Love is indeed a many splendoured thing, and in the Cape Winelands, lovers can expect a kaleidoscope of experiences and romantic offerings this Valentine’s Day. From luxurious wine estates and scenic picnics to delicious bubbles and fine fragrances, here are our top picks to celebrate love.
A night to remember at Nederburg
Treat your loved one to a laid-back picnic or dreamy dinner by candlelight this Valentine’s Day at Nederburg’s The Manor. Open-air picnics feature a selection of local cheeses, charcuterie, olives, pickles, nuts, hummus, freshly baked bread rolls and a roasted baby chicken with sides as main course. For dessert? A decadent chocolate brownie, of course. Alternatively, opt for a dreamy journey-of-flavours dinner inside The Manor on the evenings of 13 and 15 February. Cue smoked salmon roulade, top-quality beef fillet and a dessert of chocolate mint sponge – to mention but a few.
Good to know: Book your picnic or dinner at least 24 hours in advance on +27 (0)21 862 3104 or send an email to info@nederburg.com for more information.
Eat, play and love at Steenberg
Take a love-filled breather at Steenberg Farm Hotel & Spa, the ultimate Valentine’s retreat situated in the heart of the enchanting Constantia Wine Valley. Framed by rolling vineyards and majestic mountain views, this magical setting is the ideal backdrop for a day of romance. Steenberg’s boutique selection of elegantly appointed rooms, suites and villas and secluded outdoor spaces set the mood for an intimate escape. And with Steenberg’s vast grounds and winding vineyard pathways, social distancing is effortless as you enjoy a romantic stroll, morning run or cycle. Aside from a poolside spa pamper, experience culinary bliss with Steenberg’s executive chef, Kerry Kilpin, at the estate’s beloved Bistro Sixteen82.
Good to know: For reservations, call +27 (0)21 713 2222 or send an email to reservations@steenberghotel.com.
Spier’s new pink pleasure
Just in time! Spier’s brand-new Pinot Noir Brut Rosé Méthode Cap Classique is launching on Valentine’s weekend. Exclusively available from Spier’s online shop and at the farm’s tasting room, this gorgeous pink MCC is guaranteed to add a dash of romantic flair no matter the occasion. Deliciously dry and elegantly crisp, the bubbly has strawberry aromas, apples on the palate, a balanced mouthfeel and mouth-watering minerality.
For the love of bubbles
Love in a time of lockdowns can be a tricky business… There’s no doubt that social distancing and Zoom romances made for many a challenging relationship. Make sure Valentine’s Day 2021 is a time of passionate reconnections and blossoming hearts. Whether it’s a favourite restaurant, picnic on the beach or a quiet evening in, your Valentine’s bubbles should be the epitome of luxury. After all, nothing says “I love you” like the sound of a Champagne cork popping. One of our favourites is Veuve Clicquot Rosé. In 1818, Madame Clicquot, also known as the Grande Dame of Champagne, created the first known blended Rosé Champagne. Full bodied and deliciously fruity, with intense flavours of juicy ripe strawberries and cherries, the Veuve Clicquot Rosé is a burst of red fruits and the expression of Madame Clicquot’s ingenious and audacious spirit.
Good to know: Available from R749,95 at select retailers.
The smell of love
Pampering has never been more needed, and a splash of luxury neither… If your partner is a fragrance fan, Les Parfums Louis Vuitton has recently unveiled their new fragrance, Étoile Filante. Composed in Grasse by master perfumer Jacques Cavallier Belletrud, it’s a voyage for the senses, a precious nectar, nestled in the House’s signature perfume bottle. According to Louis Vuitton, their latest fragrance celebrates joy, hope and beauty in its purest form.
Good to know: Available from Louis Vuitton Sandton City (Johannesburg) and Louis Vuitton V&A Waterfront (Cape Town) at R4,000.
A sunset hike at Muratie
Up for a spot of old-fashioned adventure with your loved one the night before Valentine’s Day? Muratie Wine Estate near Stellenbosch offers just the thing. Take a leisurely stroll on a hand-built hiking trail – constructed by Dirtopia during the lockdown of 2020 – and discover the look-out point at the foot of Simonsberg. From here, lovers can admire the sunset with Table Mountain and the Cape Winelands as backdrop – you’re guaranteed to fall in love anew. Permit holders will also receive a glass of Muratie’s Lady Alice MCC upon arrival. The marked circle route stretches over approximately 3.5km and it takes some 30-45 minutes to reach the top. Do not arrive later than 18:45 to ensure a full experience.
Good to know: Set off from 17:30 from the Dirtopia Trail Centre on the Muratie Estate situated on the R44 between Klapmuts and Stellenbosch. R120 per adult (including a glass of MCC), R100 per teen (10-18 years) and R50 for children under 10 years. Take note that rates include permits for marked routes to be enjoyed after hours.
More than just fragrances
The magnificent Graff Lesedi La Rona serves as the inspiration for six extraordinary new fragrances that pair the rarest and most precious perfumery ingredients available with the same meticulous craftsmanship, attention to detail and luxury that has made the House of Graff legendary. With extraordinary ingredients sourced from far corners of the globe, each fragrance echoes the immense, multi-faceted beauty of the Graff Lesedi La Rona.
Good to know: Available online at R4,950 per scent.
Did you know? The Graff Lesedi La Rona is one of the greatest diamond accomplishments in history. Cut and polished from a legendary 1,109-carat rough diamond uncovered in Botswana, the name Lesedi La Rona translates as “Our Light” from Tswana, the country’s official language. From discovery to completion, the process of analysing, cutting and polishing this prodigious rough diamond took over 18 months and resulted in 67 exceptional stones, including a magnificent 302-carat principal diamond named the Graff Lesedi La Rona.
Penguins and seaside romance
With unobstructed views across Boulders Beach and its world-famous African penguin colony, Tintswalo at Boulders Boutique Villa offers a truly unique beachfront location. Book your stay at Tintswalo at Boulders between 12 and 16 February 2021 and enjoy a complimentary glass of bubbles served with canapés – including a romantic turndown. Why not add a romantic three-course dinner at R510 per person? Paying homage to maritime history and the villa’s location in Simon’s Town, the nine luxurious suites are individually decorated, some with private balconies. On the top deck of the villa, the plunge pool features sea views and loungers to soak up the sun. A garden pathway leads directly to Boulders Beach’s boardwalk and the entrance to the SANParks penguin viewing area. Tintswalo at Boulders also offers a concierge service for bookings of restaurants and tours, snorkelling safaris and guided sea kayaking excursions.
Good to know: For more information, contact +27 (0)21 773 0900 or send an email to reservations@tintswalo.com.
