Nestled against the slopes of the Simonsberg Mountains in the beautiful Banhoek Valley, near Stellenbosch, is the stunning Zorgvliet Wine Estate and Spa.
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Zorgvliet Wine Estate has 18 5-star accommodation rooms scattered around the estate, of which there are six Zorgvliet suites overlooking the lake and the Banhoek Valley. Our suite, very large and tastefully furnished, even included a small lounge area with private patio. The familiar cold and rainy Cape winter had set in at the time of our visit to Zorgvliet, so it was a most pleasant surprise to find a welcome gas fireplace burning in our suite, which made all the difference by making the rather large suite more intimate and cosy.
Although Zorgvliet offers two restaurants, we opted for the more formal one to have dinner during our short stay. The Zorgvliet Herenhuis, with its magnificent Cape Dutch architecture, was named after a beautiful estate in Holland. It was built in 1692 by the then "landrost" of the area, Casper Wilders, and wine was produced on the farm from 1700. Cosily positioned in front of the fireplace, our table overlooked the long lane of palm trees that lead up to Herenhuis. I sampled their winter warmer delight of oxtail phyllo parcels nestled on paprika samp and julienne vegetables, which was just mouth watering delicious!
Wine tasting and barrel sampling on the wine estate are just one of the few attractions that Zorgvliet offers. A 'wine ranger" - I have heard of game rangers but never a wine ranger - conducts and accompanies guided vineyard walks from Monday to Friday at 16h30 and breakfast walks take place every Tuesday and Thursday at 07h00.
In addition to a number of nature trails, a 5-star braai experience isb also offered in the nearby Simonsberg Mountains. Guests are transported via winding pathways meandering through the vineyards until they reach the clearing at the top, where a feast of delectable foods and specialities awaits them.
Besides the upmarket Herenhuis restaurant, there is also the more casual Le Pommier Restaurant, which has a well-earned reputation for fine food and friendly service. The breakfast they serve is excellent!
It must be said that Zorgvliet Wine Estate and Spa is a fabulous weekend getaway retreat, offering a variety of activities and relaxation and one should certainly make an effort to at least try one of their delightful TheraVine spa therapies on offer - all of which are special treats.
To book at this establishment, click here.
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