There are two things that people always seem to talk about: traffic and weather. Although we cannot do anything about the never-ending traffic, we do have a solution for the weather part: wineries with fireplaces. So if you are feeling down because of the cold and rainy weather go to these wineries and enjoy their cosy fireplaces ‚ while having a glass of wine of course.
In winter the Waterkloof Wine farm, in Somerset West, is just as inviting as it is in summer. In winter it suggests you try its mellowed Merlot and spicy Shiraz to keep you warm from the inside out, its huge fireplace will ensure that the outside of your body is looked after too. Waterkloof also has a restaurant that is gorgeously appointed in a glass promontory and it extends from the chic wine tasting lounge ensuring that you are not that far away from the delicious food on offer. The tasting lounge is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00 and the tasting fee is R30 per person for any six available wines. Website:Waterkloofwines or phone: (021) 858-1292.
As a proud supporter and creator of organic wines and bio-dynamic agriculture, Avondale Wine Estate, in Paarl, knows what it means to tend to grapes and treat nature with the utmost respect. In this regard, it treats its clients the same way. The wine estate has a huge fireplace and it crackles in winter time so you don’t have to worry, it creates conditions conducive to a happier and warmer you, too. If you are an art-lover or “fundi” then Avondale will be even more suited to you as they have regular art exhibitions too. It is open from Mondays to Saturdays from 10:00 to 16:00, but by appointment only. The tasting fee is R50 per person. Website: Avondale wines or phone: (021) 863-1976.
In the heart of the beautiful Hemel-en-Aarde ridge one can find the welcoming sight of Creation Wines. It is well-known for its delicious food platters that go even better with its exquisite wines. In winter you can relax next to its fireplace and enjoy its range of wines while overlooking the vineyards. Another exciting aspect of Creation wines is that they also give you the platform to create your own blend- with the emphasis on different styles such as a typical Bordeaux, Cape or Rhone blend. It is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00 and on Sundays until 16:00. Website: Creation wines or phone: (028) 212-1107
Situated in the beautiful Franschhoek Valley is the completely redesigned tasting facility of La Motte. This refurbished facility also has a large fireplace that has been highly commended for its inviting and friendly ambience. There are a variety of wines to taste, as well as the limited-volume premium Pierneef range. La Motte is also proudly associated with the Bastille Festival happening on the 14th and 15th of July in Franschhoek and will have live French caf√© music as well as a Pierneef a La Motte’s special French inspired menu. The tasting room is open Mondays to Saturdays from 09:00 to 17:00. Website: La Motte or phone: (021) 876-8820
Boasting to be the first wine farm on the Durbanville Wine Route, De Grendel wine farm definitely sets the bar when it comes to quality and beauty. With the tasting room moved to the top, to make way for the De Grendel Restaurant, it offers a more elevated view of Table Mountain and surrounds. The tasting room also offers a cosy fireplace to snuggle up to in the winter months. The brand new restaurant is an extension of its classical wine farm and in a nutshell “it’s like dining with the Graaffs”. The tasting room is open daily from 09:00 to 17:00 and on weekends from 10:00 to 16:00. The tasting fee ranges from R50 for the whole range and R20 for any three wines. Website: De Grendel or phone: (021) 558-6280.
Escape to the scenic Garden Route Mountains and there you will find Herold Wines. It is surrounded on three sides by nature reserve; it is a remote and idyllic setting, the vineyards embraced by lofty mountains covered with dramatic stands of fynbos. This quaint wine farm adds a touch of homely hospitality when the owners join in on the sharing of folk, farm and wine lore all in front of a cosy cellar fireplace. Toasted sandwiches and a nice cup of hot tea will also be available in the cellar ‚ resulting in an even more homely experience. The tasting room is open daily from 10:00 to 16:00. Website: Herold wines or phone Maureen on 072 833 8223.
*To all the wine farms mentioned here, we apologise in advance if your clients refuse to leave your wine farm due to the cosy, relaxing feelings they are experiencing due to your hearty fireplaces.
Tagged fireplaces, Wine, wineries, winter
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