Did you know there are almost 600 wineries in South Africa? I haven’t been to all of them of course, but you can’t say I’m not trying. I absolutely love heading into the winelands and exploring big and small wine farms around the Wester Cape. Although I love finding new farms to love, there are a couple that I can’t help going back to over and over. Of all the farms I love visiting, Boschendal is one I love most. When I have friends or family coming to visit, I always recommend at least lunch and a wine tasting, but staying at the Orchard Cottages is top of the list.
Staying at the Orchard Cottages at Boschendal
There are so many things to love about Boschendal. From jaw-dropping scenery and wonderful wines to beautiful picnics under the trees (in summer) and luxury accommodation in the middle of the vineyards. I’ve been so many times and I feel like there’s always something new to do and discover – it’s different every season. So whether you’re sitting down to a chocolate and wine pairing, taking a walk through the colourful subsistence garden or dining in the Werf Restaurant (my favourite), it’s always a 10/10 experience.
But my favourite thing to do on the farm is book into one of the Orchard Cottages and either spend the day by pool in summer, or wrapped up next to the fire in winter. Glass of wine in one hand. Stirring something in a pan or lifting the lid on a pot with the other. A delicious meal prepared with items from the farm’s deli cooking away. If you are at all interested in ethical farming, eating organic, or really just eating good quality food in general, you will love this deli. It’s packed with ethical meat, locally-produced cheese and preserves and freshly grown organic veggies. I can’t leave without buying a few delicious bites. I try to avoid eating meat when I don’t know its source, so I love how confident I can feel in the quality and ethics of meat from The Werf Butchery.
This is the most peaceful place I can think of and I love sneaking away to this little hideout whenever I can. The cottages are so perfectly decorated, with thoughtful luxuries like Le Creuset pots, a complimentary bottle of wine in the fridge, and full-sized toiletries in the bathroom. The view from the porch is almost never-ending, and at night the stars are so bright you can take a picture of them with your phone. Our family doesn’t have the opportunity to get together very often, so I love when we can sit around the lunch table together, drinking wine and chatting and arguing like families do.
One of the best kept secrets in winelands has to be the Sunday night pizza nights at the Boschendal Deli. It’s the perfect way to wind down after week, and take a moment to enjoy a few delicious slices of melted cheese on top of chewy dough before it starts all over again.
The Orchard Cottages have 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms, with en-suite bathrooms. So they’re pretty perfect whether you’re trying to get away for a romantic weekend or spend some time with family. Find out more or book at www.boschendal.com.
*We stayed at Boschendal as guests of the farm.
