a step back to allow for casual lunching after a spa treatment, a catch up with old friends or as with us the family favourite Sunday Roast.

The “Sommelier Choice” wine list offers familiar favorites that are inexpensive and the laid back lunching evolves into a leisurely afternoon filled with joie de vie.

More About the Sunday Lunch Menu:

*Vegetarian Option Available

R365 per pair

R185 per “odds”

R110 kids under 12

For the hungry, guests can add:

To start

Rainbow beets & goats cheese Chantilly 80

Raw beef, warm lettuce, garlic & crispy onion 90

Parmesan risotto & truffle 85

To finish

Selection of cheese & preserves 95

Caramel bar 90

Coconut, lime & granadilla 85

6. Segway through the vines at Spier Wine Estate

An easy to book online experience with amazingly friendly and patient staff. We were looked after by “Speedo” for the day who was knowledgeable and entertaining when teaching us about how to basically not die on the Segway as we ventured through the vines at the picturesque Spier Wine estate.

Tickets are bookable and payable online, quick and easy.

Locating the office at Spier is less easy, head towards the “Wine Office Pick up” area it is the back office of this building.

It is at this same location where you’ll be thoroughly entertained and taught how to use the Segways.

We booked an hours tour for R350.00 per person and would happily have extended to two hours.

Our group had someone from each age range (20-80yrs old) and kids will love the fun bumps and turns.

 Looking for accommodation ideas in Stellenbosch?

We stayed over night at Life & Leisure a central urban guest house just minutes away from botanical gardens and a few street cafes & bars

LIFE & LEISURE-URBAN STELLENBOSCH ACCOMMODATION

Contact Details & Addresses

TOKARA Address: Helshoogte Rd, Stellenbosch Hours: · 12–3PM, 6:30–9PM Phone: 021 885 2550

CLOUDS ESTATE Address: Helshoogte Rd, Stellenbosch Phone: 021 885 1819

MAKARON RESTAURANT Address: 26-32 Houtkapper St, Stellenbosch Phone: 021 880 1549