Hilary - The Winemom

Family Escapes in the Winelands this Winter! Part 2!

Updated: Mar 17, 2023

Eden Wine Route to The Plett Winelands

Come rain or shine we’ve found some delightful winter getaways for the whole family to enjoy, from wine farm treats to hot tubs - no need to freeze up this winter holiday!

In this edition of our 'Winter in the Winelands' Blog, we explore the Plett Winelands, glamping, fresh seafood and more to warm your soul this winter holiday.

*Please note: all information is correct at the date of publication. See individual winery websites for up-to-date info!

3 Winter Family Getaway Experiences

De Doornkraal Vinotel & Aan’t Vette Wine Estate

Eden Wine Route

This idyllic 4-star vinotel is located on the banks of the Vette River bordering Riversdale and is part of the diverse Eden Wine Route. Renowned for its historic architecture, with buildings dating back to 1746, this charming hotel boasts elegant, spacious interiors perfect for comfort & leisure!

Get a taste of both local and exotic, with dishes inspired by flavours from Europe, the Mediterranean, Asia & SA – a delight for every palate! Each dish is made on-site from fresh, organically grown, quality ingredients, which couldn't be better complemented than with a glass or two of Aan’t Vette’s award-winning vintages.

Aan't Vette’s biodiverse, eco-friendly vineyards were established in 2008, consisting of a single block Syrah cultivar that consistently produces fantastic award-winning wines. Friendly farming practices are implemented using solely organic substances – no pesticides or herbicides. With exceptionally sensual vintages being sustainably farmed – what’s not to love!

WIN this winter with WineTots & De Doornkraal! Stand a chance to win one night's stay at this luxurious vinotel, as well as a mystery mixed case of wines from the farms featured in this blog! Head to our insta for more details.

AfriCamps Oakhurst

Wilderness

Situated on a working dairy farm in the heart of the Garden Route, this glamping destination immerses guests in the farm lifestyle with tents overlooking grassy fields of grazing dairy cows & horses. The free-range cows are milked twice a day and this milk is used to make Steri Stumpies - a famous South African brand!

This outdoor wonderland overlooks rolling green fields & the magnificent Outeniqua mountains. There is no shortage of healthy outdoor fun to keep you & your tots busy; from mountain biking to trail running, hiking and paddling. Spend some time watching the cows being milked, or calves being fed – truly a joy for the whole family!

The Wilderness area is famous for its long stretch of unspoilt beaches, rivers, lakes & lagoons - a nature lover’s paradise. Visit the ‘Map of Africa’ viewpoint at Wilderness Heights with a breath-taking vista of the Kaaimans River valley or Dolphin Point at the top of Kaaimans Pass for rolling views of endless ocean & regular sightings of whales and dolphins in season.

AfriCamps Ingwe

Plett Winelands

Glamping in the Garden Route surrounded by lush green valleys… need I say more? AfriCamps Ingwe is the perfect family spot for a wild winter adventure in the Plett Winelands! AfriCamps Ingwe, one of the many AfriCamps glamping destinations across the country, is surrounded by natural beauty with beautiful beaches and magical forests in every direction.

Experience it all this winter by visiting some of the many surrounding attractions - Tsitsikamma National Park, Monkeyland, Birds of Eden, Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve, canoeing trips or one of the many neighbouring wine estates – you’ll be spoilt for choice! Or simply soak up the tranquil beauty of the African sky & peaceful sounds of the forest from the warmth of your wood-fired hot tub.

AfriCamps is having a 3-night special this winter with reduced nightly rates so you can stay longer for less. Simply choose your dates & select the 3-night special before checking out. Offer valid until 30 September 2021.

3 Winter Dining Experiences, Plettenberg Bay

Ristorante Enrico, Keurbooms

Get a slice of the Italian life at Enrico’s! This lively, homely Italian seafood restaurant is a must-visit with a friendly atmosphere, awesome sunrise breakfasts & sundowners, tasty, unique dishes, and a view to die for. The dishes are made from simple, everyday produce to create flavourful feasts with a range of aromas, textures & flavours to stimulate the senses. Favourites on the menu include the kudu & avo starter, the Fish Enrico (using only the freshest line fish) & the Rump. Dessert of course is tiramisu done the true Italian way.

