Let’s face it – it can be difficult to visit the Cape Winelands and enjoy a leisurely wine tasting if the kids are in tow.
Whether it be play areas, children’s activities or special kiddie “wine tastings”, here are a few family-friendly wine estates that will ensure a fun and memorable experience for all:
Bloemendal Wine Estate – Durbanville
Fabulous food, wine and a play area that few places compare to await you at Bloemendal Wine Estate. Bon Amis, the restaurant on the premises, prepares delicious breakfasts, lunches for you and the family to enjoy. Then while the kids spend their energy on the giant jungle gym and sprawling lawns you can enjoy a wine tasting.
Constantia Uitsig – Constantia
Now if it’s fun and adventure the family is craving, Constantia Uitsig is the place to go. Boasting a 2.8km mountain-bike track with obstacles for beginners through to experts, this is an outing the whole family can enjoy (you can bring your own bike or rent from the bike park at the estate).
After you’ve worked up an appetite, head to either the Heritage Market for delicatessen and fresh produce for a picnic, or the Blockhouse Kitchen for a fine-dining experience – Constantia Uitsig wine is available at both!
Boschendal – Franschhoek
The Tree House edu-play centre at Boschendal offers daily activities for kids between the ages of four and 14. Activities include art classes, outdoor cooking, farm foraging and more. Better yet, these activities are free and exclusive for guests staying over at the wine estate, or dining at the Werf Restaurant. If you’re only looking for a wine tasting, add a picnic to your plans. With specially prepared kiddies picnic boxes, everyone will be satisfied and afterwards the kids can explore the Tree House Playground.
All Tree House activities are booked online, and while the kids are out and about learning about outdoor life, you can laze back with a glass of sauvignon blanc.
Grande Provence – Franschhoek
Maybe your kids have an acquired palate and would like to enjoy their own tasting – a juice tasting, that is. At Grande Provence wine tasting is a family affair with its special kiddies’ “wine tasting”. If the kids aren’t that into their tasting they can take on the jungle gym that is supervised by Grande Provence staff, so you don’t have to worry about a thing while you sip your wine.
Fairview – Paarl
Goats. Just tell the family about the goats and you’ll have no problem loading everyone in the car. Seriously, though, the famous Fairview goats, who clamber up and down the spiral Goat Tower, won’t just entertain the young ones but will also leave you in a good mood.
After the goats, head to the tasting room for a cheese and wine pairing.
Top tip: In September the nanny goats welcome baby goats into the Fairview family. Every now and then the babies are brought to the Goat Tower where kids can meet these adorable animals. Mark the month in your diary if you have a few animal lovers in your household!
Joostenberg – Stellenbosch
If it’s family fun you’re after, look no further than Joostenberg, which has a pond with swans and ducks, roaming chickens, a jungle gym and horse carriage rides over weekends. It also has sprawling lawns that are perfect for a lazy day under the trees. The rule is that you can bring your own picnic blankets, but you have to order food and drinks from one of the restaurants or food deli.
Vergenoegd Löw Wine Estate – Stellenbosch
Vergenoegd is famous for its daily duck parades, where you can see 1 200 Indian runner ducks line up to head to the vineyards and back. The ducks act as pest patrols for the estate, feasting on snails and bugs in the vineyards. Parades takes place daily at 10.30am, 12.30pm and 3.30pm.
After you’ve cheered on the ducks, take the kids to the petting zoo or stock up on picnic provisions from the deli. The estate also offers wine tastings and cellar tours.