While I’m on the subject of picnics, I wanted to tell you about the great winter picnic offering at Vergenoegd Wine Estate in Stellenbosch . The farm recently re-launched, with some really stunning experiences and upgrades added to the historic property.
There are coffee, tea, wine and olive oil-blending experiences, delicious picnics, and the adorable duck parade, which I can’t get enough of. Vergenoeged uses ducks to eat snails and other insects, so that they don’t have to use poisons on their vines. Twice a day you can see 900 Indian Runner Ducks running off to work and back home again and it honestly just melts the heart.
The farm is so close to Cape Town – just off the highway on Baden Powell drive, which means you can get there in about 15 – 20 minutes. The historic building is totally beautiful and in summer you can sit under the Jacaranda trees and picnic all day long.
I recently visited with my friend Julie and with winter having abruptly arrived, we were seated inside, next to a huge fire place, where we had our picnic at the table. Vergenoegd is famous for their red wine, and while I liked it when I tried it in summer, I basically wanted to drown myself in it when I tried it again in front of the fire on a dreary day.
I love that the farm is still serving picnic lunches in gorgeous wicker baskets and cute little boxes and jars this winter. It makes lunch that little bit more interesting and gives you a dining experience to look forward to when it’s raining outside. I mean, the picnic police aren’t going to come knocking on your door shouting “hey! picnics are only for summer you heathen!”
I love eating little portions of lots of things and Vergenoegd’s picnic lunch includes three courses of homegrown salad leaves, fresh breads with spreads and herby butter, olives, nuts, a hearty main course (this time it was quiche), something sweet to end off with and a bottle of either red or white wine. The food is seasonal too, so you might have a different menu every time you go.
Picnic baskets serve two (the portions are mega generous) and cost R450 including wine. I specifically love that you can book online. Check out the Vergenoegd Facebook page for updates on what they’re offering.