With sweeping views across Keurboomstrand to Robberg, Enrico’s is a prime site for whale & dolphin watching. There’s also plenty of things to keep your tots busy like the enclosed grass patch next to the restaurant and the huge rock formations for older kids to clamber on.

The Fat Fish

The Fat Fish, on the main beach near Beacon Island, has incredible décor- an open, spacious light filled interior with wood barrels on the ceiling, and a gorgeous view of the sea. It is one of two Fat Fish locations, the other being in George. The Plett restaurant ensures stylish yet casual al fresco dining with wood burning fires & fluffy blankets on hand to keep you warm this winter.

They offer superb seafood - from seafood curry to sushi and fresh fish – a seafood-lover’s dream! Breathe in the salty ocean air while dining on the freshest of fish for a sensual experience of a lifetime. For those not keen to venture out just yet their full menu will be available for take away.

The Lookout Deck

Located in the heart of Plett on the shores of Lookout Beach, The Lookout Deck is a down-to-earth, family-friendly restaurant where guests can dig into simple, fresh seafood while taking in the friendly vibe and stunning scenery.

The food is always delicious and prepared with the utmost care & attention to detail. Every dish provides an explosion of flavour in your mouth! Take advantage of their awesome daily specials – buy 2 burgers @R150 on Thursdays, R75 Fish & Chips on Mondays, and, not to be missed, pint O’prawns special every Wednesday @R100!

With spectacular views of mountains, beaches & the sea, a casual dining ‘beach feel’, excellent service and affordability, make sure you visit The Lookout Deck this winter.

3 Winter Wining Experiences, Plett Winelands

Newstead

Situated in the Crags, this wine farm is well-known for their Sauvignon blanc, MCC & Pinot Noir. Newstead-Lund Family Vineyards has been described as the South African wine industry’s best kept secret. With no standard menu, their restaurant keeps it fresh with lunches guided by the season & inspired by the moment using locally sourced ingredients to create a simple yet delicious meal. They also offer outdoor picnics with plenty of space & astonishingly beautiful views to indulge in.

To get the full experience, you can stay in one of Newstead’s spacious, warm, elegant rooms where you can enjoy a morning cuppa or sundowners overlooking the vineyards or stay snug reading a good book next to the fire.

Lodestone

This fynbos-clad farm is home to many birds, particularly sunbirds, and backs onto the Whisky Creek Nature Reserve. Sharing a common fenceless border allows for the constant flow of small mammals. All farming practices are conducted with due regard to the fynbos environment, and organic farming practices are followed where possible.

Lodestone’s vineyard includes Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir (used for still wine & MCC) & Semillon. The farm is also home to olive orchards with several olive varieties specifically chosen because of their suitability for olive oil production. Lodestone boasts the only olive press in the greater Plett area. They also grow honey bush tea & king proteas which are sold into the local market.

Please note: their tasting room is now closed for the 2021 Winter season for renovations but will be back soon!

Bramon Winery

A boutique wine estate situated in the mountainous area of The Crags, Plettenberg Bay. They push the boundaries of winemaking with award-winning non-traditional MCC's and other unique creations.

From their Sauvignon MCC boasting a peppery Mexican aroma with a fruity, dry flavour, to their unique, Nectar white wine & light Rosé with a tart, cherry-like palate - their wines are bound to satisfy every palate!

Come rain or shine, enjoy the local fruits of the valley & the fine wines they create.

Set in the vineyards overlooking the Tsitsikamma Mountains & the roaming elephants, their restaurant offers fresh tapas-styled dishes for all ages with an emphasis on freshness & flavour!

Spend time with those dearest to you under the shade of a tree, overlooking the dam while munching on a scrumptious picnic basket. Expect springbok carpaccio, salmon, olives, brie, freshly baked bread, and, for dessert, chocolate brownie balls! Certainly a warm, welcoming wine farm you can’t miss!

Check out our blog WineTots Wine and Dine the Garden Route for more

Plett Winelands winter escape ideas!

Ristorante Enrico

Please support our SA wineries, stay safe and take care!

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Click here to check out our previous blog on “Winelands On-The-Go”!

Or see Part 1 of “Winter In the Winelands!"