You might want to do a day-trip, but an overnight stay would make it so much better when exploring these top places to visit in the Helderberg, as our very own Jolin Peypers and her sister Jess discovers during this girl's getaway...
Many people are familiar with the Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Constantia wine routes of the Western Cape - but few know how amazing the Helderberg actually is.
A short 45-minute drive from Cape Town, The Helderberg is a pocket of paradise situated on the slopes of the Michelangelesque Helderberg Mountain, which is Afrikaans for “Clear Mountain.”
As locals, we truly are blessed to have so many hidden gems, just a short road-trip away. The Staff and excellent service at each of these wine farms is what makes your getaway exceptional. We experienced how excited they are to have locals visit and enjoy their offerings. They’re truly passionate and knowledgeable, all adding to the quality of your break.
But don't think you can do it all in a day when exploring the gems of this area. The best piece of advice? Rather do an overnight stay!
We opted to stay at one central place and then made our arrival all about rejuvenation in preparation for a stunning weekend of quality time and adventuring.
At Silver Forest we booked a massage, enjoyed an early dinner and then spent the rest of the night in, with some wine next to a cosy fire. In the morning we indulged in a luxurious breakfast ahead of our day of adventuring.
My favourite experience was Erinvale for a bit of gin mixology and then of course the beautiful maze like garden and heritage of Vergelegen is a definite highlight.
These are the top 5 places you need to visit on your next Cape Town weekend getaway in the Helderberg:
1. Silver Forest
A visit to this Helderberg heavenly haven is truly a treat for all the senses.
This boutique property is perfectly suited to the lush forest area of Somerset West. From the moment you arrive, the staff make you feel like this is your "home away from home".
Attention to detail can be enjoyed at every corner of the establishment, from the accommodation to restaurant.
Here your luxury garden suite comes complete with its own fireplace, private patio, sunbeds, with a dining table and chairs overlooking the lush garden and surrounding trees. There is also a Forest Suite with a stylish private courtyard including wood fired hot tub, outdoor shower and sun beds.
GETAWAYS >> Explore Cape Winelands
Adjacent to the suites is The Eatery and Wine Bar, serving up beautiful cocktails and delicious casual bistro-style food all day.
Silver Forest’s luxury, award-winning spa includes four treatment rooms, a thermal private treatment room, outdoor pool and a tranquillity lounge. You'll be pampered by highly-qualified therapists with a wonderful range of treatments on offer for total relaxation. It's so good you might not want leave.
2. Erinvale
Just 5km down the road from Silver Forest, you will find Erinvale Hotel & Spa. This could also be an ideal choice for your stay.
An absolute must: Pop in for a quick gin tasting experience with the endearing Mathius who is truly passionate and knowledgeable about gin and the dynamics of the craft. You'll leave with great insight into the artisanal spirits.
This chic and tastefully decorated property also houses three different restaurants onsite. You are spoilt for choice with casual dining at the Oak Terrace or tapas-style chic at Mongolia Lounge. Erinvale’s flagship Restaurant Stephan's offers you an intimate dining experience with a Table d’hôte Menu delicately prepared by Executive Chef Stefan Bekker and his dedicated team of chefs.
The onsite host Letitia has a special way of giving you the warmest welcome, putting an instant smile on your face.
You will love this Helderberg landmark so much, you’ll be planning your next visit on the spot.
3. Morgenster
Neighbouring Morgenster is a stop you simply cannot miss if you are a fan of olives, olive oil and, of course, wine!
The onsite manager Kumani is passionate about the property and the distinctly Italian olive oils and wines Morgenster has to offer. Staff will give you an exceptional tutored olive oil tasting experience. This can be combined with a full wine tasting experience too.
4. Vergelegen
Vergelegen is also only 5km away from Silver Forest. But this space really is deserving of an entire afternoon.
There are two lovely restaurants onsite - Café Fleur pairs classic French dining with the floral inspirations of the Estate by using only the most authentic, local ingredients. You can expect to enjoy hearty, French style cuisine in a unique setting.
Stables at Vergelegen, the ever-popular family-friendly bistro-styled restaurant, is renowned for its great garden setting and scenic mountain views.
Stop in at the tasting room where you can enjoy a wine tasting overlooking the beautiful gardens. On your way out, enjoy a walk through the storybook - worthy gardens and visit the manor house for a quick history of the farm.
This Helderberg gem makes you feel as if you’ve been transported to the heart of the romantic French countryside.
5. Lourensford Estate
Lourensford is perfect for a spot of market browsing.
Their weekend market has built up quite a reputation, with the open-air experience ideal for summer.
They also have a cosy, more intimate Winter Edition. This is hosted at the stunning Laurent Venue on the estate. Think comfort food, great live musical entertainment and fun for all ages. The marketruns on Fridays from 17h00 - 21h00 and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10h00 - 15h00.
There is such a wide variety of other activities on this expansive estate, it is yet another stop that deserves a full afternoon of exploring to make the most of it.
Note – You will need to pay for parking after 40 minutes.
So there you have it. These five gems are just the start of a spectacular winelands weekend in Cape Town. For more, take a look at this Ultimate Cape Town Wine-Tasting planner.
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